silver fox hair color grey hair transitioning denver

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.

 

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 with Hair Color

Grey blending through color only can be beautiful, but it isn’t right for every starting point. In most cases, it requires a lot of bleaching which can put a lot of stress on your 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.

Social media often makes dramatic one-day silver transformations look effortless. In reality, removing years of artificial pigment is a technical process that requires patience, and sometimes filters hide undertones that are still being corrected.

When appropriate, color can absolutely play a role in a grey transition. But it must be sequenced carefully and approached realistically. Most often, color is used towards the end of the journey to complete the transformation. 

salt and pepper grey hair transitions by heather glo salon

This is a "color only" transition. Heather added lowlights in dark silver and highlights in a platinum color to mimic her natural grey.

This service is not for everyone!

Grey transitioning with hair color only is designed for clients with visible regrowth and contrast.

You may be a good candidate if:

  • You have more than a couple of grey strands
  • You have several inches of grey growth at the roots
  • You’re dealing with a noticeable grow-out line

Otherwise, a full grey transition is usually not recommended. In those cases, a simple color adjustment or maintenance routine is often the better option.

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
grey hair transitioning step 1

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.  Read more about her grey hair journey.

salt and pepper grey hair blending with great lengths hair extensions denver

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 both strategic color work and extensions.

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.”

Ronda Chapleski
★★★★★

Heather is incredible ! She truly is a hair extension artist. I'm almost a year into growing out my silver/natural hair and was in not a good place with my grow out process, so far. I have fair skin, light eyes and had dyed my hair for over 30 years, dark chocolate brown. I've shared my inspiration... read more

1 month ago
Mackenzie Mathews
★★★★★

Heather is amazing! I had a year of bad extension experience with prior stylists and I initially went to her for a consultation and a professional opinion on what to do going forward. She wasn’t pushy on pushing her services and gave me an honest and professional opinion. I ended up booking fusion e... read more

2 months ago
scarlet doyle
★★★★★

Go to Heather! After going through chemo I found my self confidence shattered. My hair was growing back slowly, patchy, thin, fragile and reminded me of wimpy baby hair. I was desperate to fix my appearance but scared extensions would cause further damage to my hair… until I found Heather! Heather h... read more

3 months ago
Casey S
★★★★★

Heather is truly the best of the best at what she does. I have been to several salons for extensions, and no one compares to her. Her knowledge and expertise have kept my hair healthy and growing so much that I don’t even need extensions anymore. That alone says everything.

5 months ago
Amanda F
★★★★★

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.

Carmen Diaz Rivera
★★★★★

No doubt Glo Extensions is the best hair salon in the Denver Metro area! Let me just say, I am SO picky when i comes to my hair and service. i want it all! 🙂 Excellent service, quality products, and professional approach. I've been lucky enough to have found that at Glo! I've been going to them for... read more

Lindsay Brannam
★★★★★

I am so blessed to have found this salon and Heather!! My family just moved to Colorado from California and I have had Great Lengths extensions for over 6 years now and needed some desperate hair love!! My hair was breaking off due to chemical damage from bleach overlap and the hair on my crown was... read more

Jenna McNamar
★★★★★

Finally got my long mermaid color extensions that I have been dreaming about from Heather! The experience was fantastic, and pain free. Heather is so good at what she does and is all about what the client wants! I am loving my long locks and am definetely going to be addicted! Thanks to Heather and... read more

Free Human
★★★★★

I rate Heather's business five stars for the following reasons. I was new to extensions and because of the excellent information on her website I felt confident about going in for a consultation. Heather and her associates always treated me with professionalism and kindness. When I had to relocate b... 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transition to grey?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.