7 Tips for Transitioning to Gray Hair When Your Hair Is Colored

Transitioning to gray hair doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. Embracing your new growth can shine a totally new light on your beauty look. In fact, gray hair still remains one of the most popular trending hair colors. It’s all part of the movement to recognize your natural beauty and age gracefully. 

Of course, growing out gray hair, especially if you’ve been coloring it, is easier said than done. No one wants to see harsh lines of demarcation as their roots start to grow, which is why taking the right measures for your gray hair transition can make all the difference. Here, we’re sharing tips for how to transition to gray hair when you have color-treated hair. 

1. Go Gray For A Day 

If you’re not sure you’re ready to commit to gray hair permanently, test out the hue with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Silver. Mist the color over your mane for a shimmering, temporary silver-gray hair color. When you’re ready to part with your temporary mane makeover, simply wash the color out with a single shampoo session.

2. Embrace Your Roots

If you’re looking to take the plunge and go gray, the first step is to embrace your roots. This means no reaching for root cover-up at the first sight of grays. Consider it a different take on the rooted, lived-in hair color trend. 

If you’re worried about a harsh line, you can head to the salon and have your colorist use the root smudging technique with a shade that matches your natural gray strands. This will allow for a smooth transition between hues as your roots continue to grow.

3. Apply Hair Color With Foils

If you’re trying to transition to gray hair, you want to avoid an all-over dye job. Instead, have your colorist apply your hair color with foils — much like applying highlights, except you won’t be lightening your hair. This will simply help you transition between the two shades seamlessly.

4. Opt For Highlights And Lowlights

Speaking of the foil technique, transitioning to gray hair with highlights and lowlights is a great option for those who aren’t quite ready to part with their salon visits just yet. The variation of shades will allow your grays to blend beautifully with the rest of your strands. 

5. Opt For An Updo

When it comes to growing out gray hair that’s colored, your hairstyle can be your saving grace for keeping harsh lines of demarcation hidden — especially if you want to forgo coloring your hair altogether. Aside from hair accessories, updos tend to also draw attention away from the line between your grays and the dyed hair. Consider a messy bun or a French braid. 

6. Apply All-Over Permanent Hair Color In Gray

With the help of the right at-home permanent hair coloring kit, transitioning to gray hair can be easy. All you need is to dye your strands an all-over gray color as this will seamlessly blend those gray roots you didn’t know what to do with in the first place. Take your pick from the options below.

If you want to ease into an all-over gray mane, color your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Soft Silver Blonde. This shade walks the line between blonde and gray, and the formula provides vivid color for up to eight weeks. 

For an all-over gray mane, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Silver. This pick delivers gorgeous, dimensional color without being harsh or damaging on your strands. 

7. Use A Moisturizing Hair Care System

As you age, your hair’s appearance goes through various changes ranging from color, thickness and shine. To keep it healthy, you'll need to upgrade your mane routine with hair care products that deeply condition gray hair. 

Reach for the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo and the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Conditioner. When used together, the hair care system intensely hydrates, leaving you with silky, strong and healthy-looking tresses.

Editor’s tip: If you want more hair color advice, check out the L’Oréal Paris Hair Color Concierge, where you can consult with a color specialist who can give you personalized recommendations. And once you’ve finally embraced your gray mane, don’t forget to use the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss to keep it looking shiny and vibrant.

Next: 9 Best Anti-Aging Creams and Moisturizers We Swear By

Photo Credit: Crystal Michelle, IG/@crystal.michelles.mess