Salt & Pepper Hair Transformations
At Glo Extensions Denver, founder and master colorist Heather Occhionero specializes in professional grey hair transitions. Every transformation is customized based on your natural pattern, density, lifestyle, and patience level.
There are three professional ways to transition to grey:
- Hair color only
- Hair extensions only
- A strategic combination of both
Your consultation determines which path makes the most sense for you.
Please note: Heather does not offer color-only go-grey-in-a-day transitions. Learn why. Our grey transition services are exclusively for clients using hair extensions to support their transition to natural grey. Heather may incorporate limited hair color when she determines it can safely support an extension-based transition. Except for grey weave-outs, we do not offer standalone hair color, haircut, or cut-and-color appointments.
Transitioning to grey is rarely as simple as “just letting it grow in.”
When you stop coloring your roots, the contrast can feel harsh, uneven, and difficult to style. Cutting your hair short isn’t the only solution and neither is living with months (or years) of obvious grow-out. For many women, the in-between phase feels more frustrating than freeing, especially when the goal is to look polished and intentional, not unfinished.
Option 1: Transitioning to Grey using just Hair Color
Going all the way grey with bleaching isn’t right for every starting point. In most cases, it puts a lot of stress on the hair.
Color only approach works best when:
- You already have a lighter base
- Your previously colored hair lifts cleanly
- You have significant natural regrowth to guide the blend
If your hair is naturally light or has minimal artificial pigment, subtle color enhancement can soften warmth and refine your silver tone without aggressive processing.
Heather does NOT recommend a color only approach when:
- Your starting with a red, brown, or black base color
- You've got years of hair dye in your hair
- You only have an inch of grey grow-in
Transitioning dark, heavily dyed hair to bright silver using color alone requires extensive lifting and ongoing toning. In many cases, that means long appointments, multiple sessions, and weekly return visits to maintain tone while residual warmth is being corrected. And in some cases, it means cutting off length when the ends get fried.
The goal is always to protect the integrity of your hair and avoid a frustrating maintenance cycle.For that reason, Heather does not recommend aggressive color-only transitions for every client.
Learn why I won't do aggressive grey all the way in one day transitions
Grey Transitions using Highlights & Lowlights
When appropriate, color can absolutely play a role in a grey transition. But it must be sequenced carefully and with realistic expectations.
Here is a transition that started with adding lowlights in dark silver and highlights in a platinum color to mimic her natural grey. It is not aggressive bleaching of the entire head. Just select strands, leaving out your natural greys.
Heather calls this a weave-out approach and it's a healthier approach to embracing your grey hair.
Option 2: Transitioning to Grey with Hair Extensions
For clients who don’t want heavy lightening or don’t yet have significant regrowth, extensions offer a powerful alternative.
Using carefully selected blends of silver, platinum, and salt-and-pepper tones, we can:
- Diffuse harsh root lines
- Add brightness without bleaching
- Increase fullness during the transition
- Mimic your natural grey pattern
In many cases, no hair color is required. Heather frequently uses silver and platinum blends from Great Lengths to create chemical-free grey transitions that look natural and grow out gracefully.
This method is often preferred by clients who want:
- Immediate softness
- Added density
- A less aggressive chemical process
- A reversible transition option
This client was determined to let her grey roots grow in but hated the big contrast, what she called "skunk hair." Using only hair extensions, Heather added Great Lengths Salt and Pepper and Platinum Silver. At a later phase, Heather added more highlights to lighten up her look all over.
Hair extensions are also a great way of getting used to seeing yourself with more grey hair, with the added benefit of longer or fuller hair. This remains one of Heather's favorite salt and pepper transformations. She created a silvery blend using 4 different shades from GreatLengths' palette of silver and platinum hues to perfectly match her client's natural hair.
Option 3: A Combination Approach
Some transitions benefit from hair extensions at the beginning followed by strategic color to get you over the finish line. Only this is a journey, not a race.
This hybrid method allows us to:
- Neutralize unwanted warmth
- Soften the demarcation line
- Add volume where density has changed
- Create a multi-dimensional silver blend
The result is balanced, modern, and uniquely yours.
Why Experience Matters in Grey Transitions
Grey blending is not a standard highlight appointment.
It requires:
- Pattern analysis
- Advanced lifting knowledge
- Toning expertise
- Strategic placement
Heather has guided many women at different stages of the grey journey from early “salt” to fully silver.
The goal is never to rush you into grey. The goal is to help you transition in a way that feels confident, intentional, and flattering.
Is Grey Transitioning Right for You?
You may be a strong candidate if:
- You’re tired of frequent root touch-ups
- You dislike the harsh grow-out line
- You want a softer, more dimensional look
- You’re ready for a more natural maintenance routine
You may need a strategic plan if:
- Your hair has heavy buildup of permanent dyes
- Your natural grey pattern is uneven
- Your hair density has changed over time
That’s exactly why we begin with a consultation.
Read more on our blog:
👉 How to Decide the Best Way to Transition to Grey
👉 “I’m barely in my 40s and coloring my grey every 3 weeks.” If that sounds familiar, read our blog on how we help young women grey gracefully.
Heather is the best in town for hair extensions! I actually have trichotillomania (I pull my head hair out unintentionally when stressed) and she set me up with both tape-in extensions and a wig topper for my crown. I haven't felt this good about my hair in years. If you're experiencing hair thinnin...g, hair loss, or damaged hair and you're ready to make a change, go see Heather or Jordan at Glo Extensions! read more
Jordan did an amazing job with my extensions and made me really comfortable during the process. I would definitely recommend Glo Extensions to anyone considering tape-ins
Had tape-ins installed with Caitlin. She did an amazing job and everyone at the salon is super nice and it's a very fun environment. After my complimentary consultation, I felt like I knew all the information that I needed and was able to book my install super easy. They are very upfront with costs...and what will be best on your hair type and style. My extensions blend so well, you can't even tell! I will definitely return again and again! read more
I had the best customer service ever at Glo extensions. From the receptionist (I don’t remember her name) to Caitlin that did my hair. It was my first time having tape ins and it was beyond my expectations. I came for a consultation and Caitlin answer all my questions. I schedule my appointment week...s later and I’m in love with my hair! She did an amazing job. They even sent me a personal note with a coupon, what a great customer service. They don’t dissapoint, if you are thinking to have extensions you should visit this place. They are all very professional and have great product. read more
Heather is the best in town for hair extensions! I actually have trichotillomania (I pull my head hair out unintentionally when stressed) and she set me up with both tape-in extensions and a wig topper for my crown. I haven't felt this good about my hair in years. If you're experiencing hair thinnin...g, hair loss, or damaged hair and you're ready to make a change, go see Heather or Jordan at Glo Extensions! read more
Jordan did an amazing job with my extensions and made me really comfortable during the process. I would definitely recommend Glo Extensions to anyone considering tape-ins
Had tape-ins installed with Caitlin. She did an amazing job and everyone at the salon is super nice and it's a very fun environment. After my complimentary consultation, I felt like I knew all the information that I needed and was able to book my install super easy. They are very upfront with costs...and what will be best on your hair type and style. My extensions blend so well, you can't even tell! I will definitely return again and again! read more
I had the best customer service ever at Glo extensions. From the receptionist (I don’t remember her name) to Caitlin that did my hair. It was my first time having tape ins and it was beyond my expectations. I came for a consultation and Caitlin answer all my questions. I schedule my appointment week...s later and I’m in love with my hair! She did an amazing job. They even sent me a personal note with a coupon, what a great customer service. They don’t dissapoint, if you are thinking to have extensions you should visit this place. They are all very professional and have great product. read more
FREE Grey Transition Consultation
Every salt-and-pepper transformation begins with a personalized assessment. During your visit, we’ll evaluate:
- Your current color history
- Natural grey percentage and pattern
- Hair health and density
- Time and budget expectations
You’ll leave with a clear, realistic plan.
Call 303-968-4222 or book online to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey Hair Transitions
Will Heather do a hair color only grey transition?
«No. Heather does not offer color-only grey hair transitions. Our grey transition services are exclusively for clients using hair extensions to support their transition to natural grey. Heather may incorporate limited hair color when she determines it can safely support an extension-based transition. We do not offer standalone hair color, haircut, or cut-and-color appointments, including color-only transformations intended to turn previously colored hair grey or silver.
How long does it take to transition to grey?
«It depends on the method and your starting point. A color-only transition may require multiple sessions over several months, especially if artificial pigment needs to be safely removed. An extensions-based transition can soften contrast immediately while your natural grey continues to grow in. During your consultation, we’ll outline a realistic timeline tailored to your hair.
Do I need several inches of grey roots before starting?
«For a color-focused transition, having visible regrowth helps us analyze your natural salt-and-pepper pattern. If you don’t yet have significant regrowth, extensions can often be used to create a softer blend while you grow it in naturally.
Will I look fully grey right away?
«Not necessarily, and that’s often intentional. Most grey transitions are designed to look dimensional and blended, not silver overnight. The goal is to create a natural-looking evolution that feels polished at every stage.
What does a grey transition cost?
«Pricing varies depending on the method, time required, amount of product used, and whether extensions are involved. After assessing your hair in person, we’ll provide a detailed plan and exact pricing so you can make an informed decision.