No longer a taboo topic, more women are rightfully taking pride in their hair’s natural cycle. We all go grey – that’s inevitable. So why hide it? With silver strands in demand, when it comes to hair extensions we’re seeing variations of every kind, most notably on salt & pepper spectrum. But what is salt & pepper hair? This is the term used to describe a unique blend of dark and light shades. Award-winning hairdresser 5ive from Hype Coiffure tells us more: “It’s like having a sprinkling of white strands expertly peppered through the hair. When my clients start to go grey, or their roots come through this is the look they have. Because the ratio of white to black hair varies, you get a unique grey/silver colouring.”
The covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the grey hair revolution. It has led to women around the world becoming more comfortable and confident to show their greys, and are therefore, looking for hair extensions to colour match, as well as, add length, volume and texture. “Salt & pepper hair extensions is nothing new,” says Spell Beauty brand ambassador Aisha Ibrahim. “My mum wore braided styles in colour M51 in the late nineties. These colours have always been available, but like most trends, they’re now back in the spotlight as women of all ages are rediscovering the shades.”
This year spellbeauty.com reports of a spike in grey colour hair extension sales. “The uptake in grey hair extensions reflects the bold trends that have dominated 2024. Younger customers are daring and have no qualms shopping for granny grey/ white wigs. But the salt & pepper colours are more popular with older customers who go for afro puffs and textured bulk hair,’ says Ibrahim.
If you want to embrace grey-friendly hairstyles, here’s a curated selection of styles to get you started.
Hair extensions for texture
Clockwise from top-left: African Collection Jumbo Braid colour M44, £1.99; Urban Fresh colour Dark Silver, £4.49; African Collection Jamaican Locks colour Cold Grey, £6.99; Urban Spiral colour Dark Silver, £4.49
Hair extensions for length
Clockwise from top-left: X-Pression Ultra Braid colour M44, £3.99; X-Pression Pre-Stretched colour M51, from £4.15; X-Pression Ultra Braid colour M34, from £3.99; X-Pression Pre-Stretched colour T1B Silver, from £4.15
Hair extensions for volume
Clockwise from top-left: Sensationnel Instant Pony Afro Puff colour M280, from £7.99; Outre X-pression Twisted Up Springy Afro Twist colour 51, from £9.99; African Collection Jamaican Bounce colour M51, £5.99; Soft & Silky Afro Twist Braid colour M51, £5.99
Featured image: Model is wearing Feme Afro Lace Wig in colour T/Grey
