How to Transition from Dyed to Natural Gray Hair Color

Gray hair can be beautiful, and does not label you as a frump, or behind the times. As your hair goes gray, however, it will go through changes, and you'll need to keep your natural coloring in mind, with the new needs of your hair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• stylist (recommended, but you can go it alone)
• shampoo to maintain color
• gentle styling products and tools

1. Grey hair tends to be coarser, and tends to turn yellow with too much heat.
   If you're ready for an abrupt change, you can simply grow out the dyed hair with regular trims. For something more subtle, you can use lighter colors to make the transition more gradual. Do not try to duplicate your natural color- skin changes as you age, and the resulting color will seem too dark.
2. Figure out your natural coloring- it will look most natural if you choose colors that are consistent with your own coloring. If you have dark hair, your grey will be most visible- but will look quite stunning. Some of the lighter blonds may be able to simply grow out the dyed hair, as the contrast will be much more subtle.
3. If you go to a stylist, s/he will be able to plan your transition to gray hair. Dark hair might do well with semi-permanent color in a shade lighter than the natural hair color, then going lighter as more gray grows in, using frosting and color glosses for high and low lights. If you're interested in fun changes, you can go for a series of successively lighter colors, experimenting with shades until you get to a light, cool blonde, then you can grow that out.
4. If you're going it alone, watch out for colors that don't cover gray. There are specially formulated colors for covering grey. Alternately, you can use colors that don't cover grey to let it shine through. You can use home colors in shades lighter than your natural color, foils to add streaks of color, and color glosses to add dimension to your hair color, and slightly camouflaging the grey.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a reputable beauty supply shop for tips and excellent products.
• If you are coloring only part of your hair, use foils or a cap. If it's in the way, it will get colored.
• That goes for clothes and bath towels too- wear old ones, and use dark bath towels, or ones just for hair.