By Helena Madonna
The days of women being expected to hide or correct their greys are behind us. Embracing grey hair is the purest form of confidence. In many cultures, greying hair is a sign of wisdom, a transition into later life that's something to be proud of. However, this transition can be hard to navigate. Even the most luscious greys have gone through some variation of a transition from pigment to none. No matter the hair, the transition requires patience and persistence. Once free of pigment, hair takes on a whole new texture, meaning it requires a new routine and approach to the hair.
It can feel a little overwhelming to manage a new texture, luckily we've put all you need to know in one convenient place. Whether you're unsure of where to start or if you've already begun, you'll find everything you need to know right here.
Are you ready for this change?
There's an emotional side of the grey transition that nobody talks about. It's about leaving all artificial colour in the past and embracing aging hair. Adapting a raw change to your identity can feel daunting and yet incredibly empowering. However, there's usually a transition phase you may not love.
You'll most likely go blonde before you go grey.
It goes without saying that grey hair contains little to no pigment, this will give hair a blonde appearance. This is something to mentally prepare for those who have never lightened their hair previously.
Hair may look cool toned or washed out at first.
Uncoloured or virgin hair can feel dull at times. At first, you may find you're not used to seeing your hair in its raw, natural state.
Grey hair changes the contrast around the face.
When using artificial colour, you get used to the luxury of selecting a tone that compliments your skin tone. When that decision making is taken away to embrace your greys, it can feel a little jarring.
Your makeup or clothing style preferences may change.
With any hair change can come a change in style overall. You may feel the need to adjust that products worn on your face or your style day to day.
Patience is essential.
Going grey is isn't one dramatic reveal, it’s a series of stages. Through these stages, you're likely to experience the stripe stage (a solid line of regrowth), patchy regrowth (a mix of your pigmented natural hair and your grey hair) and the clashing of cool silver against warm leftover colour.
The colour you begin with defines everything.
The artificial colour you choose at the start with determines what your grey journey will look like and how long the process will take.
For blondes or those with light brown hair:
• There will be less contrast between regrowth and coloured hair
• Easier blending
• Softer grow out line
• More flexibility with low lights or toners
• Can sometimes achieve a transition with highlights alone
For those with dark brown or black hair:
• The contrast is much stronger
• Existing colour is harder to lift
• Grey regrowth appears more obvious
• Multiple appointments over a long period of time are usually needed
• There's no instant way to switch to silver. The magical way to 'strip' dark colour without bleach simply does not exist. Lifting colour is bleaching.
• Artificial dark colour is stubborn, box dye especially and this complicates the process.
Root smudges
A root smudge can soft your line of demarcation, allowing for a smooth transition of contrast rather a harsh line.
Blending appointments
These appointments look different for everybody. They may come in the form of highlights, lowlights or a subtle semi-permanent. Talk to your stylist about which one is right for your hair.
Cutting off length can speed up the process.
There's no quicker, easier or healthier way to go grey than to simply chop off your old colour. If you don't love the idea of a full pixie transformation, than opt for a decent trim.
Toning
A toner can make all the difference when it comes to making hair feel fresh during a grey transition. It can eliminate brassy tones from old colour and revive any shine that may be lacking. The results may surprise you.
Strategic highlights or lowlights.
Stylists know about all the sneaky ways to hide the grey grow out.
Raw dog it.
Believe it or not, leaving your greys to grow out untouched can look incredibly chic. It may just be a matter of getting a new haircut, wearing your hair in a different style or changing your clothing style.
Semis Are Your Besties.
Switching over to semi-permanent colours can soften the blow when blending greys. They allow for:
• A softer fade
• Less harsh regrowth
• More flexibility
• Less commitment
• A smokier transition
Grey Hair Is An Investment.
Ironically, at first embracing your natural colour can initially become more expensive than covering it. Prepare for:
• Multiple salon appointments
• Toners
• Glosses
• Highlight sessions
• Haircuts
• Purple shampoos or products
Why Does Grey Hair Feel Different?
This is a question often raised when greys first start sprouting. Greys can be drier and coarser, loss of
pigment can effect softness and shine. These texture changes are completely normal and can be
managed. Although it may be incredibly tempting, do not pull them out! Greys become dependent on
products that hydrate and soften.
The Best Products For Grey Hair: Purple and Silver care.
Purple & Silver Care:
Purple and silver products don't only assist in eliminating brassy tones on blonde hair, they also do
wonders for greys. They help to correct and prevent yellowing resulting in fresh, clean looking greys.
Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel
A lavender toned treatment that keeps greys bright and cool toned whilst adding softness and shine
thanks to ingredients such as; jojoba oil, sunflower seed extract, shea butter and mango seed butter
K18 Peptide Detox Shampoo
A deep detox wash that removes the mineral and product buildup that can make grey hair appear yellow, flat or dull.
Best Products for Grey Hair: Moisture & Softening.
Once pigment disappears, greys can be left looking dry, rough with a cloudy finish. It's no secret that greys require extra moisture, however, what's not commonly known, greys also require softening. Products designed to soften the hair help relieve strands of their rough exterior, making hair silkier whilst boosting shine.
Davines OI Oil
A lightweight shine oil that softens coarse grey hair and smooths frizz without heaviness.
Evo Happ Campers Wearable Treatment
Happy Campers hydrates greys without coating strands too heavily. Its helps to smooth rough cuticles whilst providing a little heat protection.
Kevin Murphy Young Again Masque
The entire Young Again range has been crafted to treat aging hair specifically, they soften and hydrate grey hairs like no other. This masque is a deeply nourishing anti-aging treatment that restores elasticity and reduces that brittle, straw like texture.
Davines This Is A Shimmering Mist
A weightless shine mist that will increase reflectiveness, making greys appear brighter and cleaner. It
reduces that dusty, matte finish, replacing it with a glass like sheen.
