Embracing natural grey hair is a transition that many women rock with style and confidence – think Jamie-Lee Curtis, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Andie MacDowell.
ALSO SEE: 5 DIY masks for damaged hair
Whether you’re through with maintaining hair dye or just curious about letting your natural grey grey shine, here’s everything you need to know to make the shift as chic and smooth as possible.
Why does hair go grey?
‘Going grey’ is a natural part of life which can start as early as one’s late 20s – we like to think of it as earning your stripes.
In technical terms, greying occurs when your follicles produce less melanin – the pigment responsible for your hair’s colour. This lack of pigment can also change your hair’s texture, making it feel coarse, dry, and prone to frizz.
If you adjust your hair-care routine accordingly, these natural changes won’t dim your silver shine.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
3 Ways to go grey
There are three common approaches to embracing your natural grey hair:
1. No fuss, go natural
Growing out your grey naturally is the simplest method, but it requires patience when the line between dyed and natural hair becomes more visible.
2. See a colour therapist for blending or a grey-friendly dye
If you’re after a subtler approach to the shift, it’s worth tracking down a specialised colour therapist who can assist with blending techniques such as highlights, lowlights, or balayage.
These techniques may help soften the contrast between your natural grey and previously dyed hair. They also give you more control over your look, giving you the option to maintain an intentional style while your natural colour grows in.
Alternatively, you can speak to your colour therapist about grey-friendly dyes that can mimic your natural silver tone or enhance vibrancy for a polished end result.
3. Make the big chop
For the bold, a ‘big chop’ can remove dyed hair quickly and give you a fresh, edgy start to embracing your natural grey locks.
6 Top tips for transitioning to grey hair
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
1. Change your hair-care routine accordingly
Grey hair is more prone to dryness, so it’s essential to prioritise keeping your locks properly hydrated. Opt for salon-grade shampoos and conditioners designed to restore moisture and prevent breakage. Try to incorporate regular deep-conditioning treatments with natural oils like argan or jojoba which keep your hair soft and manageable during the shift.
2. Protect against yellowing
Grey hair is more porous, which makes it susceptible to discolouration from UV rays, heat styling, and even pollution. To maintain a clean, vibrant silver tone, use purple shampoo a few times a month to counteract brassiness. Protect your hair with heat protectants before styling and consider wearing hats or using UV-protective sprays when spending time outdoors.
3. Experiment with a chic cut
A visit to the salon can make a world of difference during your transition to grey hair. Layers, bobs, or pixie cuts can add volume, texture, and a chic touch, while also speeding up the grow-out phase. Your stylist can recommend cuts that enhance your natural grey and complement your face shape.
4. Be bold with accessories
Accessories like claw clips, bun sticks, headbands, scarves, or butterfly clips can elevate your look and provide a creative way to blur the line between dyed and natural grey hair. Style with a bold pair of earrings and you’re set!
5. Update your makeup
Grey hair can shift how colours interact with your complexion, so it’s worth revisiting your makeup routine. Cooler-toned eyeshadows, berry or red lipsticks, and a touch of blush can brighten your look and complement your new grey look.
6. Wardrobe refresh
Clothing in jewel tones, cool neutrals, and bright shades often pair beautifully with grey hair. Experiment with different colours to find what makes you feel most confident and radiant. Or, book yourself a session with a colour therapist and find your complementary colours.
ALSO SEE: Find your signature fashion colour based on your skin tone
Whether you take it slow or make a dramatic change, remember that your silver strands are a reflection of your journey and your confidence. Own your look, love your hair, and wear it like a crown.
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Getty
