Grey Hair: What to Do with Them and How to Take Care of Them?

Experienced hair specialist Eva Stāmere explains that many clients seek her advice after spotting their first grey hairs, unsure of the best course of action. Every situation is unique, and just as individual as the grey hair itself, which can vary significantly in shade, texture, and distribution.

For some, grey hairs may be pure white, while for others they appear greyish, unevenly spread, or coarse in structure. Because of these differences, Eva strongly recommends consulting with a hairdresser before deciding whether to dye the grey hair or embrace them naturally.

When the First Grey Hairs Appear, Eva Stāmere Recommends:

1. Avoid dyeing them immediately.
2. Begin with highlights, as it is the easiest way to transition back to natural hair.
3. Use foam or other toners to subtly tone the hair.
4. Apply a light-coloured toner for a gentle colour adjustment.
5. Consider chemical dye only as a last resort, if other options do not achieve the desired effect.

Before making a decision, it’s important to explore all available options, as there are gentler approaches to managing grey hair. If you haven’t dyed your hair before, but choose to colour it entirely when the first grey strands appear – especially with a strong chemical dye – you commit yourself to a monthly colouring routine.

While you may like the initial result, over time, the frequent maintenance and financial commitment may become burdensome, making you wish for a break from constant upkeep.

Advice from Eva

“If you decide to dye your hair, I wouldn’t recommend choosing a shade that is much brighter or darker, as this will require more frequent touch-ups.”

It’s important to remember that you – not others – are the one who notices the first grey hairs.

“I would certainly advise thinking twice before colouring them. I prefer a more cautious approach, embracing natural hair, as it is the foundation of quality and thickness in the long run!” the hair specialist emphasizes.

If you choose to embrace your natural grey hair, it’s best to consult with a hairdresser first, as grey hair varies in both structure and shade. Some may have fully grey hair, while others experience partial greying, making it essential to evaluate the best approach.

One of the most significant factors to consider is hair length. Do you prefer long hair, or are you open to the challenge of shorter hair, which is the quickest way to transition?

In practice, very few people are ready to cut their hair all at once. It’s a deeply emotional decision, requiring courage to embrace a completely natural look. Not everyone finds it possible to accept both – going grey and cutting hair short at the same time. Many opt for a gradual approach, transitioning into their grey hair step by step while slowly adjusting their haircut over time.

If You Don’t Want to Cut Your Hair, Eva Stāmere Recommends:

1. Do not bleach your hair to transition to grey.
2. Opt for a lighter tone – this will allow for less frequent visits to the hairdresser.
3. Gradually transition to a gentler dye.
4. If your current length permits, consider transitioning to highlights.
5. Use toning products to subtly blend grey hair.
6. Think about gradually reducing hair length as part of the transition.

Growing out your natural hair can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on how important length is to you. It’s certainly not an easy phase, but it is absolutely achievable with patience and the right approach.

1. A grey strand is harder and it has bigger diameter than a natural hair. If you have both grey and your natural hair, the grey ones may have another structure. Due to their hardness they break, the hair length may vary and they can stand up just like antennas, therefore a haircut may look messy. To prevent grey hair from breaking and frizzing, they must be hydrated and softened. Sometimes balm is not enough to make the hair softer, therefore ladies with grey hair must often apply hair masks and do a double moisturising.
2. For a grey hair to become more flexible, additional hair care products are very important. A grey hair is like a glass – hard yet fragile and easily braking. With additional hair products you can soften the grey hair to prevent their breaking and achieving a better general image.
3. If you dye your hair every month, you should think of additional moisturising. To colour grey hair completely, a very potent oxidant is used which affects hair quality and makes them even drier in a long term, therefore they should receive extra hydration.
4. You should take care also of the natural hair, and certainly come often for a haircut to make them look neat. If you don’t care for them, you make yourself look older than you really are.

Hair specialist Eva Stāmere recommends the following products for maintaining and caring for grey hair:

• Replumping set (shampoo + conditioner + hair filler superactive), to moisturise and restore flexibility.
• OI hair butter – to reduce breaking and frizz.
• OI set (shampoo + conditioner + oil + all in one milk) for those with thick and wavy hair.
• HEART OF GLASS shampoo and conditioner  to neutralise the yellow tone.
• LOVE CURLS range for curly hair.

Eva Stāmere reminds: “If you have chosen to go grey, it does not mean a vacation from hair care. For hair to remain flexible, shiny, and nourished – while keeping your overall look elegant – daily maintenance is essential. Grey hair can be finicky, but with proper care, they can become truly beautiful.”