Going gray is a natural part of aging that many people are choosing to embrace nowadays. The growing out process can be awkward and challenging as your natural hair color grows alongside the dyed strands. With some planning and TLC, you can grow out your grays gracefully. You don’t have to go from full color to full gray overnight. Talk to your hairstylist about transition cuts and styles that can make growing out less jarring. Options include lowlights, balayage, ombre, root smudging, or a subtle single-process color a shade lighter than your natural tone. These techniques help blend the line of demarcation between colored and gray hair. A shorter haircut like a pixie, bob, or lob also makes grow-out less noticeable.

Use clarifying and anti-yellow shampoos

As your hair grows out, it’s normal for it to get a bit brassy from leftover color. Using a clarifying shampoo once a week helps remove product buildup and fading dye pigments. An anti-yellowing shampoo with violet or blue undertones cancels out warm, brassy tones. Let the shampoo sit for 5 minutes before rinsing for optimal results. These shampoos are safe for frequent use. Gloss treatments and root touch-up products provide a temporary refresh between full-color appointments. Semi-permanent conditioning glosses add shine and tone down brassiness in gray hair. Root concealers similar to mascara disguise grown-out roots for a seamless look.

Ask your stylist which products are best for your particular hair shade and texture. Use a light hand when applying them yourself to avoid an obvious line of demarcation. Dry, dull hair emphasizes any discoloration and damage. As you grow out color-treated hair, intensive conditioning is a must. Avoid silicone-based conditioners; they make hair look shiny at first but can lead to buildup. Get frequent trims to snip away dry ends and keep hair looking healthy.

Style strategically

Certain hair salons fort lauderdale work better than others when growing out gray hair. Avoid tight updos that pull on the scalp and emphasize the roots. Face-framing layers around the hairline also draw attention to the grown-out color. Focus on looser styles like a messy bun or soft waves to make the transition less stark. Style with dry shampoo at the roots to soak up oil and give a fluffier look. Growing out of your gray hair doesn’t happen overnight. Some days your hair will look how you want, while others the grow-out will be more noticeable. Remember that this transition time is temporary, even though it feels frustrating at the moment. Remind yourself that you are embracing your natural hair color.

Buy hair accessories like pretty clips and headbands to distract from grown-out roots. Meet with your hairstylist whenever the grow-out process feels too difficult to tackle alone. They suggest low-maintenance cuts, color techniques, and products to ease the transition. If you ultimately decide to return to dyeing, your hair will hopefully be in better shape after giving it a rest and TLC. Think of going gray as an ongoing journey – you may change your mind or tweak your look over time.