Jennifer Aniston cracks the code on growing out greys

Jennifer Aniston’s recent hairstyle choices have helped spotlight one of 2025’s quietly influential trends: grey blending. Rather than rushing to cover every silver strand, many colourists and stylists are embracing techniques that soften greys, create dimension and make regrowth stylish — a low-maintenance, flattering route for clients who want to age gracefully without daily touch-ups.

What is grey blending and why it’s grown in popularity

Grey blending is a collective term for techniques designed to integrate natural silver and grey hairs with existing colour in a way that looks intentional and lived-in. Colourists use soft highlights, face-framing lowlights, root smudging and feathered application methods to break up a harsh line of demarcation between grown-out roots and previously coloured lengths. The outcome is texture, depth and a more seamless grow-out — perfect for anyone seeking fewer salon visits and a more natural outcome.

How Aniston’s look sums up the trend

The appeal of celebrity examples is that they provide mainstream visibility for specialist techniques. Aniston’s mid-length, slightly textured style highlights how subtle lightening around the face and a cool, ashy tone can make silver threads appear soft rather than stark. Her look also underlines that the effect relies as much on cut and finish as on colour: layered ends, a gentle gloss and a relaxed blow-dry complete the message that regrowth can look chic.

Key techniques colourists are using

Top colourists interviewed in recent trend pieces endorse several practical approaches — most focus on blending rather than masking. These techniques are adaptable across hair types and shades:

• Root smudging: blending the root area with a slightly darker or cooler shade to blur the line of demarcation.
• Fine, irregular highlights: painted-on foils or balayage pieces placed around the face and through the top layers to mimic natural greying.
• Face-framing lowlights: adding soft, slightly warmer strands near the hairline for contrast and dimension.
• Glosses and toners: used sparingly to neutralise unwanted brassiness while keeping silver tones luminous.
• Textured cutting: soft layers or a blunt lob with texture to distract from uneven regrowth and to emphasise movement.

How to approach growing out greys in practical steps

For anyone considering the transition, planning and clear communication with your colourist are essential. Below are common stages professionals recommend for a smooth process:

• Audit your current colour: identify remaining pigment, the level of regrowth and hair condition.
• Choose a blending strategy: discuss root smudge or balayage options that suit your lifestyle.
• Opt for gradual changes: a phased approach reduces shock and allows you to adjust to lighter tones.
• Book maintenance glosses rather than full re-colours: they refresh tone without heavy lifting.
• Prioritise trims and conditioning: regular shaping and treatments keep the hair looking healthy while it grows out.

Costs, timing and salon guidance

Grey-blending is often positioned as lower-maintenance than monthly full re-colours, but that doesn’t necessarily mean inexpensive. Initial appointments can be similar to a creative colour service — particularly if multiple techniques are combined. After the first transition, maintenance typically involves glosses and root smudges every 8–12 weeks. Expect consultations to include a discussion of hair porosity and past chemical history, as these factors determine how well the hair will accept new tones and how often toning is needed.

Who benefits most from this approach

Grey blending is versatile. It suits people at many stages of their hair journey: those with early silver strands seeking to soften contrast; clients mid-transition who want a natural mid-tone; and those with long-established greys who wish to add dimension without losing their silver identity. It’s also favoured by people who travel, work irregular hours or prefer fewer salon appointments.

Professional and at-home care tips

Maintaining the look between salon visits relies on simple, targeted care. Colourists recommend:

• Using a gentle, pigment-friendly shampoo and a purple or blue shampoo only when brassiness appears.
• Applying a weekly protein or moisture mask tailored to your hair’s needs.
• Lightweight styling products to preserve texture without weighing down blended highlights.
• Heat protection whenever you use styling tools to keep tone and cut in the best condition.

Key Takeaways

• Grey blending is a low-maintenance trend that integrates natural grey with colour for a seamless grow-out.
• Techniques include root smudging, fine highlights, face-framing lowlights and glossing.
• It requires a personalised plan: consultation, initial transition and staged maintenance are key.
• Costs can be front-loaded but ongoing maintenance is typically less frequent than full re-colours.
• At-home care — toning only as needed, conditioning and heat protection — preserves the effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will grey blending work on dark hair?
Yes — colourists often add subtle, cooler babylights and root smudges to dark hair to create contrast without making the hair look over-processed. The aim is to keep the effect believable and natural.

Q: How long does the initial transition take?
Expect the first appointment to last 2–4 hours depending on the techniques used. If significant lightening is required, colourists may recommend multiple sessions spaced weeks apart to preserve hair health.

Q: Can I go back to full coverage once I start blending?
Absolutely. Blending doesn’t close the door to future full-colour coverage; it simply gives you an easier, more flexible option while your hair grows or until you decide on a different look.

Q: Are there downsides?
Not many, but some people find the transition period awkward visually. That’s why an experienced colourist and a flattering cut are important: they reduce the ‘awkward phase’ by focusing attention on texture and face-framing pieces.

Q: How should I choose a colourist?
Look for stylists with examples of lived-in colour and grey blending in their portfolio. Book a consultation to discuss previous chemical history and long-term goals rather than asking for a one-off fix.

Stay Updated