Aging gracefully often means making peace with visible changes—gray hair included, whether it’s a few strands or a lot more than that. But embracing grays doesn’t have to be all or nothing. As they start to come in, some people prefer to ease into the transition rather than fully cover them or commit to going full gray. That’s where gray blending comes in, using subtle color to mix strands of gray with your natural shade for a softer, more seamless grow-out.
That said, growing out gray hair subtly is still a strategy, and it’s not an instant fix. If you’re ready to embrace a more natural color while letting your grays grow in, you’re in luck. Below, we tapped two stylists to share the best hair colors to consider during the grow-out phase.
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What Is Gray Blending?
Gray blending is a hair-coloring technique designed to seamlessly integrate gray hairs with your base hair color. Rather than relying on a single, solid shade, it uses dimension to create a softer, more harmonious result over time. According to colorist and Redken ambassador Sara Botsford, the most successful transitions prioritize dimension over uniform color and softness over perfection.
The technique works with gray hair instead of fighting it—and it takes time. Boston hairstylist Elena Martens notes that the process is typically done using foil highlights or color correction for the first one to three appointments. Unlike traditional coloring methods that aim to fully cover grays, gray blending camouflages new growth with strategically placed highlights and natural-looking tones. “When blended correctly, gray can look modern, intentional and chic,” says Botsford.
It’s best to do your research before booking, as gray blending is a specialized service not every salon offers. Checking ahead can mean the difference between a color that grows out seamlessly and one that quickly shows roots. “The goal should be a seamless grow-out period,” says Martens. She adds that a consultation helps your stylist understand how much gray you want to show, so expectations are clear from the start.
Hair Color Inspiration for Gray Blending
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Cool-Toned Highlights
According to Martens, cool-toned blond highlights are one of the best options for salt-and-pepper clients. “I love doing a mix of these highlights with their current single process color formula,” she says. While other blond shades can skew too light, the ashen undertones of cool-toned highlights help soften grays and create a more natural-looking blend.
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Low-Contrast Brunette
TikTok’s contrast theory has sparked conversation around everything from makeup to hair color—and it applies here, too. This low-contrast brunette shade is a smart option for anyone growing out gray hair. Botsford explains that lifting by just one level keeps contrast minimal, making regrowth less noticeable and creating a softer transition than traditional permanent color.
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Neutral Blond
If you’re committed to blond, opting for a neutral light shade over a golden blond can make growing out grays look more seamless. “It features fine, strategic highlights focused around the hairline and part in a neutral tone,” says Botsford.
Her pro tip for getting the look? Say, “I want my gray to grow in softly, not disappear.” This helps your stylist understand that the goal is blending, not full coverage.
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Soft Highlights
Dimension matters for any hair color, but it’s especially important when growing out grays. Opting for softer highlights can help smooth the transition. According to Botsford, these tones mimic the natural growth pattern of gray hair, soften harsh lines and allow new grays to blend in gradually rather than creating stark contrast.
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Ice Blond
This icy hue follows the same principle as cool-toned highlights, but delivers a bolder look thanks to the high-lift coloring process. “It’s a good option for people who are already blond and want to keep the color bright as their hair starts to go gray,” says Martens. She adds that it’s especially ideal for those whose grays grow in white rather than peppered.
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Mixed Gray
When you’re ready to fully embrace gray hair in all its glory, a mixed gray shade is a natural next step. While it may look effortless, achieving it isn’t. Martens says the key is working with the natural “pepper” tones, using them as lowlights to add depth to the final color. “It’s important to keep all the tones in this look on the cooler side, as they help marry everything together in the end,” she explains.
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