3 Ways to Go Gray Gracefully (without a Demarcation Line)!
Do you want to go gray but you’re afraid of sporting a skunk stripe while your dyed hair grows out?
Well, I’ve got great news for you: You don’t have to!
Today I’m going to share with you three different ways you can go gray “in secret” from dyed hair with NO demarcation line between the dye and your naturally silver hair!
Make sure to scroll to the end for a BONUS method!
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
How to Go Gray Gracefully
All of the methods below are fantastic ways to go gray gracefully, as your transition will be more subtle than if you went gray completely cold turkey:
#1: Wigs or Hairpieces
Wigs or hairpieces are a great way to transition to naturally gray hair if you:
- do NOT want to go gray cold turkey and risk a skunk stripe
- do not want to cut your hair short
- do not want to (or can’t) use hair dye anymore
- have damaged hair and can’t risk a salon transition (since that involves bleaching, which can be quite harsh on hair)
Here’s how to do it:
Stop dyeing your hair (obviously 😉)
Let your gray roots start to grow in – but disguise them with root spray or root powder and/or wide headbands.
Once you get to the point where you really can’t disguise your roots, you have two choices: a) start wearing wigs or b) start wearing hairpieces.
If you choose to use wigs:
- It’s super easy – just wear wigs until your gray hair is fully grown out to the length you desire, and then reveal your glorious naturally silver hair to the world.
- You can wear wigs that are the same shade as your natural color, or wear a variety of wigs in different hair shades. Have fun with it! Keep people guessing!
If you choose to use hairpieces:
- Once your gray roots have grown long enough to pull them back to the nape of your neck, use a hairpiece in a shade of silver that matches your roots.
- You can choose messy buns, ponytails, etc. Have fun with it!
- Once your gray hair has grown out to the length you desire, you can stop using the hairpieces.
Whether you choose to go gray with wigs or hairpieces is totally up to you – some people find wigs more comfortable than hairpieces, but the opposite is also true.
So before you spend a lot of money on a human hair wig or hairpiece, you might want to try them on at a reputable wig salon to see which one you prefer.
Where to Buy Wigs:
Paula Young
Wig.com
Ebonyline
Uniwigs
Where to Buy Gray Hairpieces:
Amazon
Ebonyline
Juvabun
Related Posts
If going gray with wigs or hairpieces sounds like something you might want to do, make sure to check out these two articles for some inspiration and tips & tricks!
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#2: Dye Strip Method
Before I explain what the dye strip technique is, I just want to tell you that in order to use this method, you must have medium-length to long hair, and you must be able to part it on the side.
So if you have bangs, super curly hair, or short hair you might want to scroll down to the next method.
Now, this crazily brilliant method might be the right choice for you if you:
- do NOT want to go gray cold turkey and risk a skunk stripe
- do not want to cut your hair short
- are OK with continuing to dye for a while
- want something that you can do at home or at the salon
- do NOT want to do a full-on salon transition
The dye strip technique is a little involved, so check out this blog post for the full instructions.
In the meantime, here’s the quick, condensed version of how to do the dye strip method:
- Part your hair to the side and only color a small strip of hair at the crown of your head (about 1 ½” wide by 5” long)
- Dye the roots of ONLY that strip of hair as needed. In the meantime, your gray hair will grow out underneath that dyed strip.
- When your gray hair has grown out enough that you feel comfortable showing it to the world, you’ll flip your part so that the gray side shows.
- And then you’ll simply let that dyed strip grow out underneath your gray hair. Nobody will be the wiser!
Crazy, right? But it works!
Will some gray hair show? Yes! But it will end up looking more like silver peekaboo highlights and there will NOT be a harsh demarcation line like you get when you go gray cold turkey.
Gray Hair Transition Progress at 9 months
If you want to see an example of someone who had great success with the dye strip method, check out the video I did with Diana, the lady who introduced me to this method.
If you decide the dye strip method is for you, here’s a printable PDF of the instructions!
Further Reading
For more information on the dye strip technique, you’ll want to read the following two articles:
#3: Salon Transition
A salon transition is when you go to a professional and let them transition you to gray hair using salon methods.
This is a great option for women who:
- do NOT want to go gray cold turkey and risk a skunk stripe
- want to have a seamless transition to gray hair
- want a quicker transition
- have healthy, undamaged hair
- have lighter-colored hair
- feel nervous about going gray and want the help of a professional
There are many different salon methods, but the most common ones are balayage, highlights, lowlights, and gray blending (which is a combo of highlights and balayage).
(You can find out more about these techniques in my book – which provides details on ALL the various ways to go gray and the pros and cons of each method).
Most methods of going gray at the salon involve bleaching the hair to the lightest color possible (usually a light yellow) and then toning the hair to make it appear gray.
This is where it gets tricky:
Your hair can become quite damaged from the bleach if you have any of the following:
- Damaged hair
- Fine hair
- Thin hair
- Curly hair
- Brittle or fragile hair
- Dark brunette hair
It can also be expensive and time-consuming as you often have to buy special products to use between visits and may have to go back to the salon for follow-up treatments.
BUT – for a lot of women, especially in high-profile professions (like actors or lawyers), the risk of damage is worth it to avoid a skunk stripe.
If you want to move forward with a salon transition, make sure to find a reputable salon that has experience doing these types of treatments.
Here are some tips:
- Ask for before and after photos, and read online reviews.
- If you need to find a good stylist near you, make sure to check out my International Gray Friendly Salon Directory – these are salons that have either been referred to me by women who have had great experiences with them, or the salons themselves have reached out to me and asked to be listed. (Not all of the salons in the directory do professional gray hair transitions, however, so make sure to ask them before you book an appointment)
Related Posts
If a salon transition sounds like it might be a great fit for you, below are some related articles that can answer some of your pressing questions:
Bonus Method: Going Gray with a Buzz Cut
Yes, this isn’t exactly a “secret” way to go gray but it is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to go gray.
And guess what? NO skunk stripe!
All you need is a pair of clippers to buzz off all that old dyed hair and – voila, you’re done!
The women I know who’ve done it say it’s incredibly liberating. And it’s definitely the only way to TRULY go gray overnight.
Now a buzz cut isn’t for everyone, obviously, but for some of you, it might be the BEST choice.
Related Posts
If you’re ready to go gray quickly, with no risk of a skunk stripe, and no more chemicals being poured on your head, a buzz cut might be for you!
Here are two transition stories from women who’ve done this chic technique:
Video: How to Go Gray Without A Skunk Stripe
If you prefer video, here’s a video I did recently that lays out all your options:
Conclusion
Going gray doesn’t have to be scary – surprisingly, it can actually be fun! But if you’re worried about the process, and about people commenting on your transition, then going gray gracefully in secret might be the best way for your to proceed.
If you have any questions, make sure to comment below! I’d love to hear from you.
Good day – love this web site. Do you get a demarcation line if your hair is not colored? I’m brunette now, so will I get a line anyway?
If your hair goes gray naturally (no dye), you shouldn’t get a demarcation line. Maybe in some unusual scenario? But I would imagine that would be very rare.
Hey Katie,
Tina here, your zealous silver haired sister! One thing, also, I wanted to mention was that there are single ladies out there that are fearful of going gray because they fear they will not meet their soul mate. Well, my husband, long prior to me going gray, once told me how he had the hots for a college professor of his that had gray hair. It’s all in the attitude and the confidence and special tools in our arsenal. We cannot just go gray and let ourselves go, as a few of your articles give detail on, but with a little bit of gel and blow dry tools amongst a few other things you cover in your articles, gray can be down right attractive to the opposite sex. Ladies, go gray if your single. Give it a try and hold your head up high! If you don’t like it, you can always go back. But know this, there are many men out there that will date women with gray hair over women with dyed hair simply because the gray haired women might be a little more confident and spunky! If a man won’t date you because you have gray hair, maybe he’s not someone you want to spend the rest of your life with anyway? Blessings!
Great advice, Tina! I’ve heard from a lot of men who say the same thing you’ve said here – they fine gray hair on women attractive because it signifies confidence and independence, and they love that! Confidence is always attractive.