Jack Martin’s Top Color Formulas For Silver & Gray Transformations
Clients Transitioning to Silver? Jack Martin Shares His Formulation Secrets!
No longer a telltale sign of aging beauty, more female clients are embracing their silver strands. But the transition is FAR from easy—especially creating a formula that is the perfect color match to their new natural.
“It’s not about letting the gray hair appear, nor being passive about it. It’s about going gray in a proactive way,” shared colorist and gray hair expert Jack Martin (@jackmartincolorist) on Instagram. Known for transforming his clients from extreme color corrections to gorgeous silver shades, we’re sharing Jack’s best formulas and tips!
Clients ready to embrace their gray? Try Jack’s go-to silver + gray shades: Shop here!
Hit play to watch Jack break down how to color match gray roots and formulate lowlights needed for the transformations!
View this post on Instagram
Takeaway Formulas:
-
Silver formula: Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Royal Absolutes 3/4 Silver + 1/4 Dove Grey + 7-volume developer
-
Dark Charcoal formula: IGORA Royal Absolutes Slate Grey + 10-volume developer
Look #1: Color correction to dimensional silver
Desired results: Color match the client’s natural gray and add dimension
Time behind the chair: One session, 7 hours
Click the beaker for a full formula breakdown!


Takeaway Tip #1: Create a gradient with the client’s natural color to achieve a seamless grow out
Using the natural root as a starting point, Jack creates a gradient of color that blends the client’s darker roots into bright, silver ends.

“I didn’t touch the natural roots at all, I just created a gradual dark to light silver ombré. This way, the client can enjoy growing out their hair and maybe come back for a retouch every five to six months,” Jack explains.
Look #2: Blonde to all over silver transformation
Desired results: Color match the client’s natural root
Time behind the chair: One session, 7 hours
Hit the beaker icon for Jack’s full formula!


Related: Jack Shares His Tips For Making Toner Last 5 Months!
Takeaway Tip #2: Use strategic placement to blend partial gray strands
Some clients only have silver specks around their hairline. So, instead of transforming their entire look, Jack focuses on the face frame. Why? “Framing the face with silver blends the hairline roots and helps embrace the client’s natural color,” he explains.
Jack shared an example of this in a video on his Insta!
View this post on Instagram
Look #3: Four-month refresh toning service
Desired result: Eliminate faded, pale yellow tones
Click the beaker icon for Jack’s toner & lowlight formulas!


Takeaway Tip #3: Avoid a washed out complexion
Clients feeling apprehensive about their new color? New makeup could be the answer. Jack shared this beauty tip: “I always advise clients to try different makeup after their transformation. For example, a darker eyebrow will create contrast against the silver, so their face won’t seem washed out,” he explains.
More from
Schwarzkopf Professional®
-
3 On-The-Scalp Bleach Tips Every Pro Needs
-
How To Tone Cool Blondes Without Losing Brightness
-
BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS: 2023 WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
-
BTC “On Tour” Nashville Recap: Everything You Missed
-
The Best Hair & Beauty Launches Of November 2023
-
Dear Color Clients, 5 Haircare Truths From Hairstylists
-
When To Use A Soft Base Break Instead of A Shadow Root
-
FIBRE CLINIX™ Fortify Sealed Ends
-
You Just Over-Toned Your Blonde Client, Now What?
-
Precision Bleach & Tone: Platinum, Gold & Butter Hues
-
Your Guide To Fall & Winter 2023’s Hair Color Trends
-
Bold Color Trends You Need To Know For 2024
-
Patricia Nikole, @paintedhair, is Schwarzkopf Professional®’s First U.S. Artistic Ambassador
-
Brunette Face Frame: Fast, Zero-Foil Technique
-
BLONDME Precision Lightener
-
6 Purple Shampoo Mistakes You’re Making
-
Conditioner Before Toner: Common Hair Myth Debunked
-
What Is The “Cowboy Copper” Hair Trend? Here’s What It Really Means…
-
Margot Robbie’s Barbie Formula
-
5 Tips For Gray Coverage Beyond A Root Touch-Up
-
WWYD: How To Stop Your 6N From Turning Orange
-
6 Blonding Techniques To Save Your Client’s Hair
-
Bridal Styling 101: Pricing, Scheduling & Consultations
-
Your Official Guide To Barbie Blonde