Quite a few of you have enjoyed Elaine’s journey into gray where she described her decision to gray and step into it gradually.

If you missed the earlier articles go to

  1. How to transition into gray hair
  2. Mid way through

Today Elaine talks about the final leg in her journey to gray hair.

Sometimes you reach a goal with a bang and celebrate the ending. Other times achieving a goal is a gradual process with an indistinct conclusion point.

Such is the case with my Journey into Gray.

It has been exactly 2 years since I made a decision to stop coloring my hair and let it go back to its natural color state.

The transition has finally concluded and I am more than satisfied with the results. Although my hair is still in the process of graying naturally I am declaring victory in achieving my goal of eliminating artificial hair color from my beauty routine.

Looking back, I began the project in a state of uncertainty wondering how difficult it might be to accept my natural color, to handle comments from others during the grow out period and to have the patience to wait for the transition to complete. As it turned out those issues rarely came to mind.

Elaine's old colored hair - learn how she transitioned into gray hair | 40plusstyle.com

For the first year I prepared myself with a new, low maintenance stylish cut, then sought out the advice of professional colorists. I grew my process colored roots out two inches then had a foil treatment to blend them into my processed color.

After another two inches of growth I had a half foil process that provided another gradual step towards transformation . At the eight month mark I chose low lighting for the remaining processed area which decreased the obvious (to me!) line between my new growth and remaining color.

At the one year point the color transition was about halfway complete.

I began to use a purple shampoo recommended by my stylist every other time I washed my hair.

The product softened the brassy tones of the remaining processed hair making the color difference much less visible. After the second year of just regular haircuts all traces of the processed color are gone. I kept my original mid length style but the grow out process can be accelerated by more cutting of your old color.

Elaine embracing her natural hair - See how she transitioned into gray hair | 40plusstyle.com

While the texture continues to evolve with the grays coming in wavier and coarser than I’m used to, I’m happy to explore new style options that look flattering on me.

At my last appointment my stylist added layers giving additional texture to my bob.

I like the new found compatibility between my skin tone and natural hair color and have made adjustments to my color choices for both clothes and make up. One of the most important changes being replacement of my usual warm brown eyebrow product for a soft gray shade.

You may also like our article on the best colors to combine with gray hair.

I’m happy with my the results of my choice. The transition was not as difficult as I anticipated because the gray hair was appearing at my hairline while the more visible top roots were still warm brown.

Elaine's (partically gray hair). Learn how she went from colored hair to 100% natural hair | 40plusstyle.com

When I felt self-conscious about my appearance I made use of headbands and hats to hide the growth lines.

I also found that for better or worse people did not seem to notice or kept their comments to themselves. Several surprisingly complimented my mixed tones, something I never saw coming!

For those considering a return to natural color, including men, I recommend giving it a try. You have nothing to lose. The rewards are freedom from the time investment and expense of maintaining color processing and the satisfaction of embracing your natural beauty as you age.

Good luck and I will see you at the finish line!

Want more inspiration on gray hairstyles?

We have lots of examples of women with fabulous gray hairstyles on this site.

Are you thinking of transitioning into gray hair? How will you do it?

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How to transition into gray hair | 40plusstyle.com
Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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