For many, finding that first strand of grey can feel a little daunting. In fact, although it's such a natural part of life, our survey revealed that almost 1 in 5 of Brits see it as their biggest hair frustration.
In particular, those aged 55-64 are most worried about their hair turning grey. That’s why, in this article, we’re breaking down the reasons why we go grey naturally, how it changes over time, and the best ways to care for and style your silver strands with confidence.
Why does hair turn grey?
First things first, grey hair is completely natural. So, if you’ve noticed a few silvery strands, it’s likely due to a drop in melanin - the pigment that gives your hair its colour.
As we get older, our bodies produce less melanin, and without it, hair grows back grey, silver, or white. Your hair’s texture also changes, so you might also find that grey hairs feel coarser or wirier than the rest.
Can I prevent grey hair?
While stress, genetics, and certain health conditions can sometimes bring on early changes to the hair, going grey is a natural part of ageing.
However, even though you can’t stop grey hairs from coming in completely, you can choose how to handle them. For those who prefer to cover up the silver strands, you have a few options:
- Add colour at home: Choose ammonia-free dyes to protect your hair and scalp. Follow up with colour-safe shampoo and deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair soft and healthy.
- Blend greys into your hair: For a low-commitment option, root touch-up powders, or semi-permanent glosses can help blend greys and refresh your colour without damage.
- Embrace your greys: You can go grey without looking old! From sleek silver bobs to natural salt-and-pepper waves, there are plenty of easy-to-maintain hairstyles that enhance your natural look
How do I look after grey hair?
Grey hair takes a little more care than other natural colours. That’s because the hair naturally becomes drier and more fragile, making it prone to damage.
However, having a good haircare routine can really make all the difference, helping you better care for your grey hair:
1. Lock in moisture
When grey hair lacks moisture, it can become coarse, wiry, and more vulnerable to breakage. This dryness leaves strands brittle, making them more likely to snap during everyday tasks like brushing or styling.
As such, grey hair needs extra hydration to stay soft, manageable, and full of life.
To keep your locks moisturised, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and follow with a rich leave-in cream or hair oil to seal in moisture. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can also help restore softness and strength, helping you better look after your grey hair.
2. Protect from breakage
Looking after grey hair requires a little extra care, so it’s important to protect it from breakage and treat it gently, especially when it’s wet and most fragile.
Instead of rubbing with a towel, gently pat hair dry with a soft microfiber cloth, and use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to ease out knots and tangles. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can also reduce friction and prevent overnight damage.
Small changes like these make a big difference, helping your silver strands stay smooth, healthy, and strong.
3. Be mindful of heat
When it comes to drying or styling your locks, protecting your greys is key. As we know, grey hair is naturally more delicate, making it especially vulnerable to heat damage from tools like dryers, straighteners, and curling tools.
Excessive heat can strip away moisture, leaving strands dry, brittle, and more likely to break. That’s why it’s important to be mindful not just of how often you use heat, but what tools you're using.
Try to opt for tools with adjustable temperature settings, such as our very own haircare range, and always apply a heat protectant before styling.
The right tools and a little extra care can go a long way in caring for your grey hair, without compromising on your favourite hairstyles.
4. Protect from sun damage
Grey hair is more vulnerable to sun damage, which can leave it dry, dull, and even slightly yellowed over time. So, knowing how to protect your hair from UV rays is essential.
Try wearing a wide-brimmed hat or covering your hair with a scarf when you're outside for extended periods. You can also look for hair products that offer built-in UV protection to help shield your strands from the sun, or you can use a leave-in conditioner with SPF to help lock in moisture while guarding against the sun.
5. Healthy foods
What you eat plays a big role in the health of your hair - and grey hair is no different. Nutrient-rich foods, packed with vitamins and minerals, help keep your silver strands strong and healthy from the inside out.
Look to include foods like leafy greens, nuts, fish, and fruits in your diet to nourish your hair and scalp. By fuelling your body with the right nutrients, you’re giving your grey hair the best chance to stay healthy, shiny, and full of life, all year round!
What should I do with my grey hair?
If you’ve made the decision to go grey naturally, the hairstyle options are endless. Whether you have long, fine or curly hair, the right hairstyle can enhance your natural hair while keeping day-to-day maintenance to a minimum.
Continue reading, below, for our five favourite grey hairstyles for women:
1. Chin length bob with subtle layers
If your hair is fine or thin, a chin-length bob with soft layers is a perfect choice. This style is easy to manage and gives your hair a fuller appearance without weighing it down. The layers help frame your face and add volume that keeps your hair looking effortlessly chic throughout the day.
2. Long layers with blunt ends
For long, thick hair, a layered cut will help create movement, frame the face, and make your thick hair feel less heavy, ultimately making it more manageable day to day. The simple layers and blunt chop will also add shape and definition to your hair, making it look more stylish with no extra effort.
3. Choppy deconstructed cut
For those with curly hair, opt for a style that leans into your natural texture. The choppy, deconstructed cut will add definition and volume to your curls while minimising frizz. This modern look will let your natural curls do all the hard work, meaning less time styling for you.
4. Long bob with soft layers
For straight hair, a long bob (otherwise known as a ‘lob’) with soft layers, adds subtle movement and stops hair from looking flat. This cut is elegant yet easy to style, offering a polished look that enhances the natural shine of your silver strands.
5. Shoulder-length cut with face-framing layers
If you have wavy hair, opt for a shoulder-length cut with gentle face-framing layers. This style highlights your natural waves and adds dimension without overwhelming your hair’s texture. The layers add bounce, keeping your waves defined and effortless throughout the day.
So, whether you’re embracing your greys or dyeing them, the right care clearly makes all the difference. That’s why Gtech’s haircare range is designed to keep your hair soft, shiny, and healthy, without the damage.
Explore our full collection – which also includes hair dryers and hair straighteners - or head over to our blog for more expert tips and advice.