Almost every week, someone sits down in our chair at NUOVO and asks the same question: “Should I keep covering my gray, or is it time to try something different?” There isn’t one right answer. The best choice depends on how much gray you have, how often you want to be in the salon, and how you want your hair to look as it grows out. Here’s how our Aveda colorists in Sarasota and Bradenton walk guests through the decision.
What Is Gray Blending?
Gray blending softens the contrast between your gray and your natural color instead of hiding it. Your colorist works with the gray you already have and uses it as part of the finished look. The most common techniques include:
- Highlights and lowlights: Fine lighter pieces help gray strands disappear into the mix, while deeper pieces add back depth and dimension.
- Face-framing highlights: A targeted service of up to 9 foils around the hairline, where gray tends to show first.
- Aveda Demi Color: A low-commitment, ammonia-free color that softens gray and gradually fades over up to 24 washes, so there’s no hard regrowth line.
- Glossing: A shine service that adjusts tone, softening yellowed or brassy gray and adding shine.
Gray blending is a strong fit if you’re around 20 to 60 percent gray, you want fewer salon visits, or you’re considering eventually going fully silver and want a softer transition.
What Is Full Gray Coverage?
Full coverage means your gray is completely colored from root to ends, giving you one consistent shade. At NUOVO, we use Aveda Full Spectrum Permanent™ Vegan Treatment Hair Color, which delivers 100% gray coverage along with added conditioning and shine in about 30 minutes of processing time. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Full coverage is the right call if:
- You want a solid, uniform color with no visible gray.
- You’re more than 60 to 70 percent gray and prefer a darker shade.
- You don’t mind regular root touch-ups, usually every 4 to 6 weeks.
The trade-off is maintenance. The more contrast there is between your color and your natural gray, the sooner regrowth will show.
Cost and Upkeep Side by Side
Here’s how the two options typically compare at NUOVO’s Sarasota and Bradenton salons:
- Full coverage (Single Process): 73–99, with touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Aveda Demi Color: starting at $73, lasting up to 24 washes and processing in 5 to 20 minutes.
- Highlight/Lowlight blending: 68–151, often stretched to 8 to 12 weeks between visits.
- Face-Framing Highlight: 67.50–78, good for a quick refresh between full appointments.
- Glossing: 37–57, a simple way to adjust tone between color services.
Color services do not include a blowout. Add a style when you book if you’d like one.
Keep Gray Hair Healthy, Whichever Route You Choose
Gray strands often feel coarser and drier than pigmented hair. Adding an Aveda pro treatment to your color appointment can make a big difference:
- Botanical Repair™ Treatment ($26): A bond-building treatment that strengthens hair damaged by coloring or heat.
- Nutriplenish™ Oil Treatment ($26): Deep hydration for dull, dry hair, which is especially helpful in Florida sun and humidity.
- Invati™ Hair & Scalp Treatment ($32): A thickening treatment for fine or thinning hair that also addresses the scalp.
At home, ask your stylist whether Aveda Blue Malva shampoo and conditioner would work for your hair. They neutralize yellow tones in natural silver and blended gray. You can also shop Aveda favorites online through NUOVO’s Aveda store.
Not Sure Yet? Start With a Free Color Consultation
Our free color consultation takes the guesswork out of choosing. You’ll share photos of your current hair and your inspiration, tell us how often you’d like to come in (every 4 to 6 weeks, every 3 months, or every 6 months or longer), and choose your preferred location: The Landings, Cooper Creek, or First Street.
From there, your Aveda artist will recommend the approach that fits your hair and your schedule. You can view the full hair color menu or learn more about Aveda Demi Color before you book.
FAQs:
Does NUOVO Salon offer gray blending in Sarasota, FL?
Yes. NUOVO Salon & Spas offers gray blending at The Landings, Cooper Creek, and First Street locations in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL, using highlights, lowlights, glossing, and Aveda Demi Color.
What hair color does NUOVO use for full gray coverage?
NUOVO uses Aveda Full Spectrum Permanent™ Vegan Treatment Hair Color, which provides 100% gray coverage in about 30 minutes. Single process color starts at $73.
How long does Aveda Demi Color last on gray hair?
Aveda Demi Color lasts up to 24 washes and fades gradually without a harsh regrowth line. At NUOVO in Sarasota, FL, it starts at $73 and includes a free consultation.