The New Way to Blend Grey

Updated on 15th Sep 2026 by Abbie-Joelle

As grey blending continues to evolve, clients are looking for softer, more dimensional ways to embrace their natural colour. For AW26, NXT’s Smoked Silver Blend offers a modern approach, combining delicate babylights and balayage to create a cool, smoky finish with plenty of natural-looking dimension.

Designed for a natural 6-0 base with 40% grey, the technique works with existing grown-out highlights and balayage through the ends, using carefully placed lightness to enhance the grey rather than conceal it.

Here’s how to recreate the look using NXT:

Step-by-Step: How To Create A Smoked Silver Blend

1. Build the Base

Start at the nape and take an angled section of approximately 1.5cm to create a triangular section.
Apply a balayage foil using NXT Pro-Tech Bleach with 6%/20vol.
Take the next section in the opposite diagonal direction to create a second triangle and apply a babylight foil using NXT Pro-Tech Bleach with 6%/20vol.
Continue alternating the balayage and babylight sections throughout the back of the head.

2. Create a Soft Face Frame

As you reach the hairline, take finely woven babylights to create a soft, natural-looking face frame.
Apply NXT Pro-Tech Bleach with 9%/30vol.

3. Continue Through the Sides

Starting at a 45° angle, repeat the alternating babylight and balayage technique through the sides.
Gradually pivot the sectioning towards horizontal as you reach the parting.
Use NXT Pro-Tech Bleach with 9%/30vol.
Allow to process for up to 45 minutes, checking regularly.

4. Refine the Tone

Once the desired lift has been achieved, wash and towel dry the hair.
Apply apply NXT Toner 10-11 + 5vol/1.5% all over.
Process for up to 20 minutes, checking regularly to achieve the desired smoky silver tone.

5. Finish the Look

Wash, dry and style as required.
Finish with IQ Hair Serum, IQ Blow Dry Cream and IQ 10-in-1 to smooth the hair and enhance the final result.

The Finished Look

The result is a cool, sophisticated take on grey blending, with soft ribbons of silver and natural dimension throughout. By combining balayage with finely placed babylights, the Smoked Silver Blend creates a seamless transition between natural grey and lighter tones, making it a contemporary choice for clients embracing their greys.