How to Transition from Dyed to Natural Gray Hair Color

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: February 17, 2022 References

Instead of viewing your gray hair as a sign of aging, consider it as an opportunity to embrace a new style and look. To make the transition to a natural gray color go smoothly, it’s important to minimize the prominence of your roots. You can also talk with your stylist about getting regular trims or even a shorter cut overall. Embracing hair care products specifically designed for gray locks will speed up the transition, too. Before you know it, you’ll be sporting a healthy head of natural gray hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Minimizing Your Color Line

1
Get mixed color highlights or lowlights. You can try to dye your hair a lighter color closer to gray, but this can still leave a line. Adding in small colored areas is less noticeable and can smooth out the transition. Highlights are generally lighter and closer to your natural gray shade. Lowlights can be used to break up the gray.^{[1]
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- You can get these colors done early on in the transition process. Then, if you decide to do more, you’ll likely only need to make 1 or 2 additional appointments at 10-12 week intervals before your gray comes in. However, this time frame may vary slightly because everyone's hair grows at different rates.
- This tip can be especially useful for people with dark hair, who may find it more difficult to transition without an obvious color contrast.
2
Try a wash-out color. If you are worried about the color difference at your roots, consider applying a semi- or demi-permanent hair color to that area. You can go to a salon for this or buy a kit at your local drugstore. This type of color washes out after about 2 weeks of shampooing, making it a great way to mask your gray until it’s fully grown out.^{[2]
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- Another benefit of temporary hair colorings is that they usually contain fewer chemicals, including peroxide. This will limit any possible damage to your hair.
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3
Wear headbands or scarves to hide your roots. If you’ve dyed your hair a darker color, the first couple weeks of growing out may make your roots seem very obvious. To draw attention away from these color differences, experiment with various hair accessories, such as headbands. Get in front of a mirror and try positioning them in different ways to see what looks the best.^{[3]
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- To make this style choice appear effortless, go with an accessory that fits the season. A scarf, for example, may seem out of place in high temperatures.
- You can also take this as an opportunity to test out which colors look the best with your new gray hair color.
- As an alternative, use a hair mascara to conceal the gray hair at your front hairline. Then, style your hair back into a ponytail or bun so that the gray hair in other areas doesn't show.
4
Be patient. You can expect for the full transition to take months, depending on the growth rate for your hair. The only real way to speed up this process is by taking good care of your hair by getting regular trims, [Eat Healthy|eating right]], and staying hydrated. You’ll also likely pass through certain stages where you won’t be as happy with your appearance, but know that these too shall pass.^{[4]
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- Someone with a short hairstyle can expect a grow out period between 4 and 6 months.
- For example, try to drink at least 8 full glasses of water each day.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Cuts to Transition

1
Talk with your stylist. This is the person who can guide you through the entire process. They may recommend certain products or particular hairstyles that will show off your new gray look. They can also tell you what to watch out for, such as hair breakage.^{[5]
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- Ask your stylist to explain all of your options, including the costs. This way you can feel fully informed before you stop dyeing.
2
Get trims every 4-6 weeks. The number of appointments that you’ll need really depends on the length of your hair and its growth rate. Ask your stylist to trim off the old colored ends. If that’s all you do, you can keep these appointments fairly brief (and cheap).^{[6]
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- If you get trims more often, such as every 2-3 weeks, you can probably get your hair cut off at a faster rate than the rate that it grows. This will allow you to slowly transition to a shorter hairstyle, which may help you get rid of the dyed hair sooner.
3
Request a shorter ‘do. A straightforward way of getting rid of your gray is to continue to grow out your roots and get regular trims. However, at some point, remove even more of your dyed hair by going with a short haircut. Bring a number of different images to your stylist, so you can tell them what you would like your new haircut to look like.^{[7]
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- For some people, going gray and getting a short cut can seem like too much change too fast. Make sure that you are comfortable getting it cut. You can also try easing into both changes by getting the haircut, adjusting to it, and then starting to grow out the gray.
- Selecting a cut based on your face shape is another good idea. For example, if you have a round face, a pixie cut will be very flattering. It can create the appearance of a longer, leaner face.^{[8]
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4
Cut your hair in a modern style. If you are worried about aging yourself with your gray hair, move away from old-fashioned hair styles and go with something a bit more updated. Get a look with lots of choppy, textured layers at different angles. Talk to your stylist about what suits your face shape and what you’ll feel comfortable maintaining on your own.^{[9]
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- Don’t get too down on yourself if you don’t absolutely love your first hairstyle with gray hair. You’ll have plenty of chances to make minor corrections and try out new cuts.
5
Find inspirational images of gray hairstyles. Look in magazines or browse the internet until you find around 5 images of people with attractive gray hairstyles. Then, print or cut out these images and take them to your stylist. Use them as a basis to construct your new look. You’ll find that gray hair is much more trendy and versatile than you might expect.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Products to Transition

1
Stop using color-safe products. Shampoos and conditioners specifically designed to protect color will make it last longer in your hair. So, if you want to get rid of the dyed look faster, just buy regular products and watch the color fade over time. You can also use products specifically designed to enhance gray hair or use clarifying shampoo to help speed up the fading process.^{[11]
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2
Use products designed for gray hair. As your gray hair grows in, it’s important to keep it healthy or it might break off or lose color. Buy special gray-friendly shampoos that will move your color away from yellow and closer to silver. It’s important to only use these types of shampoos once or twice a week or you can damage your hair.^{[12]
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- Don’t be surprised if the shampoo itself is blue or violet. That is normal and part of what helps to balance out your hair color.
- In between using these specialty shampoos, clean your hair with products that list “mild” on their packaging. This generally means that they have few chemicals and are primarily water-based. They will keep your hair clean, while limiting any damage.
3
Use frizz fighting products. Gray hair often suffers from dryness and cracking, which can make it look very frizzy and out of control. To keep your gray in check as it grows in, use hair products that are advertised as being moisturizing. It can also help to towel dry, instead of using the blow dryer.^{[13]
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- For example, consider applying an anti-frizz serum, styling spray, or finishing crème.
- The best way to find out if a product is right for you is to test it out over a few days. See if it makes any visible difference in the appearance or feel of your hair. For deep conditioning, you can also try a hot oil treatment once every month.

Warnings

Don’t fight your gray hairs by plucking them. This can lead to broken hairs and overall thinness and frizziness.^{[14]
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