- Look Good
- 18th Mar 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Ditch the dye and embrace your grey: The power move you need with ÂPRE Hair Concept
- Advertisement Feature
“Embracing grey hair is about confidence and style. With the right care, cut, colour and products, grey can be modern, elegant and entirely you.”
Matthew Bradshaw, ÂPRE Hair Concept Owner
Nestled in the heart of Newcastle, ÂPRE Hair Concept is more than a salon – it’s a place where individuality, creativity and modern haircare come together.
Over the years, one of the biggest movements we’ve seen is the embrace of natural grey hair. At ÂPRE, grey hair isn’t something to hide – it’s something to celebrate. With the right cut, colour techniques and care, grey hair can look elegant, stylish and completely modern.
ÂPRE is built on a philosophy that great hair should reflect who you are right now. Every appointment begins with a personalised consultation, allowing the team to understand your hair journey, lifestyle and goals. For many clients, this means transitioning to natural grey in a way that feels intentional, polished and empowering.
With a background in editorial styling, fashion and luxury haircare, salon owner Matthew Bradshaw has shaped ÂPRE into a space where creativity meets expertise. Here, embracing grey is not just about hair – it’s about confidence, self-expression and celebrating your natural beauty.
We caught up with Matty to discuss why more women are embracing grey hair, how to make the transition confidently and the professional techniques that keep grey hair looking modern and intentional.
HIGH LIFE NORTH’S TOP TIP: Get 15% off with new signature stylist Allie by just mentioning High Life North when calling or booking online.
MORE WOMEN ARE CHOOSING TO EMBRACE THEIR NATURAL GREY – WHY NOW?
“I think it reflects a wider shift in beauty standards,” Matthy explains. “The conversation has moved away from ‘anti-ageing’ to ‘ageing well’. Grey hair is now seen as elegant and stylish – a true representation of authenticity.”
“Years ago, grey could appear dull or flat,” he continues, “but modern treatments, toners and styling techniques enhance its natural shine, giving it a polished, chic look.”
Embracing grey can also feel empowering. “It’s a sign of confidence. You’re showing the world exactly who you are without covering it up. And when grey hair is styled intentionally, it can look striking and fashion-forward.”
Lifestyle choices also influence this shift. “More people are embracing low-tox and sustainable living,” says Matty. “Some are choosing to step away from frequent chemical colouring and let their natural tones shine.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE WOMEN NERVOUS ABOUT GOING GREY?
“It’s completely normal to feel nervous; it’s a change,” Matty says. “But grey hair today looks very different from what it did 15 or 20 years ago. With the right cut, colour and styling, it can look incredibly modern and stylish.”
He adds that the transition period is temporary. “The in-between stage when growing out colour can be tricky, but it passes. Clients usually find their hair feels healthier, with less maintenance and more time for self-care.”
HOW CAN THE RIGHT CUT, COLOUR TRANSITION OR STYLING MAKE GREY HAIR FEEL INTENTIONAL?
“Haircut is key,” Matty explains. “A sharp, structured cut makes grey look deliberate rather than something you’re ‘giving in’ to.”
He encourages clients to bring inspirational images. “This helps your stylist understand the look you want and avoid anything that feels outdated.”
Colour techniques also play a crucial role. “Grey blending, highlights, lowlights, and toners soften harsh regrowth lines and add depth. Glosses keep grey looking shiny, fresh, and modern rather than dull.”
Styling is just as important. “Products that add shine or polish, like lightweight waxes or glossing serums, enhance natural texture. Soft, effortless waves or contemporary textures keep grey hair current and fashion-forward.”
COMMON MISTAKES WHEN TRANSITIONING TO GREY
“Impatience is the biggest one,” Matthew says. “Growing out colour takes time, and grey blending isn’t just a standard colour service – it’s technical and requires skill.”
He also stresses the importance of finding an experienced stylist. “Correctly blending grey involves understanding your hair history, growth pattern, and colour theory. Doing your research ensures a smooth, confident transition.”
HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT HAIR AND GREYING?
“Long-term stress can push hair into shedding cycles early, causing thinning and breakage,” Matthew explains. “It can even contribute to premature greying by depleting pigment-producing stem cells.”
CARING FOR GREY AND STRESSED HAIR
“Healthy hair starts with scalp care, treatments, and the right nutrition,” Matthew says. “We often recommend restorative treatments that can be started in the salon and continued at home, along with targeted vitamins to support hair growth.”
He concludes: “Embracing grey hair is about confidence and style. With the right care, cut, colour, and products, grey can be modern, elegant, and entirely you.”
Ready to start your journey to embracing your beautiful natural greys? Book your appointment today.
ÂPRE Hair Concept, Siemens House, 3 Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UF
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.