How To Transition To Grey Hair
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Transition From Dyed Hair To Natural Grey The Right Way
So, you’ve made the decision. It’s time to embrace the grey! And, let’s be clear here, there is absolutely nothing wrong with grey hair. If anything, it’s in fashion!
Although it may feel a little daunting, and can perhaps feel very emotional, it can also be an empowering moment for you as you enter this new phase of your hair’s life and appearance.
The hardest part really is the transition, as it can take a while to fully grow out. But, if you really care for your hair throughout the whole process, you can properly rock those new gorgeous silver strands and not have the process feel like a big defeat.
But, how does one begin growing in the grey from dyed hair? And, how can you make it as enjoyable a transition as possible?
First Things First, Why Does Hair Turn Grey?
When our bodies begin to mature, the pigment (melanin) in cells located in our hair follicles (at the base of the root) die. Melanin gives our hair colour, so without it, each strand will begin to appear white. Gray hair is usually genetic so if your parents went grey, then it’s pretty much guaranteed you will too!
Concerned you’re prematurely greying? Premature greying can be brought on by some health conditions like diabetes, thyroid malfunction, and pernicious anaemia. Check in with your doctor.
How To Transition To Grey Hair
Transitioning To Grey: It's Time To Cut And Style
If you’re anxious your transition to grey is going to make you look older, it’s essential you get a cut and style that gives you confidence in advance. Be really transparent with your hairdresser, and ask their opinion on what trim will flatter you and tell them about your journey to silver strands.
This doesn’t mean you have to jump to a pixie cut, although the shorter your hair, the less length the colour has to grow out. If you passionately love your lengths, make sure to keep up with regular trims to keep any dry ends at bay which can make your mane look messy. You want the transition to look sleek and purposeful, so up your hair care throughout this process.
Transitioning To Grey: Highlights Can Help Blend Your Roots
If you were a bottled red or a brown hair colour before you started growing out your greys, you don’t want to be left with a racing stripe of roots down the middle of your head. This is the hardest part of the transition to overcome as it can really be unsightly.
Approach your hair stylist about incorporating some low lights, perhaps blended with some highlights to soften the line of transition. This will help blend the tones going on on your head. Specify to your dresser that that’s your desired outcome: you only want transitioning streaks, not the whole lot dyed or you’ll have to start the grey growth process all over again!
Transitioning To Grey: Prevent Brassiness With An Ash Toner
So, we’ve assessed the root problem, but what about the ends? Without regularly dyeing the ends of your hair, it can look really brassy as the colour fades. If you notice this has started to happen, chat to your stylist about “ash toners”.
An ash toner will take away the brassy harsh tones in the previously dyed hair. Or alternatively, you can use a shampoo and conditioner that contains violet pigments which can help dial down the brassy, yellowy tones occurring.
Transitioning To Gray: Switch Up Your Conditioning Products
With a new colour comes a new texture. Yes, grey hair can be wiry, coarse and dry to touch. In addition, growing out dyed hair can bring about split ends if regular trims aren’t achievable.
It’s important, now more than ever then, to be using appropriate and targeted products. Products that specifically target grey hair, and contain moisture enhancing glycerine can really help keep the strands silky, smooth and shiny.
Transitioning To Grey: Invest In Better Bedding
If you want to support your hair in it’s transition of texture, then it may be time to invest in a silk pillowcase! Cotton is significantly more porous than silk, so can strip the scalp (and thus the hair) of it’s naturally produced oils, which grey hair needs more of as it is more coarse.
Promoting your pillow case to silk can help your hair retain moisture, keep it looking and feeling smooth, and maintain it’s overall health!
Cel Pro Tip: If you like to sleep with your hair up, leave out the elastic band and upgrade your scrunchies to silk too!
Transitioning To Grey: Fuel Your Hair With Protein
Hair is made of protein – that’s what keratin is! And protein consists of essential amino acids which your hair also loves. So, make sure you’re keeping on top of your protein levels via fish, eggs and lean meat like chicken and turkey.
If you’re wanting to optimise your hair from the inside out, it may be worth checking out a supplement that’s prime aim is to promote healthier, thicker hair. Look for one loaded with protein peptides, vitamins B & C, super biotin and niacin.
How To Transition To Gray Hair: Our Final Thoughts
This journey to grey doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming: it can be a moment of growth and real release! Remember, grey is gorgeous, and we hope these tips will help you on your way to feeling in control of your hair’s new chapter!
