How to Go Grey Without Cutting Hair Off

Transition to gray hair without going to the salon.

Gray hair is just as alluring as dyed hair but the transition can be tricky. For the best results, wait until hair is 60 percent gray before you stop coloring it. Gray hair is brittle so invest in quality shampoo and conditioner to keep it soft and manageable, especially if your hair is long.

Things You'll Need

• Temporary hair dye

Instructions

1. 

   Lightening your hair every six weeks makes it easy to transition to gray in less than a year.

   Pick a temporary or demi-permanent hair color that is one shade lighter than the color of your dyed hair.

2. 

   Gradually lighten hair every few weeks.

   After six weeks, re-dye hair with another temporary dye that is one shade lighter than the previous dye color.

3. 

   If you have multi-toned gray hair, choose a shade that matches the hair around your face.

   Dye hair one shade lighter every six weeks until hair is close to the same tone or shade as your natural, gray hair. If your hair is white, the closest shade is light blond. If hair is dark gray, the closest shade is a brunette in a similar tone.

4. 

   Temprary colors are less harsh than permanent dye, leaving hair in a better condition.

   Let the temporary dye wash out completely. Temporary dye washes out gradually in two to three months, leaving hair in its natural state.

Tips & Warnings

• The lightening process can take six months to a year.

• Do not use semi-permanent or permanent hair color.

References

• Ginger Otis: Five Things About Going Gray
• Jane Langille: The Guts to Go Grey
• Jolene Edgar: The Gorgeous Way to Gray