How to go grey gracefully​

Going grey is a rite of passage we all will pass through. While many women choose to cover their greys, there’s a growing number who are embracing this hair colour. The process of greying can happen over a period of years, or sometimes just months, with only certain parts of the hair losing their colour at a time.

This means the transition to grey can be a lengthy one, and is a different journey for each person. Going grey gracefully takes a bit of planning! To give you the confidence to show off your silver with pride, we’ve compiled our top tips for going grey gracefully.

Why does hair go grey?

Did you know that your hair isn’t always growing? In fact, each hair fibre goes through a ‘growth cycle’ during its lifetime. There’s both the ‘active phase’, when the hair is growing, and the ‘inactive phase’, when the hair follicle ‘turns off’. During this time, your hair sheds and the entire process starts again. So, why does hair go grey? The production of pigment (which is what gives you your natural hair colour) also turns off and on again. If, when the ‘active phase’ of your hair growth restarts, the pigment doesn’t turn back on at the same time, then the hair won’t have any colour and will grow back with a white appearance. This white appearance is just a lack of colour that shows up as white or grey when contrasted with your skin tone and the rest of your hair.

Going grey naturally

For some, allowing yourself to go grey can be a symbolic process which prompts reflection and encourages personal development and change. It can be an important and beautiful process for many.

Lots of people may fear going grey as it can signify growing older, but this means embracing these changes is even more important. Rather than becoming a period of emotional turmoil, if you’re able to accept going grey as a natural process you might find that your most authentic, gorgeous self is just around the corner.

Stages of growing out grey hair

Typically, people will start noticing their grey hairs in their 30s, but for some people, grey hair can occur in their 20s or even in their teens. Genetics, lifestyle, ethnicity, and stress all play a factor in the appearance of grey hair. The average age for grey hair discovery sits around the mid-30s. However, there are different stages of growing out grey hair.

These hairs feel slightly coarser and more wiry and are more visible on those with dark hair. Finding grey hairs at 30, or even younger, is totally normal, and it can take many decades before a full head of grey hair arises. Check out these grey hair photos to see the progression of grey hair throughout the ages.

By their 50s, most men & women, regardless of ethnicity or genetics, will have some more noticeable grey hairs. Lighter shades are less contrasting with grey hair than dark shades, so many people turn to colour to cover up their greys. If that’s your style, our Excellence Age Perfect Colour Care range of dyes is specially formulated to nourish greying hair, that can feel brittle and dry as we grow older. However, many women prefer to embrace their natural silver.

In your 60s, significant grey hair is expected. Many women with darker hair will have a noticeable salt-and-pepper look, while women with lighter hair will be more silver in comparison. Going grey is a natural and expected part of ageing, and by this age, many in their 60s with grey hair choose to fully embrace the look.

To care for your grey hair, treatments like L’Oreal Paris Cool Silver help to boost the health of your hair, leaving naturally grey hair softer, stronger, and visibly less brassy.

By age 70, most people’s hair will be fully grey or white. This stunning tone is a reminder for many of the privilege it is to grow old, and many choose to embrace their new locks and the process of having gone grey gracefully. To care for grey hair and keep it looking its best, try an enhancing silver treatment like the Cool Silver for vibrant greys and visibly healthier hair.

Short grey hair

Short grey hairstyles are a growing trend among men & women as they age for a number of reasons. It’s often easier to go grey if you have a short, layered haircut as it can be quicker to even out your overall shade. Having a shorter cut at this stage also keeps your hair looking thick and luscious, and is easier to care for. If you have had long hair all your life, giving your hair a chop alongside embracing white hair can give you a whole new look to boost your confidence as you choose to go grey gracefully.

How to moisturise dry grey hair

As you get older, your hair is finer and feels drier and more brittle. Opting to stop dyeing your hair will improve your hair’s condition, but it’s also important to give your locks some regular TLC.

We have a range of hair masques and oils to choose from, including our Elvive Extraordinary Oil hair care range, designed to give sheer indulgence to your hair and NEW Growth Booster, our most scientific anti-hair loss range from Elvive, which is clinically proven to reduce hair loss in up 12 weeks.

Going grey gracefully

Going grey gracefully is as much a state of mind as it is a process. If you’re tired of keeping up with grey roots and feel ready to embrace your natural silver shade, get ready to own it. Enhance the shine of your grey with L’Oréal’s Cool Silver, powered with ceramides and silver hues to visibly increase shine, reduce brassiness, and make your silver even more vibrant!

We understand that going grey isn’t easy for everyone, and the decision can take some soul-searching. If you’re looking for some advice, or just want to talk through your choices with an expert, our team at L’Oréal Paris are always on hand to help.

Going Grey FAQs

How to go grey without looking old?
Keeping your hair moisturised and nourished can prevent grey hair from looking wiry and creating an older appearance. Alternatively, you could consider highlights or lowlights to blend your natural hair colour in with the grey and provide a more seamless transition into grey hair. Using a caring formula such as L’Oréal Paris’ Cool Silver treatment, strengthens hair with ceramides and purple-enriched dyes to leave hair visibly healthier, softer, and more radiant.
How long does it take for hair to go grey once it starts?
Once you’ve found your first grey hairs, it can take several years, or even many decades, for your hair to go fully grey. Grey hair grows from the root like any other hair, so how quickly your hair grows will also affect how quickly the grey grows in. Some people may find the odd grey hair, but not see any more new ones for several years.
How to stop grey hair
It is impossible to prevent ageing and counteract your genetics, but there are a few things you can do to slow down hair greying. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels can help with premature ageing. Additionally, if you’re not ready to embrace the grey, dyeing your hair can provide extra colour coverage.
When does grey hair start?
The average age for grey hairs to start appearing is in the 30s, however, some people may find grey hairs in their 20s or even their teens. Factors like genetics, ethnicity, stress, and lifestyle play a role in when grey hair starts.