How to Gracefully Transition to Gray Hair After Years of Coloring

Colorist Marcus Byerly may only have been in the beauty industry for two years, but he has PERFECTED his process for transforming his grandmother from a box-colored brass to a beautiful gray.

"My grandmother had been a victim of box color for deacades!" says Byerly, a freelance hairdresser in Knoxville, Tennessee. "I've had a passion for hair for as long as I can remember."

Here's how he did it:

Natural level 4 with 80% gray on top and 60% gray in the back.

Zone 1: Redken Flash Lift and 20 volume developer

Zones 2 and 3: Redken Flash Lift and 30 volume developer

Pro tip: "I apply the lightener on the roots at the end of the application," he says. "This avoids hot roots and I can use a lower-volume developer."

Process at room temperature for 50 minutes to a level 10 pale yellow. Apply a cap and process under a dryer if needed. Rinse and shampoo with Redken Blonde Idol and towel dry hair.

Toning formula: Redken Shades EQ Gloss 1/2 oz 09V + 1/2 oz 09T + 1 oz Crystal Clear + 2 oz processing solution. Process for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and deep condition with Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus.

Finishing: "I applied Matrix's Keratin Renewal Spray to the ends to attempt to help repair her ends and fix her existing cut--it was not done by me!" he says. "Grandma was blown away and loves her new hair!"

 

  

 

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