Going grey? No problem! Women are finally shattering the stigma around going grey, learning to embrace their natural hair colour as part of their natural lifecycle – which often involves our strands taking on a certain salt-and-pepper hue as we grow older.
Acceptance is one thing – but transitioning from years of colour treatments to growing out your natural grey might not be so easy. The transition phase can even make your journey more difficult, especially for those who aren’t sure how to navigate that liminal phase through to the end result they’re trying to achieve.
If you’re looking to shift to a fully grey mane, but aren’t sure where to start – you’re in luck! Rosie Baylis, colour expert, explains everything you need to know about blending your roots, the grey-ceful way...
What is grey blending?
The easiest way to transition to a completely grey mane? It's time to get acquainted with grey blending!
“Grey blending is the solution every woman in their midlife has been searching for – the perfect middle ground between going fully natural and not seeing a stripe of roots within a couple of weeks,” Rosie begins. “As a grey blending expert, the women I speak to have made peace with their greys and the fact that they are ageing – however, it is the obvious ‘stripe’ that they don’t like and what makes them feel older than they are.”
She continues: “The main aim of the [grey blending] technique is to break up the solid line of regrowth and create a seamless colour that blurs the line between your coloured hair and your greys coming through.”
Rosie’s do’s and don'ts for grey blending
Knowing how to transition and blend your tresses correctly can be a bit of a grey area – but take note, as Rosie spills her top dos and don’ts...
1. Do your root research
Before you take the leap, it is important to understand what it means for your roots during the grey blending process – plus know the right products for a more seamless finish. Rosie explains: “It can feel daunting when deciding to blend your greys, but know that doing this doesn’t mean you’ll have solid white roots. You will have a middle ground that releases you from that cycle of having your colour done so frequently, and alongside the correct products and aftercare, you will discover a brand-new identity for this stage of your life.”
2. Do hydrate your hair
As we get older, not only does our hair colour change, but so does its strength and texture.
“Grey hair may feel drier, as it’s around the same age we go significantly grey, and our scalp’s sebaceous glands begin to secrete less oil than before,” Rosie explains. “Using professional moisturising products will help with this, such as the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner Moisturising Bundle for Dry Hair.”
Perfect for strands that seek a splash of moisture and supple softness, this hydrating duo works in tandem to replenish dry, colour-treated hair, infused with key ingredients such as jojoba, green tea, and sage.
3. Do Consider Babylights
When creating the best blend for grey strands, it’s all about technique! To avoid the obvious ‘strip’ when your roots grow out, babylights might just be your best friend!
Rosie recommends: “Break up [grey roots] with lots of tiny foils called babylights.” They are ultra-fine, delicate highlights that have smaller gaps between them than traditional highlights, which gives a seamlessly blended look. She assures: “These can be toned to suit your skin tone and end goal!”
4. Don’t go permanent
Exposing your strands to chemicals can be quite damaging and can allow you to get stuck in a colouring cycle! Rosie advises: “Stop using a permanent hair colour as soon as possible, even in between your foils. As long as you have one solid colour, you are always going to have an obvious stripe of regrowth.”
5. Don’t feel the need to go lighter
To blend your greys gradually, you don’t always need to go lighter (although it can help!). Rosie explains: “The majority of women whom I have helped over the last two years within my transformations have been brunettes, who have got to the point where there is no other option, and they have to do something about it.”
She tells us: “As long as the solid line is broken up with ribbons of colour, such as honey, caramels and butterscotch tones if they have a warmer skin tone; or beiges, matte and cool brown shades if they have a cooler skin tone, they can still identify as a brunette.”
How long will it take for my roots to re-grow?
Rosie recommends: “After successfully blending [their] greys, clients can go between 3-6 months before recolouring their hair. As they get towards the end of that time frame, I advise them to use Color Wow Root Cover Up to tide them over in those last few weeks.”
What’s more, this root touch-up is the perfect way to try out your new grey look before taking yourself to the salon. It helps to conceal the appearance of root regrowth and sparse areas, thanks to its reflective mineral powder formula, boasting a natural-looking finish that allows you to blend your roots with your desired strand shade to get a real feel for grey blending!
Grey Hair Transitioning Essentials
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