Going Grey is all the Rage, but What is the Best Way To Do It?

The grey look is definitely here to stay.  This trendy grey look has inspired many women to go all natural, but how do you make this transformation?   In most cases this is a long transformation, but totally worth it

Going grey doesn't just happen overnight.  Generally what happens is the hair quits producing melanin in just a few strands at a time. Or you may find strands that are 'spotty'.  You may even begin to notice a demarcation line where the color has stopped and the gray has started.  It's at this point that you have to decide how you want to 'deal' with it.  You may embrace your grey and cut into a short pixie, or  you may reduce it with a gray reduction, or you may decide to cover it all at once,  so no gray is visible. 

Whatever technique you decide to go with, you have to keep in mind that going gray is a process.  When a client comes to me wanting to embrace their gray, I recommend having a 2 to 3 month grow out period.  If your concerned about the demarcation line, then there are products that can temporarily blend your gray.  These products do wash out and will not cause any  permanent color change.

When my client is ready, I suggest a process called baby lights.  A test strand is always recommended so the colorist can see how the hair lifts through the previously colored hair.  You can expect that the lightener will probably sit on your hair longer than it ever has before.   I always suggest adding Olaplex (a bond builder) to my formulas, in order to maintain the integrity of the hair.   A lot of times we will do Low-baby lights at the same time, so that we get a nice transition from top to bottom.

It's also important to remember this is a long process it can take anywhere for 6 months to a year to make a complete transition.  Remember your colorist can not rush this process.  Your hair will take the time and product needed to reach your expectation.   

Any time you go platinum or any cooler blonde shade your grey highlights may turn a bit  yellow so your colorist may also suggest a toner in-between sessions to  help minimize brassiness as well as a purple shampoo like Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo.  The purple shampoo will balance out brassiness and keep your grey color a beautiful silver shade.

 

Once  you've complete the grey transition you may need to change your makeup or your wardrobe.  Certain color may not be as flattering as they used to be.  So a shopping trip may be needed

A lot of people don't have the patience needed for this process to be completed or they don't like the grey and color over it, but if you can stick it out, it can be very rewarding.