Are you ready to ditch the dye and begin transitioning to grey hair for good? Here’s everything you need to know about going grey gracefully
Are you ready to ditch the dye and begin transitioning to grey hair for good? Here’s everything you need to know about going grey gracefully
Turning grey is one of life's inevitabilities, which throws up two choices: dye your roots or start transitioning to grey hair.
You may not remember your first kiss or the name of the family goldfish but we bet you remember spotting your first grey hair, glinting in the sunlight. Given that a sliver of silver usually appears before our very first wrinkle, it can be a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of youth.
It might seem a bit dramatic but grey-bashing has been a part of our cultural psyche for decades. Of course, this doesn’t apply to men, for whom a smattering of salt and pepper hair makes them appear distinguished and debonair.
But ladies, you’ll be glad to hear the grey tides are a changing. Letting your hair go 100% grey is no longer something to avoid, and certainly doesn’t have the stigma attached to it that it once did. But just because you're letting your hair go au natural, doesn't mean you can neglect it. Silver hair can turn brassy, so a purple-neutralizing shampoo is a must. The texture can also seem a little more on the wiry side—nothing one of the best hair straighteners can't sort!
If you’ve been coloring your grey for years but are contemplating growing it out, here’s everything you need to know on transitioning to grey hair smoothly and seamlessly.
HOW TO START TRANSITIONING TO GREY HAIR
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was beautifully shiny silver hair so don’t expect your colorist to transform it in within a few hours. “If you have a few inches of grey, the lengths and ends of your hair need to be artificially lifted so the contrast isn’t as obvious,” explains Katie Hale, Head of Color at Charles Worthington Salons. “I’d do a full head of baby lights (ultra-fine highlights) or finely sliced balayage, so it blends better with grey.”
Have a consultation with your colorist beforehand to ensure you’re both on the same page and to see if highlights in hair or the balayage hair technique will work for you as you transition. There are so many factors to a color change and a good colorist will take you on that journey.
Consider your budget, as it can be costly if you enlist the help of a pro. “If you’ve spent years getting a quick root tint every few weeks, bear in mind a color change will cost more because you’ll spend longer in the salon,” says Katie. You’ll need to see your colorist every 10 to 12 weeks, but remember: grey hair will be lower maintenance and less costly in the long-run. Which means you'll have extra pocket money to spend on a lunchtime tweakment or on the best mascara. Win win!
DOS AND DON'TS OF TRANSITIONING TO GREY HAIR
• Do use temporary root concealers
This is the best way to disguise regrowth until you can get to the salon.
• Do change your parting
It sounds odd but you could have more grey on one side of your head than the other. A zig-zag parting can help soften harsh lines.
• Don't dye your roots
• Don't be tempted to give up and reach for the dye. Your colorist needs a good few inches of regrowth to work with, so be patient and wait it out.
• Do invest in the right products
Coloring already processed hair makes it very dry. Use a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to strengthen it.
• Don't get stuck in a makeup rut
Be brave and play with bolder colors. “When you embrace the beautiful tones of grey hair it creates a neutral frame around your face, so it’s an opportunity to boost the color in your makeup, ” says Caroline Barnes, International make-up artist and Max Factor Ambassador.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO TRANSITION TO GREY HAIR?
Transitioning to grey hair can take time. “It really depends on the starting point,” says Katie. “If you’ve been coloring your hair very dark, then this journey will take much longer than if your hair is lighter.” The length of your hair is a factor too. “If you’re going through the process of changing your color, I always say to clients that they may need to compromise on their cut,” advises Katie.
Shorter hair can take as little as six months, while longer hair can take up to a year or more to go 100% grey—the perfect excuse to check out some short hairstyles. “And remember, the darker your hair when you begin, the more color will need to be applied to blend and lighten it to your grey roots,” adds Katie. “This can leave your hair very dry, so the more you are prepared to cut off, the better—to help your hair look and feel in good condition.”
Article & pic from womanandhome, written by Sarah Cooper-White and Stephanie Maylor