Here's Exactly How To Let Your Hair Go Gray, According to Celebrity Hair Stylists
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Going gray can be liberating—for some women, embracing their natural hair color also means embracing their age and wisdom. However, the transition period can also feel jarring, especially if you’ve been covering your grays for some time. Navigating new hair care needs or figuring out whether to transition slowly through highlighting can be complex and intimidating.
That’s why we went straight to the celebrity hair stylists who have helped stars like Beyoncé, Susan Lucci and Barbra Streisand keep their locks looking fresh. These pros gave us their best advice on how to gracefully let your hair go gray. From smart techniques like "gray blending" to the right products to use, read on for tips from the experts. With some patience and TLC for your strands, you’ll be stunning in silver in no time.
Related: Jane Seymour Embraces Her Natural Hair Color in Delightful Snaps
How Do You Gracefully Let Your Hair Go Gray?
"First things first, think of your gray hair transition as a journey. It is a process, and absolutely does not happen overnight. Patience is vital when gracefully transitioning to letting your hair go gray," says celeb hairstylist Emilio Uribe, who works with Beyoncé, Shakira and Anne Hathaway.
Uribe advises having your colorist "on board to understand your vision and your goals for the transition." He also says that while shifting your color, "regular trims are non-negotiable, and investing in quality products for gray hair is a game-changer."
His top picks are Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo ($34) and Color WOW Purple Shampoo ($24).
Robin Emtage, a stylist who works with Susan Lucci, suggests focusing on hydration during the transition: “Gray hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so choose hydrating and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and leave-in hydrating treatments. These products will keep your hair moisturized and enhance the natural beauty of your gray strands."
Related: Helen Mirren Steals the Show With Bold Colorful Hair Transformation at Cannes
How Do You Transition from Dyed Hair to Natural Grey?
According to Emtage, "If you're not ready for the full-on gray look, you can opt for a gradual transition. Highlights or lowlights can help blend your natural color with the incoming gray, creating a seamless and stylish look."
She advises getting "regular trims" to "remove any remaining-colored hair and keep your gray looking fresh."
Sarah Potempa of The Beachwaver Co. has worked with Julianne Moore and explains that "communicating with your stylist" is essential so they can "gradually incorporate the gray throughout the hair." This allows for a "graceful transition" that lets you "embrace your gray at your own pace."
Related: Science Now Knows Why We Get Gray Hair—Is a Cure in the Works Soon?
What Is 'Gray Blending'?
Uribe calls gray blending “your new favorite secret weapon.”
Gray blending "is when you have highlights and lowlights, strategically placed for a seamless transition into gray,” he shares.
Techniques like "foilyage or balayage are some avenues to ease into that silver goddess status" by avoiding harsh grow-out lines.
Sharon Dorram, a colorist who works with Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand and Nicole Kidman calls this "the easiest way to let your hair go gray" by blending your natural gray with other shades.
What Do You Wish Women Knew Before Going Gray?
Potempa wants women to know that going gray can sometimes be aging. Before you dive in, she suggests playing with a wig. If you do decide to make the jump, she shares that it’s not just your color that’s affected, but that your hair will most likely change texture too. She recommends focusing on "shine" and "moisturizing” products to keep gray hair looking healthy.
Uribe also says that adding shine is key. “This could be a leave-in conditioner and a hair oil that adds a healthy sheen to your strands,” he shares. “Keep in mind, hair oil can add a touch of blond to your gray, giving it a sun-kissed vibe.”
Emtage reminds people that “transitioning to gray takes time. It doesn't happen overnight. Getting regular trims is essential to keep your hair healthy and stylish. This helps remove any remaining-colored hair and keeps your gray looking fresh.”
Related: How Much to Tip Hairdressers, According to Hairstylists Themselves
Emtage also shares that self-confidence is key during the transition: “Embrace the uniqueness of your beautiful gray hair...your natural beauty shines brightest when you feel good about yourself.”
With some stellar professional help and the right hair care regimen, your gray hair makeover will keep you cool, chic and filled with confidence.
Next up, see Christie Brinkley get candid about gray hair.
Sources
Emilio Uribe, stylist who works with Beyoncé, Shakira, and Anne Hathaway
Robin Emtage, stylist who works with Susan Lucci
Sarah Potempa of The Beachwaver Co., who has worked with Julianne Moore
Sharon Dorram, colorist who works with Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand and Nicole Kidman
