In my previous blog, A Grey Journey: Part 1, I explained why I developed a passion for the growing trend of embracing natural grey hair. This post is about the different ways to transition to grey hair, whether you’re going the natural route, opting for a full transformation, or choosing something in between.

FIRST, HOW AND WHY DOES HAIR TURN GREY OR WHITE?

As hairstylists, we often hear comments like:

• “My hair seems more white than grey.”
• “Why does my grey look so different from my friend’s grey?”

The reason lies in melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour. As we age, melanin production decreases. This process happens over time and varies for everyone.

As melanin fades, hair transitions from an opaque colour to a translucent shade until all pigment is lost, at which point the hair appears white. Until all of your hair has turned white, a mixture of natural colour, translucent strands, and white hairs creates the overall colour you see.

• Dark Hair: Greys mixed with dark hair often appear salt-and-pepper.
• Lighter Hair: Blondes experience a subtler transition, as greys blend in more naturally and don’t stand out as much.

  
If you’ve been covering your greys with permanent colour, especially darker shades, deciding to embrace your natural grey can feel like a big step—but don’t worry, we’ve got you! Many women gradually transition to lighter shades as they age, allowing their natural greys to blend in and avoiding the stark contrast of a harsh regrowth line. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever to adapt to and embrace your grey or white hair in a way that feels right for you.

YOUR OPTIONS FOR EMBRACING GREY HAIR

Cold Turkey: Let it grow

Some people decide to stop colouring their hair altogether and embrace their natural greys by letting them grow out. This is the most natural option.

• Pros: It’s free and requires no salon maintenance.
• Cons: Growing out dyed hair, especially if it’s a darker shade, can take years. The early stages can feel awkward, as the regrowth line may look unintentional. However, as your roots grow longer, the transition will start to look more deliberate. Eventually, cutting off the remaining dyed hair can make the process quicker.
    

Adding Dimension with Highlights:

Adding highlights is a great way to soften the regrowth line and blend greys with lighter tones, creating a more natural transition.

• Pros: Highlights add dimension and make the regrowth line less harsh. Over time, adding more highlights can lighten the overall look, helping to ease into the transition.
• Cons: Highlights take additional time and money. For darker hair, highlights often take on warmer tones like caramel, which you’ll need to be comfortable with.
    

Transitioning with High- and Lowlights

Instead of committing to an all-over colour, high- and lowlights can help blend natural greys for a more multi-tonal effect. Adding a toner afterward ties everything together and gives the colour more longevity.

• Pros: This method creates a softer look, allowing you to gradually get used to your natural greys. You’ll also need less frequent root touch-ups than before.
• Cons: High- and lowlights, combined with toners, are more expensive than a simple root touch-up. However, the results are more natural and versatile.
   

The Full Transformation (One-Day Makeover)

For those who want a dramatic change, the one-day transformation is an option. This process removes the old colour from your hair, adds lowlights to mimic your natural grey pattern, and tones the hair to a silvery shade.

• Pros: Once the transformation is complete, maintenance is minimal. Occasional highlights, lowlights, or toners can help control brassiness and keep the colour fresh as your natural greys grow in.
• Cons: This process is intense—it can take up to 10 hours and comes with a high price tag. However, it’s a great option for those who want to embrace their greys quickly and confidently.

Making the Decision

Each method has its pros and cons. The best choice for you depends on your personal style, budget, and patience level. Like everything, there are a lot of grey areas (pun absolutely intended). Booking a one-on-one consultation with us can help and is also necessary for such a big change. We can help you with our expertise on this exciting new chapter of your life.