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Gone Gray: How To Transition To Gray Hair Without Regrets

woman with short gray hair gray hair transition tips
Not too long ago, women rushed to the salon at the mere sight of a gray hair. Fast forward to 2019, and gray has become one of the most coveted hair color trends. Aside from the trendy gray you ask for at the salon, however, tons of women are now choosing to embrace their naturally graying strands. That’s right—drop your root concealers and cancel your next touch-up appointment, because going gray is in!

If you’re thinking about making the transition to gray hair, you’ve come to the right place. Breck Csicsai, Matrix artist, shares her top tips and all the product recommendations you need to go gray the right way.

 

Why are people choosing to embrace their gray hair?

There are many reasons to take the plunge into full-on gray hair. Maybe frequent salon touch-ups aren’t quite fitting into your busy schedule (or budget) anymore, or you’re wary of regularly using bleach to maintain your bottle blonde. Csicsai sees this new wave of natural gray hair as a reflection of how beauty industry standards are changing.

I think the beauty industry trend of a more natural look is influencing women to accept themselves as we are.
 
 
 

As far as how she feels about the trend, Csicsai is completely on board.

“I absolutely love this trend because I believe we all should feel confident and secure in their own skin whatever that may mean to you whether it’s wearing less makeup, dressing more comfortable, styling hair without heat tools, and embracing your natural hair color,” Csicsai says.

 

What are the best ways to transition to gray hair?

 

Use hydrating products.

The look of your hair isn’t the only thing that changes when you spot your first gray. Gray hair is caused by the loss of natural pigment and melanin in your hair. Once the strand loses its color, the texture may become more coarse and dry-feeling.

Don’t worry! Going gray doesn’t mean you need to say goodbye to soft, hydrated hair forever. Csicsai says hydrating hair products are key to bringing the moisture back to your mane.

“Salon professional conditioning and moisturizing products like shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment will help with the texture change of your gray hair compared to your previously colored hair,” the stylist explains.

Start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner like the Biolage R.A.W Nourish system. Formulated with quinoa husk and honey, the shampoo feeds dry, dull hair for healthy-looking, softer locks. The conditioner intensely conditions for soft, touchable strands.

After washing and conditioning your strands, continue your routine with a hydrating leave-in treatment like the Biolage Hydrasource Daily Leave-In Tonic. The product infuses moisture instantly while gentle shaping polymers make dry hair easy to style.

 

Invest in a toning shampoo.

Now that your mane is hydrated, let’s talk about your color. Gray strands can tend to appear dull and take on a brassy appearance, just like blondes. To tone your gray hair, Csicsai swears by incorporating a silver shampoo into your routine twice a week.

She loves the Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed So Silver Shampoo to neutralize yellow.

 

Find the perfect stylist.

Like any other hue, going gray is not one-size-fits-all. That’s where choosing the perfect stylist comes in. According to Csicsai, finding the right stylist is crucial to achieving the absolute best results.

“Find a stylist who is educated and comfortable with removing your old color and toning your gray to a hue that will compliment your skin tone and eye color,” Csicsai says.

If you’re on the lookout for a stylist, search through your social media feed for options and consider booking a consultation before you make your choice.

 

Be patient.

Going completely gray is a major change and above all, Csicsai wants you to know that the transition will take time to get used to. In time, Csicsai is confident that in time you’ll feel like a dime wearing your natural hue!

“You need to understand that you will feel completely different with your new hair color,” Csicsai says. “Trust the process and journey, and be patient and kind with yourself.”

With Csicsai’s tips in mind, you’re on your way to gorgeous, healthy gray in no time!

Interested in learning more about going gray? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.

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19 Shades Of Grey Hair That Prove Silver Is Still In Style

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