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Expert Session
Arey Co-Founder Allison Conrad on Approaching Hair Care Like Skincare
January 29, 2026
Photos by: Kate Moore
What inspired you to co-found Arey?
When I saw my first grey hair, the very first thing I did was pluck it out. But then came two, then three, then…more. I turned to Jay, my longtime hairstylist, and asked what I should do. At the time, the only real option was hair dye. That moment made me pause, because I was using retinol, hyaluronic acid, wrinkle cream, and SPF to proactively care for my skin, yet there was nothing comparable for hair.
That curiosity turned into deeper research. We began looking into what actually causes grey hair and discovered scientists had identified only one gene, IRF4. It accounts for about 30% of why we go grey. That means the majority is influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, overall cellular health, and aging.
That insight changed everything. Instead of asking how to cover greys, we started asking how to support the body in maintaining healthy hair and pigment for as long as possible. We began researching ingredients that could help do exactly that—supporting hair health at the source.
That’s when Arey was born. From the beginning, we thought of it as “The Wrinkle Cream of Haircare®”, a proactive, science-backed approach to caring for your hair the same way you care for your skin.
That curiosity turned into deeper research. We began looking into what actually causes grey hair and discovered scientists had identified only one gene, IRF4. It accounts for about 30% of why we go grey. That means the majority is influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, overall cellular health, and aging.
That insight changed everything. Instead of asking how to cover greys, we started asking how to support the body in maintaining healthy hair and pigment for as long as possible. We began researching ingredients that could help do exactly that—supporting hair health at the source.
That’s when Arey was born. From the beginning, we thought of it as “The Wrinkle Cream of Haircare®”, a proactive, science-backed approach to caring for your hair the same way you care for your skin.
Tell us about conducting the first-ever clinical study on grey hair. Why was clinical research important to you?
From the very beginning, it was important to me that Arey was grounded in real science, not marketing claims or surface-level promises. Grey hair has long been treated as something you either accept or cover up, and there was very little clinical research focused on its appearance or progression. If we were going to challenge that narrative, we needed data to back it up.
Conducting a clinical study felt like a responsibility. We partnered with independent researchers and studied 173 participants between the ages of 28 and 65 over six months, evaluating them at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. All participants started with less than 25% grey hair, which allowed us to look specifically at prevention and early intervention.
The results were incredibly validating. 88% of participants using Arey’s The System saw reduced grey hair growth, along with 3x thicker, fuller hair and improved shine. On average, they had 13% less grey hair, compared to the placebo group, which actually experienced a 10% increase in greys over the same period.
What this study really represents is a shift in how we think about haircare. It shows that when you support hair health at the cellular level, and do so consistently, you can influence how hair ages. For me, this research wasn’t just about proving Arey works; it was about opening the door for a more science-backed, proactive approach to hair pigmentation and long-term hair health across the industry.
Conducting a clinical study felt like a responsibility. We partnered with independent researchers and studied 173 participants between the ages of 28 and 65 over six months, evaluating them at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. All participants started with less than 25% grey hair, which allowed us to look specifically at prevention and early intervention.
The results were incredibly validating. 88% of participants using Arey’s The System saw reduced grey hair growth, along with 3x thicker, fuller hair and improved shine. On average, they had 13% less grey hair, compared to the placebo group, which actually experienced a 10% increase in greys over the same period.
What this study really represents is a shift in how we think about haircare. It shows that when you support hair health at the cellular level, and do so consistently, you can influence how hair ages. For me, this research wasn’t just about proving Arey works; it was about opening the door for a more science-backed, proactive approach to hair pigmentation and long-term hair health across the industry.
When you say Arey’s products target greying at the root, what do you mean by that? Which ingredients are the heroes?
When I say we target greying at the root, I mean we’re focused on what’s happening inside the hair follicle, where pigment is actually produced, rather than trying to mask the appearance of grey hair after it shows up.
At the core of Arey is our proprietary Arey® Compound found in our supplement Not Today, Grey and our patented Mela-9® Complex, both of which were designed to support pigment production and overall follicle health. One of the biggest contributors to greying is oxidative stress within the hair follicle. Over time, that stress impacts the melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing pigment—causing hair to lose color.
The Mela-9® Complex combines antioxidants, peptides, and naturally-derived extracts to help reduce oxidative stress. One of the key ingredients is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20 Amide, a peptide shown to support melanogenesis, the process by which pigment is created and incorporated into the hair strand. By supporting that process, we’re helping the follicle maintain its ability to produce pigment over time.
What I find exciting is that this approach doesn’t just focus on pigmentation. By supporting the follicle at a cellular level, we’re also improving overall hair health, including things like thickness, strength, and shine. That’s really the philosophy behind Arey—healthier follicles support healthier hair and the preservation of pigmentation.
At the core of Arey is our proprietary Arey® Compound found in our supplement Not Today, Grey and our patented Mela-9® Complex, both of which were designed to support pigment production and overall follicle health. One of the biggest contributors to greying is oxidative stress within the hair follicle. Over time, that stress impacts the melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing pigment—causing hair to lose color.
The Mela-9® Complex combines antioxidants, peptides, and naturally-derived extracts to help reduce oxidative stress. One of the key ingredients is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20 Amide, a peptide shown to support melanogenesis, the process by which pigment is created and incorporated into the hair strand. By supporting that process, we’re helping the follicle maintain its ability to produce pigment over time.
What I find exciting is that this approach doesn’t just focus on pigmentation. By supporting the follicle at a cellular level, we’re also improving overall hair health, including things like thickness, strength, and shine. That’s really the philosophy behind Arey—healthier follicles support healthier hair and the preservation of pigmentation.
For women in their 20s and 30s, what habits matter most for hair longevity and preventing greying?
While genetics play a small role, the majority of greying is influenced by lifestyle and environmental stress. That means the choices you make early, how you care for your scalp, the ingredients you expose it to, and how consistently you support hair health, matter more than people realize.
Reducing oxidative stress is key. That looks like minimizing harsh chemicals, being thoughtful about frequent coloring or aggressive products around the hairline, reducing your exposure to UV rays, and simplifying routines where possible. The scalp and hair follicles are delicate—and overloading them with unnecessary toxins can work against long-term hair health.
Consistency is another big factor. Supporting hair at the follicle level, through daily habits, nutrition, and targeted formulas, can help preserve pigment and hair quality over time. It’s much easier to maintain healthy hair and delay greying than it is to try to reverse changes later.
Ultimately, longevity comes down to starting early, staying consistent, and choosing care that supports how hair ages, not just how it looks today.
Reducing oxidative stress is key. That looks like minimizing harsh chemicals, being thoughtful about frequent coloring or aggressive products around the hairline, reducing your exposure to UV rays, and simplifying routines where possible. The scalp and hair follicles are delicate—and overloading them with unnecessary toxins can work against long-term hair health.
Consistency is another big factor. Supporting hair at the follicle level, through daily habits, nutrition, and targeted formulas, can help preserve pigment and hair quality over time. It’s much easier to maintain healthy hair and delay greying than it is to try to reverse changes later.
Ultimately, longevity comes down to starting early, staying consistent, and choosing care that supports how hair ages, not just how it looks today.
"The most important habit is thinking about hair the same way we think about skin—proactively, not reactively.”
For women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, how does Arey’s approach shift?
When greys are more visible, Arey’s approach becomes about preservation, support, and quality.
Once a hair turns white, it’s unlikely to fully reverse, although we have had some clients experience repigmentation even on what can appear as a white hair. What we know for certain is that it’s far more effective to support the pigment you still have and help slow the appearance of new greys.
That’s where Arey fits in. By supporting hair health at the follicle level, our products are designed to help delay new grey growth, which can mean going longer between coloring appointments if you choose to color your hair, rather than feeling like new greys are constantly popping up.
We also focus heavily on hair quality. Grey hair often comes in coarser, drier, and more wiry, much like how skin changes as it ages (fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, loss of elasticity). Just as we turn to more hydrating and nourishing skincare over time, aging hair needs the same level of care. Arey is formulated to help soften texture, improve manageability, and support overall hair health so greys blend more seamlessly with pigmented hair.
At this stage, it’s not about chasing reversal, it’s about supporting healthier, stronger hair, preserving pigment where possible, and helping women feel more in control of how their hair ages.
Once a hair turns white, it’s unlikely to fully reverse, although we have had some clients experience repigmentation even on what can appear as a white hair. What we know for certain is that it’s far more effective to support the pigment you still have and help slow the appearance of new greys.
That’s where Arey fits in. By supporting hair health at the follicle level, our products are designed to help delay new grey growth, which can mean going longer between coloring appointments if you choose to color your hair, rather than feeling like new greys are constantly popping up.
We also focus heavily on hair quality. Grey hair often comes in coarser, drier, and more wiry, much like how skin changes as it ages (fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, loss of elasticity). Just as we turn to more hydrating and nourishing skincare over time, aging hair needs the same level of care. Arey is formulated to help soften texture, improve manageability, and support overall hair health so greys blend more seamlessly with pigmented hair.
At this stage, it’s not about chasing reversal, it’s about supporting healthier, stronger hair, preserving pigment where possible, and helping women feel more in control of how their hair ages.
As a founder, what piece of advice do you give others?
When it comes to haircare, my advice is simple: give your scalp the same care and intention you give your skin. The scalp ages up to six times faster than the skin on our face, so it only makes sense to protect it, nourish it, and think about it proactively. Healthy hair starts at the scalp, and long-term results come from consistent care—not quick fixes.
On a personal level, I always remind people to enjoy the journey. As a founder, it’s easy to get absorbed in the day-to-day, but taking a step back to recognize how far you’ve come, the team you’ve built, the people you’ve met, and the community you’ve impacted, really matters.
On a personal level, I always remind people to enjoy the journey. As a founder, it’s easy to get absorbed in the day-to-day, but taking a step back to recognize how far you’ve come, the team you’ve built, the people you’ve met, and the community you’ve impacted, really matters.
What’s on the horizon for Arey this year?
We can’t say too much just yet, but I’ll give the Oak Essentials community a small sneak peek: sleep is everything—and it impacts your hair.
Your body does some of its most important repair and regeneration while you sleep—and hair health is no exception. We’re focused on how to help people better support that process, not just during the day, but while they rest.
Your body does some of its most important repair and regeneration while you sleep—and hair health is no exception. We’re focused on how to help people better support that process, not just during the day, but while they rest.
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