Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
This Birmingham stylist has worked with stars like Stevie Nicks & Carson Kressley– now you can find him at Pepper Place
Earlier this summer, a new salon popped up in Pepper Place. The Only Gray Salon is owned and operated by Gray, a celebrity hair colorist and stylist who has been in the business for over 30 years. Gray was based in California for most of his career, but recently decided to return to his Southern roots and open up a brick-and-mortar salon in Birmingham.
Stylist to the stars, now located in Birmingham
Gray has been a hair stylist for 31 years, and according to him, has been doing hair since he was 12 years old.
“Funny enough my much older brother dated a hairstylist and when I was only 5 years old, and I became obsessed with hair! By 12 years old I was cutting and colouring my friends and family’s hair, and I started doing pageant hair in high school. I’ve always been obsessed with hair and helping my people look their very best, and fortunately I had a very early natural gift, and I have just continued to grow from there.”
Gray, Celebrity Hairstylist
Over his prolific career, Gray’s work has ranged from high fashion editorial work to celebrity clients. He created runway styles for brands like Emporio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Marco Marco, Anine Bing and more. You want to talk about star-studded? Here are some of his clients:
- Stevie Nicks
- Carson Kressley
- Vinessa Shaw
- Lisa Origliasso of the Veronicas
So, what brought him to Birmingham? Gray grew up in Bainbridge, Georgia, where he started doing hair at a young age and skyrocketed to success quickly. After years in the business, he’s ready to be back in the South.
“After living in Los Angeles and working with celebrity hair for over a decade, I was ready to come back home to the South and put down some roots because of my deeply loyal client following here, and also because of just how wonderful and welcoming southerners can be. Birmingham, I feel, is the true gem of the south, I have always loved it here. And of course, I still travel back to Los Angeles for a week every six weeks to take care of my loyal celebrity following there. So I get my “Cali fix” in that way.”
Gray, Celebrity Hairstylist
The Only Gray Salon at historic Pepper Place in Birmingham
According to Gray, Pepper Place in Birmingham was the perfect location for him.
“My amazing longtime friend and client, Cathy Sloss Jones hooked me up with the perfect location for my boutique salon in the heart of Pepper Place. It has amazing natural light and a speakeasy feel and is ultra private so and all of my clients absolutely adore the space. I opened the doors officially in June of this year and had faith that it would be a success, however I have been absolutely blown away at how quickly new clients have flocked to me. Everyday I am shown that moving to Birmingham was the absolute right idea, and I look forward to continuing to build wonderful friendships with all of my amazing clients here, and truly calling Birmingham ‘home’.”
Gray, Celebrity Hairstylist
The Only Gray, located in Pepper Place, specializes in cut and color treatment for all hair types. According to their website, they’re offering these special prices and services:
- Women’s cut & style $125
- Men’s cut & style $105
- One process color & style $135
- Highlights, lowlights, double process color & style $225-$325
You’re invited: Celebrate The Only Gray at Pepper Place
Wednesday, October 11, Gray will be having an open house celebrating the success of his brick-and-mortar salon and kicking off the holiday season. Bring your friends and enjoy drinks, charcuterie and more in style.
- Location: 2829 2nd Ave S Suite #60, Birmingham, AL 35233
- When: October, 11 4:30PM-8:30PM
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