The Grey Debate: Are you Considering Ditching Your Hair Colour?

Every seven weeks or so, as my roots become annoyingly obvious, I go through the "Grey Debate". Is it time to go grey? Some of my friends have decided to stop colouring their hair, I haven't taken the leap. I’m moving away from darker colour trends, and instead requesting lighter browns, and copper or caramel highlights to see how I'd look with lighter colours. It's not grey hair, but I feel I'm moving in that direction.

My former colleague and friend, Lisa LaFlamme went grey in front of the cameras and in front of a nation, when during Covid she couldn't colour her hair. It's strange now to think of her without her grey hair. She is graceful and distinguished, and I think, even more lovely.

Grey hair can be a crown of wisdom for some, or a silver alarm bell for others. It's become a hot topic among my friends as we navigate the hormonal roller coaster of menopause, and the changing texture and volume of our hair.

Understanding the Transition to Grey Hair

The journey to grey hair often begins in your 30s or 40s, driven by genetics and lifestyle choices, such as diet and stress levels. According to research, by age 50, approximately 50% of individuals will have at least 50% grey hair. With menopause, often occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, many women notice not just a colour change but also a shift in hair thickness and texture.

Melissa Caci at Next Gen Salon in Winnipeg says most women will feel their hair becoming coarser as they age, but strangely for some (me) menopause also brings new baby-like hairs around the hairline.

Caci says women moving into mid-life will find their hair feels drier. Declining estrogen can lead to a reduction in sebum production, a natural oil which lubricates the scalp.

"As women approach menopause they should moisturize and do conditioning treatments, like a leave-in hair mask, once each week," she said.

For those, not quite ready to embrace grey hair, Caci suggests adding lighter highlights to break up solid color. "That line of demarcation will be less noticeable with a few highlights throughout,” she said. “It will soften that strong line of unpigmented hair as it starts growing out."

Preparing for the Change

Transitioning to grey hair doesn’t need to be sudden. Here are a few strategies to help you if you are thinking about making the change:

1. Consult a Professional Stylist: Working with a skilled colourist can be invaluable. A stylist can create a custom plan tailored for your hair type and colour, making the transition smoother. For example, your stylist might suggest softly blending grey with your current colour for a gradual change.

   
   

2. Gradual Highlights: Subtle highlights can make the transition to grey easier, when or if you decide to move in that direction. Ask your stylist for highlights that are one or two shades lighter than your base colour to create a soft, natural look. This can also help extend the time between colouring appointments.

   
   

3. Use Charcoal or Grey Hair Products: If you are going grey use specialized shampoos and conditioners made to enhance silver tones and reduce yellowing caused by pollutants or hard water.

   
   

4. Consider a Toning Treatment: Regular toning can keep grey or silver hair looking fresh. Some products can also add shine and vibrancy, helping to prevent that dull appearance many experience after going grey.

   
   

Embracing Your New Hair Texture

During menopause, hormonal changes can alter your hair’s texture. Embracing these changes is key. Here's how to adapt:

1. Experiment with Styles: Embrace the texture of aging hair by trying out different styles. Short cuts, layering, or soft waves can accentuate your hair's unique beauty. For instance, a bob can frame your face beautifully and bring attention to the silver tones.

   
   

2. Invest in Quality Hair Care Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners that cater to mature hair. Products enriched with essential oils can keep hair moisturized and soft. A leave-in conditioner can provide some extra moisture, which is often needed as hair ages.

   
   

3. Regular Haircuts: Keeping up with regular trims can help manage changes in texture and maintain healthy-looking hair. Consider asking your stylist about the best cuts that suit your new hair type for both style and ease of maintenance.

   
   

Celebrating Your Unique Journey

The transition to grey hair during menopause is an invitation to reinvent your relationship with beauty and self-acceptance. Whether you choose to keep your colour, move to a gradual grey or embrace your silver strands instantly, what matters most is your personal comfort and confidence.

So, as you embark on this beautiful new chapter, remember aging gracefully means finding confidence in the changes in your body, and nurturing your individual beauty every step of the way.