“to gray or not to gray, that is the question?” since many of you are considering the leap to ‘go gray’ you asked, “how i transitioned to gray hair?” well, i had a long time to get used to my gray hair as my first strand was discovered at the ripe old age of 17. if you read my About page here, you noticed a few gray strands in that painting age 32. through the years i more or less revealed rather than concealed the gray with highlights. then about eight years ago, my minneapolis stylist suggested i let it my hair go ‘au naturel,’ as we were adding highlights for no good reason. and that’s just what i did, never looking back. no one even realized i stopped highlighting my hair. it was that easy for me. and i have to admit i love the fact i don’t have to make a mad dash to the hair stylist and sit in the chair for an hour or two while they meticulously foiled my hair. that was a pain in the patoot i was willing to endure. but i’m thrilled that’s one step that’s eliminated from my schedule. here’s a YouTube video i shared about ‘all things gray.’
how to transition from dyed to grey hair.
since i don’t have a dramatic ‘going gray’ story to share i gathered a few tips and tricks from stylists as to how to transition from colored hair to gray. these steps won’t guarantee an overnight transformation, but it will help with your decision with going gray or not (it’s not for everybody) and what it entails.
- discuss your options with your hairstylist. this is a big decision and having the input of professionals is an important first step.
- grow your roots an inch or two then opt for a pixie cut to remove the dye from your hair.
- not ready for a drastic change? try a color correction then add highlights for a ‘salt and pepper’ look. this will take continual upkeep as it can take six months to a year to go from color to gray.
- have long hair? keep your hair in a ponytail or bun and use a color stick on your roots.
- adding highlights? they can tend to turn brassy so ask your stylist/colorist if a toner will help keep the brass at bay.
- a purple shampoo used twice a week will keep your silver locks in tip-top condition.
hair products i recommend.
daily: kerastase shampoo; kerastase conditioner; twice a week i use a silver/blonde r+co shampoo; silver/blonde r+co conditioner;
daily styling products r+co pomade; r+co styling cream; weekly: kerastase deep conditioner
combating the effects of aging hair.
yes, our hair like our skin is aging with us. first and foremost healthy hair starts with a healthy diet. lot’s of lean protein is important, avoiding too much fat, eating the right carbs, and drinking lots of water is key.
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- get a regular trim every six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy and growing.
- washing your hair removes natural oils so skip a few days. since i workout regularly i alternate shampoo and conditioner with conditioner only.
- wet hair is fragile. instead of wrapping your hair in a towel after your shower just blot with a towel.
- chemical treatments like bleaching, straightening and dying cause the hair to become stiff and dry, causing it to break. make certain to use the best products for color treated hair.
last but not least, a terrific haircut is important whether you color your hair or not. but if you decide to embrace your silver locks make darn certain you have an up-to-date ‘do.’ and short hair is more versatile than you think. here’s a video where i style my pixie two ways.
happy sunday, ladies!
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Your hair is gorgeous. Thanks for all of the styling & product tips, since I’ve just begun the gray journey about 6 months ago it’s helpful to know what products are best for gray hair. I was a bit resistant at first, but my trusted hairdresser convinced me that it would look great. I still have a little stain in my hair from all those years of color, but I’m pretty much down to my natural hair color and have been getting all kinds of compliments (only one person told me it makes me look older). It’s so easy and saves so much time at the hairdresser – I’m keeping it. Here’s to all of us of a certain age, whether we color or go natural, we are entering into our later years in style!
absolutely so many choices in the 21st century! finally. xo
Your hair is beautiful, Beth.
thanks, my friend! it’s wild and wavy but it’ll do. xo
Kick up the shine with a weekly shampoo from Clairol Shimmer Lights. And I now swear by Kiehl’s silk groom after every shampoo. A tiny drop goes a long way as a $26 tube lasts me about 6 months.
Love your short hair! Grey needs to be classic or funky, otherwise can turn matronly on a dime.
great tips, sophia! thanks for sharing. xo