Grey is having a major moment!
More people than ever are embracing their natural grey, turning what was once considered a sign of aging into a symbol of confidence and unrefined style (with a touch of wisdom). From silver streaks to full-on grey glory, this trend is all about celebrating authenticity and we’re here for it!!
At LOHY., we believe curls (and greys!) should be easy, effortless, and unapologetically you.
Inspired by a LOHY. Live session in the Curl Friends Facebook Group, this blog explores some of the unique challenges, as well as celebrating the journey of growing out grey hair.
Nina, who joined Jonina during the session, has been embracing her long, coarse, curly grey hair and shared her experience. Together, they discussed the challenges, shared some tips, and tricks for transitioning to grey hair with confidence and style.
Here’s our top six take away tips!
Six Tips For Growing Out Grey Hair
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Go Cold Turkey
The simplest (but boldest) way to grow out grey hair is to stop coloring altogether. While this method is the fastest, it requires patience and confidence to embrace the transition fully. And remember, you’re part of a growing trend of curlies showing off their silver with pride!
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Blend It with Foils
To soften the line between your natural grey and dyed hair, ask your hairstylist for subtle and light foils. This technique helps create a smoother transition while allowing your grey to grow through naturally.
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Skip the Base Colour
Avoid getting a base colour, as it can delay the process. Instead, let your natural grey come through while using other blending techniques.
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Use Toners Wisely
Toners can help soften harsh lines or brassiness but use them sparingly. Overlapping toner applications can slow your progress and damage your hair. Always consult a skilled hairstylist to avoid over-processing.
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Cut It Out
If the growing-out process feels too daunting, consider a fresh start with a short pixie cut. Alternatively, grow your hair out a bit and then cut off the remaining dry, coloured sections. Curly grey hair can often be coarse in texture, which means the ends often become dry and brittle so chopping the ends off can give your hair a breath of life. A fresh cut + natural grey = an effortlessly chic combo.
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Find Your Cheer Squad
Surround yourself with supportive friends or groups who celebrate the grey journey. Nina recommends joining the LOHY. Curl Friends Facebook group. Proving to be a fantastic community for anyone transitioning to grey and embracing their curls.
Understanding Grey Hair Texture
Grey hair often feels coarser and drier than the hair of your 20s or 30s. This is due to a decrease in natural oils produced by the scalp as we age. Caring for grey curls involves extra hydration and gentle styling to maintain softness and definition. LOHY. products are here to help make that process easy and stress-free because curls made easy is what we do best. If you have coarse hair, here's another helpful blog full of tips for managing your coarse hair textures.
Why Grey Hair Feels Different
As your hair turns grey, changes happen deep within each strand.
Hair is mainly made of two proteins: keratin, which gives it strength and elasticity, and melanin, which provides colour. When melanin production slows down, hair loses its pigment, but that’s not all. This loss of melanin also affects keratin, changing the hair’s structure.
As a result, grey hair often feels coarser or wirier due to shifts in keratin. You might also notice your curls becoming tighter or looser. This happens because changes in protein balance can alter how your hair follicle shapes each strand.
How Hormones Affect Hair Texture When Growing Out Grey
As you grow out your grey, you might notice changes in your hair’s texture. Hormones play a big role in this natural transformation.
Throughout life, during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or with certain health conditions—hormone levels shift, and so can your curls. Estrogen and Progesterone, known for supporting hair growth and texture, keep hair smoother and more manageable when levels are high. But during menopause, as these hormones decrease, hair can become drier, coarser, or curlier due to changes in the hair follicle.
Thyroid hormones also affect texture. An under-active thyroid can make hair coarser, while an overactive thyroid may cause finer, more fragile strands. Keeping thyroid health in check can help balance these changes.
Stress plays a part too. Elevated cortisol, the stress hormone, can lead to drier, frizzier hair with more curl. Additionally, higher androgen levels often linked with conditions like PCOS can make hair thicker and wirier.
Our THREE most recommended products for easing the transition to Grey:
- Drench & Quench Hydrating Hair Mask - Get those curls hydrated!
- Sleep Cozy - Dry hair tangles easy, and if your hair is feeling brittle or hard to mange at night, toss it up into a cozy for ultimate sleep protection.
- Hush Nourishing Oil - Hush is perfect for grey hair. filled with nourishing oils like sunflower seed oil, jojoba and primrose, this miracle oil restores, replenishes and hydrates hair right to the core.
Embracing the Grey – Why Is It So Hard?
Grey hair often comes with the reminder that we’re getting older, and let’s be honest, that can be tough. Our bodies change, and sometimes it feels like we’re saying goodbye to a version of ourselves we knew so well.
But here’s the truth: grey hair isn’t just a trend. It's a symbol of experience, growth, and a life well-lived. Letting the grey shine is a deeply personal journey, one that takes patience, care, and a little courage.
Whether you’re diving in or blending the transition, remember—there’s freedom in embracing your natural beauty and power in owning every strand. LOHY. is here to make the journey easy.
So, are you ready to rock the grey?
Got questions about growing out grey or managing grey curls?
Head over to our LOHY. Curl Friends Facebook Group, we’d love to hear from you!
LOHY. xx
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