When Should You Stop Coloring Your Hair and Go Grey?
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Navigation
Understanding the Pressure Around Going Grey
Signs It's Time to Consider Growing Out Grey Hair
Transitioning to Grey Hair from Dyed Hair
Tips for a Smoother Transition
How to Go Grey Without Looking Old
Pros and Cons of Removing Hair Colour to Go Grey
Blonde Hair with Grey: A Softer Middle Ground
Style and Maintenance Tips for Natural Grey Hair Styles
How to Get Grey Hair at Home Safely
Final Thoughts: Your Grey Hair, Your Rules
In episode 16 of the Style for Life podcast, fashion stylist and accountability coach Stephanie Rumble opens up a warm, relatable, and thoughtful conversation about one of the most personal beauty transitions: going grey. With decades of experience across health, wellness, styling, and education, Stephanie doesn’t just talk about hair. She discusses identity, ageing, self-acceptance, and the pressure women face when it comes to appearance.
This article distils the key insights from the episode and offers practical advice for those considering transitioning to grey hair, whether you're already spotting silver strands or still clinging to that all-over dye job.
Understanding the Pressure Around Going Grey
Society has long conditioned women to hide their grey hair, while men are celebrated as "silver foxes." Stephanie addresses the gender double standards in ageing and appearance, highlighting the cultural bias that encourages women to stay youthful while rewarding men for growing older.
Women often face comments like "Are you tired?" or "You looked better with colour," which reinforces a toxic beauty ideal. Stephanie challenges that norm, reminding listeners that going grey is not a downgrade. It's an empowered choice, and sometimes, a liberating one.
“Confidence is what makes any hair colour beautiful.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
This shift in mindset can be powerful. Rather than viewing grey hair as something to cover up, it becomes something to embrace. And when done with intention, it can actually make you look more vibrant, confident, and aligned with your true self.
If you're unsure whether it's time to make the leap, a personalised consultation with a professional fashion stylist in Christchurch can help you evaluate what works best for your features and lifestyle.
Signs It's Time to Consider Growing Out Grey Hair
Stephanie outlines some telltale signs that it might be time to stop the colouring cycle:
You’re constantly topping up roots every 2–3 weeks
Your scalp is sensitive or reacting to dye
Your hair colour no longer suits your skin tone
You feel out of alignment with your natural look
The maintenance is exhausting, expensive, or both
If any of these resonate, growing out grey hair might be the next chapter for you.
While the decision is deeply personal, Stephanie emphasises that it often begins with listening to your body, your confidence levels, and your lifestyle needs. There’s no universal “right time”—only the moment that feels right for you.
Choosing to go grey doesn’t have to be dramatic. Many women start slowly by lightening their hair or using foils before fully embracing the change. Others go all in. The point is: it should be your choice, not society's.
Transitioning to Grey Hair from Dyed Hair
One of the biggest questions Stephanie gets is: "How do I start transitioning to grey hair from dyed hair without feeling frumpy or exposed?"
Here are her stylist-approved suggestions:
Start with foils to blend new growth with your existing colour
Go lighter gradually to soften the demarcation line
Use semi-permanent hair colour to transition to grey gently
Let the top grow while trimming the ends more regularly
If you’re wondering about how to go grey from coloured hair, the short answer is slowly and strategically. For most people, especially those with darker dyed hair, a full transition can take several months to over a year. But with the right salon support, it can be done in a way that still looks polished and intentional.
A good hairdresser will help you tone and layer the shades so your hair evolves naturally. And yes, it may feel awkward for a few months. Stephanie admits she felt frumpy for six months during her own journey. But by the end, she loved the result.
Tips for a Smoother Transition
Ask your stylist to keep some warmth or coolness based on your undertone
Consider texturising or adding layers for more movement
Use glosses, toners, or conditioning colour rinses for vibrance
Stay patient. Every person transitions at their own pace.
These tactics are especially helpful for those using semi-permanent hair colour to transition to grey. They help reduce the visual harshness of roots and allow you to experiment with tone before committing.
Transitioning doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Think of it as rediscovering your hair’s natural beauty, not letting yourself go.
How to Go Grey Without Looking Old
One of the biggest fears is that going grey will make you look older. Stephanie disagrees. In fact, the opposite can be true.
Some women feel they look significantly younger after ditching dark dyes that no longer match their skin tone. after ditching dark dyes that no longer matched their skin tone. Why? Because natural tones often harmonise better with mature skin. They reflect your authentic self and don’t create harsh contrast.
“There’s a tipping point where dark hair ages you more than grey ever could.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Key styling considerations:
Blending grey hair with highlights at home can soften the look
Incorporate soft waves, modern cuts, or bold glasses to elevate your appearance
Avoid very dark, flat, or yellow-toned shades which can age the face
Embrace your natural texture, as grey hair often has a gorgeous wave or curl
When deciding how to go grey without looking old, remember that cut and styling matter just as much as colour. Fresh layers, strong shapes, and subtle face-framing elements can all elevate your look. Confidence, of course, ties it all together.
Grey isn’t ageing. Bad cuts, washed-out colours, or a lack of confidence are.
Pros and Cons of Removing Hair Colour to Go Grey
Removing hair colour to go grey is often a necessary step if you're coming off years of box dye or permanent colouring.
Pros:
Ends the constant upkeep
Frees your scalp from chemical exposure
Saves time and money long-term
Reconnects you with your natural colour and self-image
Cons:
The in-between stage can feel awkward
Removing years of buildup may take multiple sessions
You might need to trim or reshape your style along the way
If your hair has been dyed dark, using grey hair dye on dark hair may not lift easily. It’s critical to work with a stylist experienced in colour correction.
“If you’re sick of dye, it might be time to let it go.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
You may also consider exploring how to dye grey hair blonde naturally as a bridge strategy. In some cases, this means gradually shifting tone with the help of conditioning dyes or rinses while letting the grey grow in.
Blonde Hair with Grey: A Softer Middle Ground
For those not ready to go fully grey, Stephanie suggests considering blonde hair with grey blending. This works especially well for naturally lighter-haired women or those who want a gradual shift.
Lifting to a shade of silver grey hair colour or ash blonde can act as a buffer, easing the eye into grey without the stark contrast of a dark root.
Benefits of going lighter to cover grey hair:
Less noticeable regrowth
More forgiving colour fading
Works better with cool skin undertones
Creates dimension and softness
Going lighter can also support your journey if you're thinking about how to go grey from coloured hair, especially for those who want a more subtle transition. By gradually shifting your base colour, your natural greys can blend more easily and look more intentional.
“Your hair is often naturally the colour that it needs to be for your skin tone.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie also notes that it’s helpful to consider whether your undertone is warm or cool when choosing the right shade during your grey transition. cool undertones need cool greys; warm undertones benefit from soft beige or taupe blends. Your skin tone should lead the colour conversation.
Style and Maintenance Tips for Natural Grey Hair Styles
As you embrace your natural shade, styling plays an even bigger role.
Keep the cut modern and intentional
Use a purple or blue shampoo to avoid brassiness
Condition deeply to combat coarseness or dryness
Add accessories like earrings or glasses for a pop of personality
Natural grey hair styles can be sleek, tousled, edgy, or elegant. Confidence is your best accessory.
“We all have this irrational fear of grey hair—but it’s not as bad as you think.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
To keep your hair looking its best, consider nourishing treatments, regular trims, and style upgrades. This is especially helpful for those with grey hair with purple underneath, a fun and creative way to introduce contrast and edge.
If you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe to match your evolving style, explore how a wardrobe audit and co-ordination session can help you confidently dress your new hair and shape.
Experiment with:
Grey hair with purple underneath for bold personality
Silver-blonde tips or balayage ends
Asymmetrical or pixie cuts for edginess
Whether your grey is cool-toned, salt-and-pepper, or silver-white, there are endless ways to express your style.
How to Get Grey Hair at Home Safely
If you prefer the DIY route, Stephanie strongly recommends:
Starting with professional advice
Using gentle products formulated for mature hair
Choosing grey hair dye shades that match your undertone
Avoiding bleaching unless supervised by a stylist
Learning how to get grey hair at home involves patience, good products, and realistic expectations. If you want to speed up the process, opt for low-commitment glosses and gradually shift your base colour.
You can also explore blending grey hair with highlights at home, especially with semi-permanent products or colour-depositing conditioners that gradually tone your base shade.
Final Thoughts: Your Grey Hair, Your Rules
Stephanie Rumble's message is clear: going grey is not just about hair. It's about identity, confidence, and choosing what works best for you.
Some women go grey early. Others never do. Some transition with foils. Others go cold turkey. Some lighten first, others cut it all off. There is no one right way. What matters is how you feel about your reflection, and how empowered, relaxed, or joyful your decision makes you.
As Stephanie reminds us, the most flattering colour is the one that aligns with your face, your lifestyle, and your self-belief.
If your grey journey has sparked a desire to go deeper into personal presentation and wellbeing, Bright Red also offers accountability coaching for health and confidence and education workshops that support transformation inside and out. Let your hair tell the story you want it to tell.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs it might be time to stop colouring your hair?
The earliest signs include frequent root touch-ups, colour that no longer complements your skin tone, or increased scalp sensitivity. Many women also feel mentally and emotionally ready for a change, especially if the upkeep is becoming frustrating or expensive. Listening to your intuition is key—if colouring starts to feel like a chore, it may be time to consider transitioning to grey.
How can I start transitioning to grey hair from dyed hair?
One of the most effective ways to begin is by adding foils or highlights to blend your natural regrowth. Gradually lightening your current colour helps create a softer transition line. You can also try using semi-permanent dyes or glosses. Working with a stylist experienced in colour transitions can make the process much smoother.
Will going grey make me look older?
Not necessarily. Stephanie Rumble suggests that in many cases, grey hair actually enhances your appearance—especially when paired with the right cut and colour palette. Rather than ageing you, embracing your natural colour can refresh your look and feel more aligned with who you are now.
What are the pros and cons of removing hair colour to go grey?
The pros include freedom from frequent maintenance, less exposure to chemicals, and a more natural, authentic appearance. The cons often involve a temporary awkward phase and possible multiple salon sessions to fully transition. For many women, the long-term freedom and confidence outweigh the short-term discomfort.
What is the best haircut when going grey?
There’s no single “best” haircut, but a modern, well-structured style that complements your face shape and hair texture is ideal. Layers, pixie cuts, or shoulder-length styles can add movement and softness. Regular trims help keep the shape fresh as your natural colour comes in.
Can I go grey at home or do I need a professional?
You can start the process at home, especially with semi-permanent colour rinses or colour-depositing shampoos. However, a professional can help you avoid harsh lines and mismatched tones. If you're unsure where to begin, a consultation with a colour expert like Stephanie can offer clarity and direction.
How do I deal with grey roots during the transition?
Grey roots can be softened with blending techniques like highlights, lowlights, or toner applications. Headbands, root powders, or strategic parting can also help during the in-between stage. Stephanie recommends focusing on the bigger picture—this stage is temporary, and the results are worth it.
Is there stigma around women going grey in the workplace?
There can be, but it's changing. Some women still feel pressure to maintain a youthful appearance, especially in professional settings. However, cultural perceptions are evolving, and embracing grey is increasingly seen as stylish and empowered. Confidence and personal presentation play a big role in how it's received.
What role does skin tone play in going grey?
Your skin tone determines whether you should lean towards cool or warm tones during the transition. Grey doesn’t suit everyone in the same way, so working with a stylist who understands undertones can make a big difference. Stephanie's colour consultations are designed to help you find your ideal match.
What services does Bright Red offer to support this transition?
Bright Red offers colour consultations, wardrobe audits, and accountability coaching that support every stage of your style journey. Whether you're exploring a new hair direction or want to build confidence in how you present yourself, Stephanie Rumble provides professional, personalised guidance.
