Whether you're new to greys or all-too-familiar, it can be challenging to know how to give your grey hair the TLC it deserves. Perhaps you’re ready to embrace your grey hair after years of dyeing it, or are in need of some tips for growing out your grey roots – from handy hair care tips to nifty styling tricks, we’ve got you covered.
GREY HAIR: KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hair turns grey when melanocytes, cells responsible for producing pigment, decrease their output as we age, resulting in less colour in our hair.
- Grey hair can have a range of textures, ranging from straight to curly, influenced by genetics and hair care practices.
- While there's no magical remedy to prevent or reverse grey hair, maintaining overall health through proper nutrition and stress management can slow down the greying process.
- Chronic stress can potentially accelerate the greying process, although it won't turn hair grey overnight as commonly believed.
- People with ginger or red hair can experience greying, although it might be less noticeable to start with.
- Caring for grey hair = Use grey-friendly products, hydrating and moisturising regularly, protecting from sun damage, and avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Tips for growing out grey hair = be patient, accessorise and experiment with different styles.
UNDERSTANDING GREY HAIR: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What causes hair to turn grey?
Grey hair occurs thanks to little pigment-making cells called melanocytes. As we age, these cells produce less pigment, which gives hair its colour. Less pigment means less colour, hence the grey or white strands popping up.
Can grey hair be different textures?
Grey hair can come in all sorts of textures, just like any other hair colour. Whether it's straight, curly, or somewhere in between, grey hair can come in different textures depending on genetics and how it's taken care of.
Can you stop hair from going grey?
There’s no magic spell to stop or reverse grey hair (yet, anyway). But treating your hair and body right can slow down the greying process. Healthy eating, managing stress, and giving your hair some love can only be beneficial to your hair.
Does stress cause grey hair?
We've all heard the rumour that stress can turn your hair grey overnight, but it’s not as simple as that. That said, chronic stress can mess with your health in all sorts of ways – and that might include speeding up the greying process.
Does ginger or red hair go grey?
People with ginger or red hair can experience greying, although it may be less noticeable if the original colour is on the lighter side.
Does everyone get grey hair?
Grey hair is a bit like a rite of passage as we get older. Eventually, most of us will start spotting some grey hairs here and there. But how many grey hairs you get depends on lifestyle factors and genetics.
If my parents are grey, does this mean I will turn grey when I’m older?
While your parents' hair can give you a hint of what's to come, it's not set in stone. Other things such as lifestyle choices and environmental factors also influence the onset of grey hair.
What’s the normal age to have grey hair?
Some people start seeing grey hairs in their 20s or 30s, while others keep their natural colour well into their golden years. It's all about your unique genetic makeup and how your body works.
CARING FOR GREY HAIR
Caring for your gorgeous silver hair can be simple and easy. From choosing the right products to mastering styling techniques, we’ve got the lowdown on the best way to care for your hair.
- Choose a grey-specific shampoo and conditioner: When it comes to picking out your shampoo and conditioner, look for those specially designed to care for grey or silver hair.
- Hydrate and moisturise: Grey hair craves hydration. That's where the CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy comes in. Treat your greys to a luxurious deep conditioning session once a week to keep your hair feeling silky smooth. Discover more tips and information about hair hydration.
- Protect your greys: Pop on a stylish hat or wrap your hair in a scarf when soaking up the sun. Use UV protection sprays and lotions as a sunscreen to keep your hair safe from the sun's harmful rays.
- Use a purple shampoo: Treat yourself to a purple shampoo which may help banish yellow or dull tones to bring out the brilliance of your white or grey hair.
- Get regular trims: Keep your grey hair looking fresh and healthy by getting a regular trim every 6-8 weeks. This helps prevent split ends and breakage, keeping your hair looking sleek and polished.
- Care for your scalp: Don't forget about the foundation of your hair – your scalp. Keep it healthy and nourished by incorporating scalp massages into your routine to stimulate circulation and promote hair growth. You can also use scalp-friendly products to maintain a healthy pH balance and prevent dryness or irritation. Check out our easy-to-follow scalp care rituals.
- Keep a balanced diet: Fuel your hair from the inside out by maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and biotin. These nutrients support hair health and can help prevent dryness, brittleness, and premature greying. Discover more about nutrition and hair health.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Be mindful of the products you use on your grey hair. For example, you might want to steer clear of those containing harsh chemicals like sulphates and parabens and instead choose gentle, natural or organic hair care products, which maintain the health and vibrancy of your silver hair.
GREY HAIR STYLING TECHNIQUES
Styling grey hair is all about enhancing its natural beauty while keeping it healthy and vibrant. Here’s a roundup of our top tips for styling your gorgeous greys:
- Add volume and texture: Pump up the volume by using volumising products at the roots and adding texture with texturising sprays or mousses for that extra oomph. Try to avoid overloading your hair with products to keep your hair the right kind of shiny.
- Style gently: Treat your grey hair with kindness by minimising heat styling and being gentle with your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush like our Luxury Dressing Brush to prevent breakage and minimise stress on your hair. Heated styling tools with Variable Temperature Control like our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro also give you plenty of styling options while being kind to your grey hair.
- Protect your hair from heat: Apply a few spritzes of a heat protector spray like the CLOUD NINE Magical Potion to help protect your hair from heat styling. Check out our expert-informed Temperature Calculator for help in choosing the best temperature for your delicate grey hair.
- Use protective hairstyles: Protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns can minimise exposure to environmental factors and reduce manipulation of your hair (sometimes called low-manipulation styles). These styles can help prevent breakage and preserve the integrity of your greys, especially during harsh weather or an intense workout.
Top tip: Try our Touch Iron for an easy-to-use straightener – with no fiddly buttons. Our exclusive Touch Technology lets you control heat with a touch. Simply press the plates together to turn on, then press them two times to raise the temperature to 195°C and three times to lower it down to 165°C.
GREY HAIRSTYLES
Embracing your natural grey hair isn't just a rite of passage – it's also one of the hottest trends of recent years. From a sleek silver bob to stunning salt and pepper waves, going grey has never been more chic. Whether you're already rocking your silver hair or just considering the transition, we've collected a range of grey hairstyles for every length.
Short hairstyles for grey hair
Short grey hairstyles are low maintenance and there’s more choice than you think. From a pixie cut to the classic bob, or a close crop with side parting, there’s many options to choose from. Whether you prefer a sleek look or a playful, textured vibe, going short doesn’t mean compromising on style. If you’re new to grey hair, a short hairstyle can be easily accessorised with a silk scarf or embellished headband to disguise those new grey roots in the first few weeks.
1. Pixie with long top layers
There's something effortlessly cool about a grey pixie cut. By going for a pixie cut, you can show off your grey hair's texture and shine, and it can be worn sleek and refined or tousled and carefree. Keep the top layers a bit longer for a face-framing fringe. Perfect for all hair types, the pixie is a great way to tame type 3 (curly) or type 4 (coily) hair.
2. Side-swept bob
Whether you're going for a polished look or tousled waves, the side-swept bob brings out the natural shimmer of grey hair. Ideal for all hair types, especially thinner hair with ends that would benefit from a chop. Style with a fringe for type 1 (straight) or type 2 (wavy) hair or a longer fringe if your hair is on the curlier side.
3. Inverted bob
An inverted bob is the perfect way to show off the different silver-grey tones in your hair, and has a reputation for being one of the most chic and low-maintenance short hairstyles. It’s a modern take on a classic bob, and works really well for thinner hair as it gives the illusion of volume. Style with a fringe if your hair is type 1 (straight) or 2 (wavy), and style with longer front layers for curlier type 3 hair.
Mid-length hairstyles for grey hair
Medium-length hairstyles can strike the perfect balance between low-maintenance ease and versatility. From straight and sleek to textured and wavy, you can style mid-length hair any way you like. We’ve rounded up our three favourite simply and easy mid-length hairstyles to rock your grey hair.
Discover the best hairstyles for mid-length hair
4. Face-framing lob
For the ultimate low-maintenance style, go for a face-framing lob. By just skimming your shoulders, it gives a cool profile but gives you the option of a half-up half-down style or updo.
5. Curly shoulder grazer
Whether your curls are natural (type 2 or 3) or created by a heated styling tool like our Waving Wand, curls and waves are a great way of adding texture to your look as well as show off the different tones in your grey hair. Go for a deep side parting if you want to conceal some thinning on top for a low-maintenance and stylish look.
6. Mid-length chop with blunt ends
For a sleek and sophisticated look – ideal for type 1 or 2 hair – ask your hairdresser for a blunt mid-length cut. This is especially good for showing off your hair if it’s mostly one colour – it’s like a sumptuous, flowing curtain. Simply gorgeous.
Long hairstyles for grey hair
If you’ve put the hard work in to growing out your grey or white hair, a long hairstyle is the perfect way to showcase your efforts. Paired with a long curtain fringe or short, edgy fringe, or no fringe at all, long grey hair can look stylish and sumptuous – especially if your hair is on the thicker side. Style as a side braid or with a headscarf to add a cool edge.
7. Choppy shag
The choppy shag has a fullness at the crown and choppy layers which makes it the ideal look for those with thinner hair who want to give the impression of more volume and texture. It’s also really low-maintenance because of its naturally ‘messy’ look, so you can style it with just a few waves of your hand. Coupled with a wispy fringe, it’s also the perfect face-framing look to give definition to your face.
8. Waves with dark roots
For a modern, chic take on the long hair look, ask your hair stylist for dark roots blend into your greys. Add a kink or wave at the end for extra texture and flair.
9. Long waves
Long waves are ideal for those with thick hair, or hair that fits into the type 2 (wavy) or type 3 (curly) category. Whether your waves are natural or made with a heated styling tool like the CLOUD NINE Waving Wand, this look is simple to achieve and gives the impression of abundant, healthy hair.
Grey curly hairstyles
There's something captivating about bouncy curls with intertwining silvers and greys. Whether you're rocking tight coils (type 4 hair), curls (type 3) or loose waves (type 2), curly grey hair exudes a sense of timeless charm. These hairstyles will help you embrace your natural texture and let your curls run wild.
10. Layered shag
Choppy layers are a great way to showcase curly hair. By asking your hairdresser to cut your hair dry, they can snip the curls to the perfect length and shape. For the ultimate low-maintenance style, go for a short fringe and let your curls do their thing.
11. Layered swing bob
For a sophisticated style that’s easy to maintain, go for a layered swing bob. Ask your hairdresser to cut it dry to get the perfect swing shape. Bring your parting to the side to allow some curls to cascade down and shape your face, but keep them long so you can tuck them behind your ear. Simply beautiful.
12. Pixie
You can’t go wrong with a classic pixie cut. It’s the perfect look for any hair type, and works brilliantly if your hair is on the wavier or curly side. Short layers are especially great if you are only just growing out your grey roots. If you dream of longer hair, this pixie cut is the perfect starting point as you can adapt your pixie cut as it grows.
Grey hairstyles for women over 40
If you're in your 40s and starting to notice those sneaky grey hairs making an appearance, you might want to embrace your greys by considering the magic of grey blending. As we age, our hair naturally thins out due to hormonal changes, but grey blending works its magic by giving the illusion of volume and movement. Highlights or lowlights can work wonders, giving you a low-maintenance option that lets you rock your natural grey with confidence.
15. Bob with soft layers
A classic bob with soft layers is a timeless choice for women over 40 with grey hair. This versatile haircut frames your face beautifully and adds movement, while the soft layers provide texture and dimension. Whether you go for a sleek and polished bob or prefer tousled waves for a more relaxed look, the bob is the go-to for grey sophistication.
16. Shoulder-length lob
The shoulder-length lob, or long bob, is another gorgeous option for women going grey in their 40s. It’s flattering on all face shapes and hair textures, and can be worn straight, wavy or curly. Ask your stylist to add a few highlights to disguise those early greys or go for a blended look and wear your grey roots proudly. Style with a silk headscarf or embellished headband for a cool edge.
Grey hairstyles for women over 50
From chic pixie cuts to elegant long waves, going grey in your 50s can look any way you want it to. Age is just a number when it comes to timeless style. We’ve rounded up a couple of our favourite grey looks – perfect for your 50s and beyond.
17. Pixie
Keep a little length with this textured wavy look. Add extra texture by blow drying some volume into the roots and bring some hair down across your forehead for an elegant silhouette.
18. Lob with long fringe
A lob is the perfect mid-length hairstyle for a gorgeous silhouette, especially if paired with a long fringe. This shoulder-grazing style works with all outfits and occasions, and is sure to showcase your silver hair.
Grey hairstyles for women over 60
If you’re over 60, there’s no doubt you’re young at heart, so why not inject a bit of fun into your silver hair? Whether you're after sleek sophistication or voluminous waves, there's a texture to match every chapter of your life. Here’s a duo of low-maintenance, stylish looks that help you showcase your gorgeous greys.
19. Mid-length waves
If you’ve been caring for your greys properly for years and have gorgeous silver hair, why not show it off with a longer style? This look is perfect for type 2 hair with a natural wave, or you could add a few curves with the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro, being careful to use the correct temperature on your hair.
20. Short inverted bob
If your hair is on the thin or fine side, a short inverted bob could be the perfect look for you. By shaping the hair along your jaw bone, this style gives definition to your facial features and gives the impression of a fuller head of hair.
TIPS FOR GROWING OUT GREY HAIR
Thinking about embracing your natural grey hair but not quite sure how to make the transition? Transitioning to your silver strands is all about embracing your natural beauty with confidence and style. Here are some friendly tips to help you rock your grey hair journey like a boss:
- Be patient: Growing out your grey hair takes time, so take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. The end result will be worth the wait.
- Transition slowly: If you're used to colouring your hair, consider easing into your natural grey gradually. Start by stretching out your salon visits or trying a low-maintenance hair colour that blends seamlessly with your grey roots.
- Consult a professional: Feeling overwhelmed? Book a chat with a hairstylist who specialises in grey hair. They'll give you personalised advice and create a transition plan that fits your style and personality.
- Accessorise: Have fun with scarves, headbands, and hair accessories to add a pop of colour and disguise any noticeable regrowth. It's all about expressing your unique style while transitioning to grey.
- Experiment: Get creative with braids, twists, and updos to blend your natural grey hair with any remaining coloured sections. These styles are not only chic but also perfect for concealing roots.
- Go lighter: If you're not ready to fully embrace your grey hair, try lighter hair dyes or root touch-ups for a more natural look. And don't forget about semi-permanent options for a subtle colour boost.
- Texture and volume: Add some oomph to your hair with a curling iron or texturising products. Curling your hair can help disguise regrowth and create a seamless transition as you embrace your greys. The Curling Wand is the perfect heated styling wand for adding a little texture. Its Variable Temperature Control enables you to choose the temperature that suits your changing hair, making it a kinder styling option.
- Be kind to yourself: Remember, this journey is all about embracing your natural beauty and loving yourself exactly as you are.
Meet Huji – a grey hair champion who is on a journey to grow out her natural hair after years of dyeing it.
We've covered everything from understanding the science behind your greys to mastering the art of styling them. Whether you're fully embracing your natural grey or just dipping your toes into the trend, we hope our guide has given you all the confidence and inspiration you need to embrace your grey hair in whichever way you want to.
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