Grey expectations
Ready to go au naturel? Samantha Henry of Shine Hair and Studio May shares her top tips for going gorgeously grey.
photos SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED
Samantha Henry.
The mirror doesn't lie – those silvery strands are multiplying faster than you can say "salon appointment". But before you reach for the bottle (of hair colour, that is), let's chat about embracing the grey with style and confidence.
First things first: emotional preparedness. Are you ready to rock the silver vixen look? Many women find inspiration in others who've made the leap, so start scrolling those #silverandfree hashtags for a confidence boost. After all, why should men have all the fun as "silver foxes"?
Transitioning to your natural grey can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on your hair length. The first few months can be the trickiest, as you'll notice the demarcation line where your coloured hair meets the new growth. But don’t worry – there are clever ways to blend the old with the new.
One option is to switch from all-over colour to highlights or lowlights. This allows your natural hair to peek through while maintaining some bounce and texture.
Another route is to swap permanent colour for semi-permanent, which covers up to 50 percent of grey and blends up to 70 percent (using Wella Colour), giving your overall look a softer appearance.
For the adventurous, consider a balayage or ombré service to create a gradual transition from roots to ends.
Regular trims are your best friend during this journey. They'll help remove any lingering coloured ends and keep your hair looking fresh as it grows out.
Treat yourself to nourishing conditioning masks to keep your tresses hydrated and prevent breakage.
Lastly, if you do choose to let your grey shine, know you're in good company. From A-list celebs to your next-door neighbour, more women are ditching the colour and rocking their natural grey.
It's not about giving up; it's about owning your look and redefining beauty standards. With a bit of patience and the right attitude, you'll be turning heads for all the right reasons.
Who knows – you might even inspire others to embrace their own silver lining.
