What to do about badly behaved, variegated grey hair
— by Alyson Walsh

Photos: Claire Pepper
Honestly, I thought I’d said all there is to say about grey hair. But, no. The transition is not over yet. Everyone’s hair is different, but generally speaking, hair does not become a uniform shade of gunmetal overnight. It takes time – quite a long time! – and grey growth is patchy. Over the last year I have noticed more grey in the mid-section of my hair, underneath, and this behaves differently to the darker strands on top. Having a different texture, the grey hair doesn’t always lie flat and can be quite unruly. This situation is worse in summer and when conditions are hot and humid. Variegated hair with attitude. Who knew?
When it comes to drying, I’m fairly low maintenance. Allowing my hair to ‘almost-dry’ naturally, I’ll then tip my head upside-down and give it a quick blast with the hairdryer to add a little volume and smoothness. Well, that process had to stop. Drying upside-down gave the greyer mid-section a wild, Einstein-esque look, while the non-grey hair lay flat on top. Now I stand upright, tie the top half of my hair up and dry the underneath section first, smoothing through with my hand. Next, I dry the top section and my hair sits smoothly all round, and I don’t look like Mr Messy wearing a cape.

I asked my hairdresser Guy Healey for advice on the variegated grey hair phenomenon. He agreed that the new drying technique would help and also recommended using a medium heat to blow dry (I usually go for a quick, hot blast). Other suggestions included: rinsing hair with cooler water to close the cuticles and washing hair less. My hair always looks better after a few days and so I tend not to ‘over wash’, anyway.
Regarding products, Guy recommended trying a smoothing fluid to condition the problem area; such as Moroccan Oil, OWAY Smoothing Fluid and Evo’s Liquid Rollers Curl Balm. He advised applying the product when the hair is damp, but not dry. Noted. I had been using Moroccan Oil as a finishing product to add a bit of shine. Now I’m towel-drying and either using Moroccan Oil All-In-One Leave-in Conditioner or It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Lite – both products are good for smoothing and calming badly-behaved grey hair. Though obviously, I need to see how well this all pans out in the warmer months…
If you prefer to blow-dry in a more professional manner, Guy recommends treating hair gently and using an old-school, round, bristle brush. ‘When your hair is 85% dry, take a small section, place the brush at the end and then carefully roll it up to the scalp. Blow dry on a medium heat, unroll the brush and then repeat. Be gentle on the hair – no pulling or stretching!’
Is your hair variegated – and can you recommend any products or tips?
More good grey hair products:

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Discussion (57 Comments)
Thanks Penny. I feel the same, there are so many different colours in my hair, it’s much more interesting now (and in better condition). And all the money we save on hair dye can go on Paul Mitchell products!
Susanna says:
I feel this! My gray hair is coming in slowly, with a big swoosh at the front, and a lot of brown still at the back. My mother, who is 92, has only recently gone completely silver, so at 65 I fear I am in for a long process too. Luckily I like the “highlight around the face” effect that my bit of silver at the front gives me. Great hints about the drying – I have had to become more intentional about drying in layers and using lower heat, too, and I thought that was just me! Thanks for this encouraging post!
Patrish says:
My hair has been many colors on it’s way to white. The change never stops even after 35 years of not coloring.
I still have some dark hairs mixed in with the white. My hair is cut in a very short style, but it still needs good products.
From my point of view as a former formulating emulsion chemist for major cosmetics companies, the Living Proof products are thoughtfully and intelligently formulated.
I especially love the Restore Mask Treatment. I need a deep treatment, especially in winter. The Living Proof products are all very good but I especially love their masks. And, the treatment makes my scalp feel great while making my hair look healthy. I use a mask once a month and sometimes every two weeks when needed.
Daily routine: Shampoo….I’ve used them all from high end to middle of the road. I have found that gentle is best. I have been using
Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo for years, and even wash my face with the product. Kiehl’s Amino Acid Conditioner is my daily go to after shampooing. Just a small amount makes my hair behave on a regular basis. The product is not heavy and does not weigh hair down.Agree with you about Living Proof products, Patrish – they’re excellent. Though obviously you’re more of an expert on formulations than I am! The Perfect Hair Day shampoo and conditioner are both great and I have a weightless mask treatment that I’ve been meaning to try.
Mrs Tonia says:
I’m a fan of Living proof shampoo and conditioner. The Perfect Hair Day ones work well now my hair is more uniform. When growing out the dye I used the Restore conditioner. Expensive products which go up in price every time I buy them. Yet well worth it. One doesn’t need much. A one wash and little conditioner on low strands of hair. And I wash as little as possible every five plus days to avoid too much hair dryer use.
Rachel says:
Aveda Smooth Infusion conditioner has really helped with putting manners on my crazy greys. When I have the time, using a Babyliss Big Hair to finish drying my hair gives a nice professional finish.
Paula B says:
Yes, it’s an interesting process. I stopped dyeing years ago and my hair is still changing. My best tip is that I no longer use shampoo. I rinse and work conditioner through it in the shower, leave it for a bit and then rinse again (sort of a co-wash thing). I only do this twice a week, at least for the winter. Maybe three times in summer. I use an anti-frizz product and then blow dry in layers to finish. I’ve tried a lot of things, but Redken Frizz Dismiss conditioner and Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame (the anti-frizz styling product) do it for me. Shampoo seems to make mine unruly. Maybe it’s because it removes the natural hair oils? I don’t know, but without shampoo I need fewer “restorative” products. Also no special products for gray hair, yet anyway. Everyone’s journey is different, but I have found that less is more for me.
Kate says:
This is what I’ve found too, although I’m using cleansing conditioners/ cowashes rather than just standard conditioner. But my hair always needed a day or so to settle down after washing, no matter how much conditioner, oils and serum I put on, and since I ditched the shampoo it dries with a much nicer texture and is breaking less.
Laura says:
My hair is a lot like yours In that I still have some dark blond on the ends. My hair is variegated but a lighter grey. I too use Moroccan oil after drying for shine and a bit of control. I find that my hair is dryer and more fly away now that it is grey. I use a small dab of Aveda smooth infusion before drying and I also spray it with either Aveda Brilliant or It’s a 10 miracle leave in plus Keratin.
Sarah Stubbs says:
Aveda products for me too and thank you for the drying tips Alyson. Also my hairdresser used an
olaplex leave in serum / cream on my hair the other day before blow drying which really helped with frizziness.Thanks Sarah & Rachel, I really like the Aveda Botanical Repair range and as Patrish mentions above the Rosemary & Mint Shampoo
Ellen Tannenbaum says:
I have the same allergic reaction to many of Aveda’s products that I have to various pollens, unfortunately. I use gentle hypoallergenic beauty products.
Vicky says:
Ohhhh, this is absolutely me!
All the greys are underneath, and at the back….and they are curly. The front and sides are still well-behaved brunette….and straight. If I catch sight of the back of my head in a mirror it’s a shock; dry and wiry.
Two things have worked miracles – one is applying a hair oil or similar to the lengths, after washing and towel drying, which brings back the swish. The other is a heated smoothing brush (mine is Babyliss) – once the hair is dry this is pulled through the lengths, taking out all the frizz and smoothing the back.underneath to match the front.
Incidentally, I absolutely adore the streaky mix of colours, with stripes of silver, brown and red.
Susan says:
I have naturally curly hair and had anyone told me what a mess my hair would become I wouldn’t have stopped dyeing it. Even though I love the color. No matter what I use or what I do my hair is a giant frizz ball. Anyone with curly hair had any luck with anything?
Lynn says:
That’s what I’m living through currently. To top it off I moved to the land of humidty that is SWFL. One stylist suggested foils & bleach to help remove existing blonde. Now I have a french-fried mess. It behaves when I blow dry, but quickly approaching weather days where that’s not logical. I just made a hair appointment to discuss with my new stylist whom is also a curly head. I’m considering shaving it off- I’m not even kidding. Hopefully she’ll have a less drastic solution. I do know from going grey about 8 years back that grey & curly is wiry. But I didn’t live in SWFL then & could take with a blow dryer. Ugh. I so wanted to ditch the color routine!
Ruth says:
This is a never ending topic. I’m South Asian and my hair has always been dry so with grey hair it becomes kind of wiry, like my terrier’s. And I don’t want to look like him! I’ve spent a small fortune on various oils and conditioners but two things – one is that my hairdresser has always maintained a stance of ‘go with it, don’t fight it’ which is good advice. Second – warmed up olive oil works wonders – leave in for a few minutes then rinse out. But everyone will have their own solution…
Rach with an E says:
Any sulphate free shampoo for me, though I have had success with Milk Shake silver shine conditioning mousse. The BaByliss Big Curler is a game changer.
Sara says:
Oh Alyson, I love your descriptions of your hair. I am sorry to say it made me smile, sorry because it’s not a cause for mirth but it was recognition that I’m not the only person to have constant hair problems. I can’t add to the debate about products as I have not yet graduated to grey and am, in fact, about to spend a couple of hours with my lovely hairdresser, most of which is to dollop the colour on. Your article is part of the reason why I have not made the transition. It’s hard enough getting the style right (looking good without hours of effort) without having to take into account the variations of colour. Having a friend with a fabulous solid silver perfect pixie cut doesn’t help! We share our hairdresser but I don’t share her hair good fortune. I do wish you luck and if it’s anything, your hair always looks so good in your photos.
Sarah says:
The problem with olaplex is that it contains silicone (dimethicone) which is bad for your hair in the long run. Michael van Clarke has a good blog post about this: https://www.vanclarke.com/blogs/news/why-silicone-is-bad-for-your-hair?_pos=1&_sid=980abe297&_ss=r
Gwendolyn Coleman says:
I didn’t know this!! Perhaps it’s part of my issue. I’ve been on Olaplex for a long time now!
Sarah says:
I have found washing my hair less has improved my mid length frizz prone hair. I use New Wash by Hairstory which is very expensive but has improved my hair. But I wonder if the not washing as much is key. To the improvement. My main recommendation would be a round bristle brush as suggested in the article. I bought a ghd round brush and it really grips the hair making it much easier to brush out. I love reading everyone’s recommendations.
Mrs Tonia says:
I also dry my hair and style it with a circular bristle brush. Section by section using cheap section clips. Years ago a hairdresser taught me some good tricks to end up with smooth hair. First pin up top sections and dry the bottom layers first. Then work your way to the top layers surrounding face. Use section clips to pull down these chin length pieces which you see first. Use foam rollers to add body to dried hair. Working from crown down. They smooth, straighten and add body without need for heat.
If going out add rollers under a big shower cap while having a bath or shower. Then brush out and go.Hello Sarah…I am 75 and have not used shampoo or conditioner on my hair for five years (except twice a year when I visit a hairdresser for colour streaks (but we only do one wash and no conditioner). I started bleaching my hair when I was 15 and then off and on tried different blonds (once went black) and for the last 20 years settled on streaks and no bleach.
I started not washing hair hearing someone on the wireless talking about the best thing for your hair is not to use anyy products at all. I just do an occasional blast under a warm then cold shower about once a month or when I have been swimming in the sea or been to London (I live in Cornwall) . About 5 years ago I read somewhere that a Beauty
Editor had said google not using shampoo and I did . I was so interested I tried it – First 3 weeks difficult but luckily I had never had greasy hair. The hairdresser said I have the best hair of any of his clients and only one other client has such thick healthy hair – and that is a man much younger who Also doesn’t use shampoo or conditioner. My 17 year old granddaughter tried it in lockdown but said it was still ‘gross’ after 3 weeks (but think also age comes into it and not wise for any hormonal change time like puberty or menopause maybe. Anyway advice to all is google it and make your own decisions….But I am just wash and go – no drying – but brushing lots with a Mason Pearson morning and night.Miss Nell says:
Very interesting and something I have wondered about. I’ve moved to a hot, humid climate and my ‘variegated’ hair does things it never has before! I don’t want to get into daily washing but sometimes feel I have no choice. Perhaps a product free wash might be the way to go? I’m open to trying anything at this stage to adapt to the new weather conditions and the gradual journey from dark brown to who knows what! By the by, I recall that my uncle had the best head of hair I’d ever seen even in his latter years – thick, dark and shiny. His secret was the Sunlight soap my mum used in the laundry!
Karen says:
I have just found a conditioner which I love – OUAI for thick hair. They also do products for fine hair. You can buy a big ‘plasma bag’ which is better value than the 100ml which is expensive. Leave it on whilst eating breakfast and then rinse off – made a big difference to my 60+ locks.
Anne says:
Going grey, still mostly underneath, and the texture is different but as I have incredibly thick hair (each hair, plus lots of if – cue comments at every hair salon ever, apprentices standing round to gawp!) the idea of just tipping up your head to give it a quick blast is completely alien. My grey hairs are even more wiry than the brown ones too. I’ve found if I can leave it to dry naturally and then straighten I get the smoothest result, and I like the Wella System Professional luxe oil that my hairdresser uses so have stuck to that. I use it on damp hair, but then add a little to smooth down as needed in between washing.
Jo says:
Oil, oil, oil.
Every time you pass the bottle (and when you’re not just about to Zoom).
Apply two pumps of a good quality hair oil all over your hands, palms and backs of hands, and then dig in and massage it through your hair tips to almost (but not quite) roots. Looks a bit slick at first but I swear you can hear your hair drinking it up.
Works for me, and I get asked a lot about how I keep my grey barnet smooth.Patrish says:
Without getting into the details of the chemistry behind the science, a water in oil emulsion actually does better conditioning work on hair than straight oil.
I use “it’s a 10” products. My hair is naturally curly and the grey hairs “ my hairs of wisdom” always seem much coarser. These products work well also my flat iron just on the temple area where I have most of my wisdom.
Patricia Hanson-James says:
My mother went white when she was very young and growing up I thought she was older than everyone else’s mother’s so I swore I wouldn’t go grey. I too started to go grey early so I coloured and coloured.My hair has always been short and grows like a weed and when I retired I realised I wouldn’t be able to afford the up keep so screaming and shouting I went grey. It is now a very pale grey, which people tell me is a very pretty colour, but oddly after all these years has a wave! I do use some of the purple shampoos but be careful, over use can use can lead to a purple tinge which reminds me of my mother’s purple rinse.
!Purple shampoos to be used intermittently – with caution!
Tricia says:
I have gone from golden fair hair, mainly natural, to a dull washed out grey which I think may eventually turn white. My hair is fragile, thin and breaks easily not helped by chronic ill health and the menopause . I have been using Tabitha James Kraan products which are all organic. They are terrific and have made a real difference, particularly the hair oil and the 4in1 conditioner. It’s only available online. There are videos to show you how to use the products and refills for the various cleansers and shampoos are available. My dilemma is that my hair colour doesn’t suit me and drains the colour from my face . I might have to resort the a few highlights to lift the front. I have also found that some of the colours I used to wear no longer suit me which I’m sure is the case for others.
vicki says:
I have the same problem. My grey front is washing me out. But I don’t really want to start coloring again. Any suggestions?
Sue Harris says:
Yep I’m in this club I actually don’t mind just been using loreal wonder water and a Charles Worthington conditioner
Lyn in Yorkshire says:
Always a hot topic, I like to read differing views on hair management. Personally, I learnt many moons ago that the less I interfered with my hair, the better behaved it was. For the last ten years I have stuck religiously to Philip Kingsley shampoo and conditioner for fine hair. It just suits. The minute I add anything remotely fancy, I lose body and root lift. The 2 things I appreciate most on a daily basis – body and root lift!
I must agree though that Aveda Rosemary and Mint shampoo is good. Every few weeks, I inject a different shampoo into my regime to mix-it-up a bit. Reading above, I will now look to trying Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner. Thanks for the advice 🙂Ellie says:
Definitely agree with the ‘heated big round brush’ use! My hair is the same mixed grey,blond etc etc,but also a bit fragile (although still quite thick) post chemo a few years ago-added to the aeging process at 65.I DON’T towel dry, bu I wrap my hair in a purpose bought turban,available in Boots,Superdrug,and even the ‘pound’stores.This wicks the water away like magic and leaves hair half dry without scuffing up the cuticles,and it needs less hairdryer action.Win all round.My 90 year old Mum has just started using one of these turbans and is seeing the benefit also.Also,these turbans fasten witha a button on top,this avoiding the towel twisted turbans we all do that fall off…..
Jean Fairchild says:
From the stores you listed, i know youre not in the States, so could you please provide the brand name of the turban you use. Perhaps it is available in the states and I would like to try it.
MaureenC says:
I decided to use the lockdowns to explore letting my hair go grey and it was not a success. I’ve always had very dark hair and pale skin a classic ‘winter’ for those who like their colour theory so an over all impression of mid sh*t brown coloured hair makes me look washed out and feel miserable. My hairdresser says part of the problem is that because I swim regularly in outdoor pools and the sea, so what’s left of my dark hair is being bleached to the horrible colour on the top and there isn’t enough other dark hair there to counteract it. So we’ve come to a solution he hand paints the dark hair back to my ‘natural’ colour and leaves the grey alone. And I feel much better. I have to say I’m heartily fed up of hearing about what a wonderful transition it’s been for so many women. Maybe the unhappy ones are just keeping quiet or silently sneaking back to the hairdresser for a colour and feeling guilty about it.
Pink Azalea says:
I grew my hair out about 30 years ago. In my family, the women turn white/silver and the men lose theirs! I am 71 now with shoulder length hair. My hair has become thinner and finer so to keep it healthy I wash it twice a week using Aveda products, add Phomollient thickener, mostly air dry and finish it with a styling brush. Sometimes I put a few drops of Moroccan oil light on my palms and smooth that through the hair.. generally I treat it very gently – no high heat, too much pulling. I have a Mason Pearson brush that I really like.
Cindy says:
My hair is white on the sides, and salt and pepper on the crown area. I keep it very short, with a tapered fade in the back and short enough on top to either wear it smooth or scrunch it with product. My hairstylist will not color my hair – this has been from our first appointment on – going on 9 years.
I use AG Sterling Silver shampoo and conditioner once a week. I have tried other brands, this one is sulphate free and has no scent (good for people who are looking for scent free products). I use a pomade from Natulique, a little goes a long way, and it’s so easy to use. I use the low setting for the blow dryer.
I love my hair color, and working with my stylist to help me look and feel amazing.
Ellen Tannenbaum says:
My hair has always been heavy and straight or slightly wavy. Grays coming in are wispy and frizzled looking. Luckily for me the gray is scattered fairly evenly and I like the look. For fly aways my hair stylist recommended leave/in conditioner both on damp hair and then as a styling cream once dry. Just a little dab.
regina says:
Just a bit to add to all the terrific comments above: My naturally curly hair was crazy and wiry and rather einstein-like at baseline. I finally learned how to manage it about 5 years ago through embracing a natural, curly-hair process, and it has taken me successfully through my transition to (mixed) grey better than I could have hoped. Since for many people greys sometimes come in curlier and more coarse than pigmented hair, there may be something for non-curries to learn from this process. The curly hair process advises using hair products with no sulfates, parabens or silicones (plus no oils) as all of these are ultimately drying. When I stopped dying my hair – despite what my hairdresser/colorist predicted – my (now multicolor) hair became softer and more manageable! After cleansing and using a leave-in conditioner then some gel formulated for my own type of hair, I blot with a microfiber cloth to get excess water out, then use a diffuser part way ( not all the way as this leads to frizz). The grown-out grey is softer and more manageable than the previously-dyed hair. And my experience was similar with other comments that the blue/purple-hued products can cause an overall dulling of color – but this is just what is intended when hair is brassy or yellowed due to chlorine or salt or dye. It just didn’t work for me and can be drying. As to specific product line – it doesn’t matter – whatever works for your hair texture as long as it is free of the ingredients above as they ultimately can cause more problems in the long run than they solve in the short run.
A Feron says:
Really enjoyed this article and by coincidence another blog I read has some good tips too:https://immotherofthebride.com/improve-dry-and-wiry-hair-after-50/.
I love what my hair is doing and I think it looks better that a solid dye job or highlights that turn brassy after a few weeks.SUE says:
My hair is styled in a jaw length bob, is definitely variegated!
It is almost too soft immediately after washing, becoming manageable and obedient day two onwards, though can become incrementally thicker and drier each day til I wash it again.
Here’s what works for me … all silicone free products btw ….
Michael Van Clarke products have been great. The Lifesaver pre wash treatment is a must. I leave it on overnight to sink in, and it dries so there’s no mess on the pillow. Next day I use MVC volume shampoo followed by Living Proof Volume Conditioner. I wrap my hair in a linen towel (because thats the towels we use at home), then comb out carefully and air dry til it is just damp rather than wet. Then I spritz Oway Root Lift spray into the roots. I use a very small amount of Oway Flux thickening potion to run through my hair, especially just mid roots and mid lengths. I air dry, and when my hair is almost dry I use low heat on the hair dryer to activate the root spray and flux potion, then a cool setting to ‘set’ the body and lift I have achieved.
For ongoing styling all during the week I use a few pumps of MVC Lifesaver UV Leave In Styling Treatment to separate and moisturise the flyaways and any wiriness that threatens! MVC Ten Second Transformation grooming balm is also fab (as long as you take time to spread and warm the product on your palm first). Quite a palaver, but so worth it for hair that behaves pretty well these days ….lizzie g says:
I think it helps to have a plan B on the days my hair isnt behaving well, and/or i’m in a rush.
A cut that allows it to be tied up securely and elegantly, or stayed with clips to the sides, or a 21st century way to wear a scarf as a head scarf. Options beyond ponytails, especially stubby ponytails.Many years ago I knew a young woman whose hair always looked great I asked her how come – the short answer is she only washed it once every 5 days. At the time I couldn’t imagine being able to do that. About 2 years ago I bumped into her again – I am 72 so she must be 75 – her hair still looked great! I decided that I should finally give her method a try it too.
Result: my hair is a gold/silvery white and I wear it long, below the shoulder and people comment on how good it looks for a person of my age – its the result of doing just that – wash every 5 days (unless you’ve been to the beach or been working hard in the garden or other dirty work). My hair now looks better than when I was younger because I largely leave it alone but put a very good hair conditioner on it – technically its supposed to be for hair that has just been chemically processed but I find it works great on my version of grey hair. I avoid like the plague using purple/blue stuff – when you age your skin loses colour so going purple grey isn’t doing one any favours.
I dry by blotting most of the moisture out and use a hairdryer with a diffuser to get excess water out and my dryer has an ioniser function it in. I put some mousse for fine hair on then gather the hair up into a swirl of hair high on the head ( held in place with 2 sectioning clips) while I get dressed put on my makeup get a little work done etc then let it fall – looks as though I have blow waved it nicely.Oh, variegated grey hair .. I thought it was only me! So happy to discover it is a thing .. very interesting to read the comments. I have been growing out my grey for years and abandoned purple shampoo after my friend noted my hair had a blue tinge .. my lovely hairdresser describes my colour as subtle highlights.
Juliet Mc Kenzie says:
Love all this grey intel!Brava all!may be a little late with this inherited piece of advice….To dry hair make your own turban with the oldest softest t shirt you can can find(husbands and sons are great sources)Brilliantand you will be surprised how naturally wavy and curly hair will appreciate this treatment.I live in a tropical climate and just use this method all year to dry my medium long silver greige locks.may add a burst of blowdrier in winter ,though rarely!
Inese Tenisons says:
Sounds like just as much work as coloured hair!
Joalle says:
At 73 and after illness last year, the gray is finally coming in to my naturally curly – wavy hair. I always envied those silver foxes and my husband loves salt and pepper (me not so much). I finally broke down and went to a color specialist to have it lightened (!) all over…thinking a good blending-in would help. He nixed the lightening and advised me to pretty much leave it alone…ditto for the hair dryer, flat iron and harsh shampoos. He said to use cool water rinses and non-sulphate shampoos (grand babies baby shampoo is perfect, he said!) He did mix a very soft lavender glaze, gave me a perfect shoulder length classic trim and said to return in 8 weeks. I wanted low maintenance!
It ‘s amazing what an artist can do as it came out perfect – no purple, no high maintenance styling. His caveat was to just leave it alone and be beautiful!Julie says:
You know what? I need to break up with my hairdresser, who has consistently reminded me how weak and thin my hair has become (almost a comb over , wiry thin variegated ). Since reopening from lockdown has badgered me to get it highlighted and tinted again – tut tutting at the colour. Here I find a group articulating, expounding on and empowering each other whereas I am, I now realise, feeling shamed. I stayed with the hairdresser for the excellent cut on my thin hair but will be getting my Big Girl 61 year old knickers and attitude on and dealing with this – many thanks
vicki says:
I have found that putting pin curls
( using metal clips or Bobby pins) on finer, thinner hair all over creates fullness and beautiful curls or waves.
I love the softness of finer hair.
Colleen says:
I’m 77. Not an “old” 77. I’ve been graced with good genes because I don’t have any wrinkles…on my face, that is…haha. I have very dark, almost black, hair under a canopy of pepper and salt on top. I have an oily scalp so washing daily has always been a must. I use a very inexpensive shampoo that doesn’t contain parabens and my hair is not dry. What I do have a problem with is dullness in my gray. I can’t use any oils to add some shine because my hair is fine (not thin) and will go limp if products are added. I’ve worn my hair short most of my adult life and the layers give me the body I need. Any suggestions for a not so harsh, dull salt/pepper look? I have a reddish skin tone and my hair drains me.
Leslie says:
I’m sixty and today years old when I discovered I have variegated gray, lol. This was an informative article. We need more of this for women. The truth. I’m going to embrace my tricolor and thanks for this story.
Joanna says:
I have been using the morrocan oil on dry hair. Will try it on damp hair. It was ok when my hair was brown. It’s a very hot summer this year 40C days, donut seems like nothing is working at all! Thank you for the article.
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Hi, from a totally converted grey/white haired person! Because I know I mightily resisted that leap away from the dye and even argued with you about this! And yes, like you my hair is multi-coloured. I have darker strands underneath and much lighter grey/white hair mingling with some red (yes, really) on top. I look at my hair and think why did I do the dye all those years when there are such interesting colours in my hair?
Products: I can tell you the one product I don’t use (which I did at first) they’re the products designed for white hair. They made my hair a uniform dull matt grey. Using an ordinary shampoo (and I swear by Paul Mitchell products, they’re pricey but I cannot use anything else) my hair glistens and glitters under the light.
Interesting post as it’s always good to hear how others are doing with the transition to grey – thanks 🙂