HOW TO TRANSITION TO GRAY HAIR — 6 STEPS TO LOVING YOUR JOURNEY

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in a store window and thought, “Wait, are those silver strands in my hair, or did I accidentally walk through a cloud of glitter?” If so, congratulations. Like me, you’re officially in the “going gray” club! But don’t panic; you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not doomed to a life of shapeless cardigans and reading glasses perched precariously on the tip of your nose. In fact, learning how to transition to gray hair can be downright empowering, and even stylish.

During the pandemic I decided to let my gray hair grow out. What a shocker! Not only was it no longer black, it was actually a very weird shade of yellowish-white. If ever there was a time to embrace the gray this was it, though I’ll be honest, I wondered how to wear gray hair without looking old. I soon realized that was a non-issue as the average age for gray hair was all over the place! Many women learn how to transition to gray hair in their 20s, though most experience it later in life. Like always, it doesn’t have anything to do with a number, it’s the “C” word that counts – Confidence!

Ready to rock your transition? Read on!

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE SHIFT (AND LAUGH AT IT!)

First things first: you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. I’d spent decades coloring my hair, only to realize the upkeep was starting to feel like a full-time job. Then one day, I noticed a few rogue strands had multiplied overnight like enthusiastic bunnies. Either way, the message was clear. It was time to come to terms with the fact that my hair was changing, and I knew there was an important decision looming ahead of me.

After chatting with a few of my friends, some who had accepted the gray and others who decided to stick with the arduous bi-monthly task of coloring, the consensus was somewhere between thinking “Oh no, I’m going gray,” to “Hey, look at me, I’m sparkling!” I thoroughly understood both sides and realized that whether I chose to go fully gray, highlight or stick with a dark brown, I had to remember it’s my hair, my rules. This is “AGING OUT LOUD – No Limits, No Apologies, No Regrets,” after all!

2. DECIDE ON YOUR TRANSITION GAME PLAN

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to going gray, so think about what feels right for you. Some folks dive in cold turkey, letting their natural color grow out in all its skunky (is that a word?) glory. This is the boldest (and arguably the bravest) route. You stop coloring altogether and let nature do its thing. Yes, there may be a few awkward phases, but think of it as an evolving work of art.

Others prefer a more gradual approach, blending highlights or lowlights to soften the transition. If you’re not ready for a dramatic line of demarcation, consider partial highlights or lowlights that gradually lighten your colored hair while your roots come in.

If you’re unsure, visit a trusted stylist with experience in the art of going gray. And don’t forget to ask for some tips on using temporary hair color for gray hair. It’s like having a personal cheerleader who also knows their way around foils and developer.

3. STOCK UP ON SILVER-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

Gray hair has a personality all its own. It can be coarse, prone to dryness, or even develop brassy tones if left to fend for itself. The good news is that a few targeted products can keep those silver locks looking vibrant and healthy.

• Ever seen gray hair that looks yellowish? My advice on how to get yellow out of gray hair is to use purple shampoo. It neutralizes brassy undertones, leaving your silver strands bright and shiny.
• Gray hair tends to be drier, so treat it to a weekly moisture mask.
• As a finishing touch, use a lightweight serum or leave-in conditioner which can help tame frizz and add a little extra shine to your crown of glory.

4. EMBRACE THE “SILVER FOX” AESTHETIC

The more I learn about gray hair, I’m realizing that gray hair can be incredibly chic, sophisticated, and, dare I say it, (yes, I will), sexy. Just ask the hordes of celebrities who have intentionally gone platinum or silver for the sheer fashion of it.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, also think about experimenting with haircuts. A pixie cut or sleek bob is a modern edgy take you might like, or if you’re feeling more bohemian, longer layers can create a soft, ethereal vibe. And don’t forget about accessories like headbands, bold barrettes, or even a wide-brimmed hat. Play around with your new hair color and you’ll find lots of ways to make it a standout.

5. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Not telling you anything new, but healthy hair (no matter the color) isn’t just about what you put on it, it’s also about what you put in your body. As you age, your nutritional needs change, and so do your hair’s. Make sure you’re giving your locks the building blocks they need to look their best.  Protein (lean meats or fish, beans), omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds) and vitamins and minerals including iron, vitamin D, and biotin are all hair-friendly nutrients.

Need a boost? Try Nutrafol Women’s Balance especially formulated for women over 45 with biotin, collagen, and other hair-loving ingredients to support healthy growth, and add luster to gray hair.

6. REMEMBER CONFIDENCE IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT

Just as we’ve discussed before, like in so many areas of our lives, the real magic lies in how you feel about your hair. Confidence is the ultimate styling tool. If you carry yourself like you’re rocking the hottest trend, people will believe it, because, well, you are. Replace phrases like “This hair makes me look so old” to “I’m rocking this silver!” It works, just give it a try.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others but try focusing on what inspires you instead. Flip through magazines or check out gray hairstyles on Pinterest, you’ll see exactly what I’m saying!

Transitioning to gray hair isn’t about giving up on style, it’s about growing out gray hair gracefully and embracing a new chapter with flair. Sure, there might be awkward stages or unexpected surprises (who knew hair could be so opinionated?), but in the end, you’re stepping into a look that’s entirely your own.

So go on, let those gray strands shine! Whether you go cold turkey, add highlights, or rock a brand-new color, remember that the real beauty lies in your attitude. Because gray hair isn’t a sign of giving up, it’s a declaration that you’re boldly, unapologetically, and fabulously you.

~~~ How would embracing your natural gray hair align with your sense of confidence and self-expression at this stage in your life? ~~~

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