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In recent years, gray hair has undergone a transformation, shifting from a symbol of aging to a fashionable choice for all ages. But if you're choosing to let your natural gray grow in, you know it's not an instant change. Going gray requires more upkeep and patience than just waiting for your roots to catch up. So, how do you make the process as smooth and stylish as possible?
While the shift to gray isn’t immediate, there are several strategies to help you navigate the change while looking your best. Here’s what to keep in mind as you embrace your silver strands.
Once you've committed to going gray, stay the course and embrace the journey.
Going gray requires patience. While you might feel the urge to dye your hair during the process, the best approach is to stick with it. To truly commit, having a strategy in place is essential. For some, this could mean gradually transitioning with a colorist's help, while for others, it could involve a bold haircut to embrace the ‘no turning back now’ mindset. Keep reading to find the right approach for you.
Get yourself some purple shampoo
Whatever path you take to embrace your gray, you’ll want to highlight the most flattering shade of silver. The right toning shampoo helps keep the unwanted brassiness in check. As anyone who’s gone blonde will know, purple shampoo is excellent for neutralizing brassy and yellow undertones.
Why purple? Lisa Fennessy of This Organic Girl explains that it’s a simple matter of color theory: Yellow and purple are opposite on the color wheel, meaning they cancel each other out. If your hair has yellow or brassy undertones, purple shampoo will help neutralize those warm hues.
Treat it like you would highlights
Letting your roots grow out naturally is by far the most affordable option, but it does require patience and sacrifices in terms of both time and style. Consider consulting a professional colorist who can help you gradually lighten your hair rather than simply waiting for your roots to take over.
If this is your first time lightening your hair, be prepared to spend hours in the salon. Plus, according to Good Housekeeping, it could take anywhere from six months to a year to fully transition from dyed hair to natural gray. The process will be slow, but multiple highlight sessions can add up, making the overall cost significant.
Go full gray from the start
This is the ‘rip off the Band-Aid’ method. If your roots are already gray, you might prefer to dye the rest of your hair to match. That way, as your natural gray continues to grow in, the transition won’t be as shocking—you’ve already made the jump.
Here’s our guide to coloring and caring for your hair. One of the biggest challenges of dyeing your hair is the ongoing maintenance (time and cost). Fortunately, the goal is to choose a color that your natural gray will eventually take over, freeing you from the coloring process in the long run. As mentioned, this might require a few months of upkeep before reaching that point.
If dyeing your entire head feels overwhelming, you could start by using temporary dyes to tone your hair.
Start the journey with a bold haircut
Some people aren’t fans of the ombre effect, where the top of your hair is naturally gray while the rest remains a different color. (Personally, I think the ombre fade is pretty cool.) If you're ready to embrace the full gray look, a major chop is the easiest way to transition all at once.
Keep in mind the emotional impact this change might bring. You’ll be adjusting to two big changes to your appearance, so it’s important to manage your expectations. If you're not accustomed to making dramatic changes in one go, it’s worth taking your time before making such a bold move.
Maintain softness and shine
Gray hair tends to become coarse or dry over time. To keep it soft and shiny, invest in hydrating and smoothing hair masks. For added luster, try using rice water. You can also maintain healthy hair by trimming split ends yourself.
Look for inspiration online
While researching this article, I found countless blogs and Instagram accounts focused on the journey of going gray. Not only can you gather inspiration from different gray styles, but you can also connect with a supportive community of people sharing the experience. Growing up, many of us were taught that going gray was something to avoid. Today, you can find reassurance and encouragement in a community that celebrates gray hair.
