Recommend stylist for transitioning to gray hair

[Anonymous]

I've been getting my curly brown hair professionally colored to cover the gray for more than 20 years now. My current stylist keeps telling me to keep coloring it, but I'm ready to stop (I'm at least 90% gray and I'll be 60 next year).

Looking for a new stylist/colorist who can do a really good short cut and highlights/lowlights to make the transition less abrupt, ideally near the Silver Spring/Rockville/Bethesda area.

Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

OP, no recommendation for a stylist. I have shoulder length hair and an Up-do worked well, especially during transition. I know you want it short. It will look fabulous!!!

[Anonymous]

Bumping this in hopes for some advice. Need a hair dresser for gray transition. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I’ve never been here, but there’s The Color Zone Salon in Gaithersburg. A bit farther from you, but it sounds like what you’re looking for. This is from their website:

“Grey coverage is my number one service requested. I love the challenge of creating a color for you that mimics nature. Whether your goal is to cover your grey or blend and embrace it we will create a plan for you.”

https://www.thecolorzonesalon.com/specialty-services

If you go there, let us know how you like it!

[Anonymous]

I live elsewhere and couldn’t find a stylist who was able to stop making negative comments about my gray nor a colorist with experience blending/adding gray. My hair grows very slowly but 3 years later I have grown all of my dye out! I did eventually find a great stylist who is supportive of my gray hair. I’m younger than you- I started growing mine out at 39- but I was covering my roots at 21.

The hardest part is when your roots hit just above your ears, and when you see photos. You will always look more gray/white in photos because of how the light bounces. Don’t panic. If you can start the first 3 months of growth during winter or summer hat season, do that.

You’ll also need to be ready for erratic texture and makeup/clothing color changes. I have naturally pinkish skin and partially gray/brunette hair. I can’t wear certain pale colors anymore and black can be challenging. My gray sweaters have been retired for now. I can’t wear eyeliner or shadow exactly like I used to because it looks harsh. Find a good brow person and get your lashes and brows tinted- you’ll need the extra definition.

You’ll start to notice a lot of people growing their hair out as soon as you decide to do it. They’ve always been there, but be warned that once you join us you may fight occasional bouts of perceived invisibility. Be brave and don’t give up and run for the bottle!

[Anonymous]

I don't have a recommendation for a stylist who is good with blending gray hair, sorry. When I decided to stop covering my grey, I got it cut as short as I could stand it and I used L'Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up spray for the first few months. No regrets.

[Anonymous]

Anne at Bloom in Tysons is a miracle worker with color and could help out.

But I say consider going cold-turkey with it. You have shorter hair anyway, so just let it grow out. I love my gray hair and everyone compliments me on it.