Grey Matter

Many clients are finding the silver lining of growing older and embracing their gray haircolor, says Linda Sweetman, senior hairstylist and colorist at David’s Beautiful People salon in North Bethesda, MD. “I think this is an important new haircolor trend with baby boomers who are starting to retire,” she says. “These women want to look great, yet they don’t want the commitment of a haircolor appointment every three weeks.” To help clients grow out a single-process color and embrace gray, Sweetman suggests highlighting hair using powder lightener and developer from 10-volume up to 40-volume, depending on the original haircolor. Only highlight necessary areas, such as regrowth, lifting the haircolor to a pale yellow, she recommends. Next, shampoo and apply toner such as Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect 9/16 and Pastel Developer, first to the lightened area, then all over. —C.H.