How to transition to grey hair: pro colourist tips

Deciding to embrace your greys — whether gradually or all at once — is as much about technique and maintenance as it is about mindset. Colourists recommend a thoughtful plan that protects hair health, manages contrast at the root, and delivers a shade that suits your skin tone. This guide summarises professional approaches to transitioning to grey hair, practical at-home steps, and the products that keep silver tones looking healthy and luminous.

Why planning matters

Grey hair can look chic and contemporary, but the transition period is where many people stumble. The main challenges are visible regrowth, unpredictable pigment, and the different texture of grey strands (which can be coarser or drier). A colourist-led strategy helps control contrast, reduces the need for frequent salon touch-ups and protects hair integrity — especially if you’ve previously coloured or chemically treated your hair.

Popular salon approaches

Colourists commonly recommend one of the following approaches depending on how much natural grey is present and your desired timeline:

• Root blending (softening regrowth): Techniques like root smudging or shadow root create a softer transition between new regrowth and previously coloured lengths, extending the time between appointments.
• Highlights and lowlights: Strategic placement of warm and cool tones can disguise regrowth, break up contrast and gradually introduce a cooler, more natural silver blend.
• Balayage to grey: A low-maintenance option that lifts selected pieces to a soft, lived-in silver without a harsh line at the roots.
• Going full grey: Requires lightening of the hair to remove pigment and a toner or gloss application to achieve the desired grey/silver shade — this is the most transformative and can be more than one salon session.

Step-by-step transition routine

Working with a colourist is ideal, but if you’re planning the process, here’s a sensible roadmap many professionals endorse:

• Consultation: assess hair history, elasticity and current colour. Discuss realistic expectations and a timeline.
• Health check: prioritise strengthening treatments (bond-repair services) if hair is damaged from previous colouring or heat styling.
• Gradual changes: consider highlights/lowlights or balayage over several appointments to avoid excessive lightening in one session.
• Toning: use a salon-grade gloss or toner to neutralise unwanted warm tones and create an even base for silver shades.
• Maintenance plan: agree on an at-home routine and an appointment cadence to keep tone consistent.

At-home care and products pros recommend

Grey or silver hair benefits from products that enhance shine, neutralise brassiness and support hydration. Colourists typically advise:

• Purple or blue shampoo: Use once or twice weekly to counteract yellowing; choose a formula suited to your level of warmth — purple for yellow tones, blue for orange/bronze.
• Hydrating mask: Weekly deep-conditioning maintains softness and reduces the coarse feel often associated with grey hair.
• Bond-repair treatments: For hair lightened to achieve silver tones, in-salon Olaplex-style or at-home bond builders protect fibre strength.
• Lightweight oils and serums: Add shine without weighing hair down — focus on mid-lengths to ends.
• Heat protection: Grey hair can be more vulnerable; always use a heat protector before styling.

Managing the in-between: styling and cuts

While your colour settles, the right cut and styling choices can make a big difference. Layers and textured cuts help blend regrowth and reduce stark lines. Soft bangs or face-framing layers can distract from contrast at the hairline, while a regular trim keeps ends healthy and prevents a tired appearance.

Common questions colourists answer

• How long will it take? The timeline varies: a gentle transition using highlights may take a few sessions; going fully grey could be achieved in one or two appointments depending on the starting colour.
• Will my grey be yellow? Without toning, grey and lightened hair can develop warm or yellow tones. Regular purple/blue shampoos and salon toners keep coolness consistent.
• Can I go back to dyed hair? Yes. Many people alternate between embracing grey and adding colour — consult your colourist to choose a method that minimises damage.

Takeaway

Transitioning to grey is a personalised process that benefits from professional planning and a targeted at-home routine. Whether you choose to blend gradually or pursue a full silver hue, focus on protecting hair health, neutralising unwanted warmth and selecting cuts that flatter the evolving colour. With patience and the right salon partnership, grey can look luminous, modern and low-maintenance.