Choose how to grow out your color.
Keep your length, trim gradually or discuss a salon blend.

Work out what matters most to you

Compare length, a visible color line and salon upkeep. Keeping the length also keeps the dyed portion longer. Cutting removes some immediately. A salon blend may soften the contrast but can add cost and repeat appointments. Decide which tradeoff you would prefer.

Grow it out at your current length

Stop covering the roots and let the gray grow in. Trim to maintain the shape or remove more dyed ends. The time needed depends on your growth, starting length and cuts; there is no fixed timeline for reaching an entirely natural color.

A shorter cut, or a salon blend

Ask how much dyed hair a proposed cut would remove. For blending, ask whether it requires lightening, how to care for the treated lengths, and whether repeat visits are needed. Before choosing, find out how the next new growth will look.

The line at the part keeps catching your eye

• A shallow zigzag part can break up a straight color line.
• Try it on dry, detangled hair using the illustrated technique below.
• Check the result from the front and above; the gray will still be visible.
• Keep your usual part if you prefer its shape.

The dyed lengths still feel rough

• Keep conditioning the dyed lengths while the roots grow.
• To detangle, hold a small section above the tangle and comb toward the ends.
• Clear the tips first, then begin each stroke a little higher.
• Stop and loosen a snag with your fingers instead of pulling through it.

You’re thinking about one last color service

• Ask what it changes now, what will be left as it grows out and whether it needs repeat visits.
• Take your dye, bleach, henna and straightening history with you.
• If you’re not sure about something, say so rather than guessing.

Condition the hair you have today

Choose conditioner for the tangles and roughness you want to manage. A gray-hair label alone does not tell you how much conditioning you need. Concentrate it on the lengths that catch, and follow the product’s rinse directions.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. The consultation uses your hair details and treatment history to compare conditioner options.

Keep the hold you already like

You can keep using a styler that gives your waves or curls the finish you want. If it leaves a sticky coating or flattens the shape, try less next time or apply it only to the sections that need hold.

Browse styling products. Tell the consultation how much hold you want and which stylers you have tried.

Have the conversation before you commit

Use the appointment checklist to record your treatment history, questions, budget and the upkeep you would accept before booking a color service.

Try a small change of part

Follow the photos to mark a shallow zigzag and move small sections to either side. This changes the part while leaving the gray visible.

Look after the lengths you’re keeping

Use the conditioner method to cover the middle and ends of the lengths that need slip, then rinse as directed.

Keep an easy fallback style

For dry, detangled loose hair that reaches without pulling, use the illustrated ponytail method. Leave short layers free and release the tie if it pulls at the roots. Open each wrap before taking it out.

Signs that need more than routine care

• A sore scalp that doesn’t settle, ongoing irritation, or hair loss you can’t explain is worth showing a medical professional rather than putting down to the grow-out. If a product burns, rinse it off straight away.
• Trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, mouth or throat after a dye is an emergency. Get emergency help at once.