Gregory Grey treats all clients to the hairstyles and colors they dream of, but in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we'd like to shine a light on a very special part of the services he offers at G. Grey salon in Bethlehem. This wig master gives back to those battling cancer and the hair loss that can go with it.
How did you know you wanted to get into this business?
I was very young when I cut all my sister's Barbie dolls' hair and hair sprayed them into awesome ‘80s styles, but the realization came when I was a teenager living with my biological father after a stint in foster care. His girlfriend was brushing her mixed-race niece's hair and this poor kid was screaming and crying because her aunt was unfamiliar with this hair type. I said, “Give her to me.” I approached her hair from a place of love and care and seeing the difference it made for her, I knew I'd found my calling.
Can you talk about what role a good wig plays in the battle with cancer?
Whether it's chemotherapy-induced or natural alopecia, when people lose their hair it makes them feel less than. If someone's trying to recover and everyone looks at them and asks, “How are you feeling?” it's a constant reminder. The hairpiece is a chance to recover on their own terms.
My goal is to help people like what they see when they look in the mirror. I believe we change lives, not just cut hair. We empower others to see the possibilities within themselves.
Tell us more about your charitable work.
The cost of wigs is high, and not everyone's piece may be covered by their insurance. The American Cancer Society offers a collection of free synthetic wigs, and I will always cut that piece for free and give lessons on how to wear, store, wash and travel with it. All these things are so important because if you're not confident, you won't be able to feel the fantasy and sell the illusion. Having 20 years of experience caring for people in this time of need has totally changed my life for the better.
What draws you to work with wigs and extensions?
I started my career with hair extensions and men's hairpieces and wigs for performers and medical purposes. Today, I'm most excited about hairpieces for fun. I have the ability to accentuate but also to empower people with a total transformation. I customize each unit to a person's head, matching different hair textures and making sure to accentuate the best features of their face. These are not one size fits all.
What hair trends excite you?
Things are going more extreme now. People are looking for either very long or very short styles and haircuts. Wavy or extremely kinky/curly styles are also popular. Natural sun-kissed or whitest platinum blonde. Chocolate brown, brightest pinks, purples and blues and palest pastels. It's an exciting time in our industry—the possibilities are as endless as our imaginations.
How would you characterize the atmosphere at your salon?
The perfect mix of chic and welcoming. Every person that walks through the door is greeted with respect and a smile. Our location in a historic Victorian building on a peaceful street in Downtown Bethlehem with ample parking was chosen for our customers. Good music and great conversation make customers feel as if they're spending time with a good friend, a relaxing escape.
What is a product you wish everyone knew about?
Hairdreams. Some people might think extensions are uncomfortable or look fake and worry everyone might notice, and yet 32 percent of my guests are concerned with the lack of volume. Without having to give up on your daily routine, including saunas, exercise, swimming, etc., our method brings state-of-the-art technology used by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence. If it doesn't look like extensions then it's Hairdreams.
226 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.419.1818 | ggreyhair.com
