Should you go grey? The pros and cons of not colouring your hair

Going grey is a natural part of aging, but it’s not always easy to accept. Many people feel like they need to color their hair to look younger or more professional. But there are also many benefits to going grey, and it’s a decision that should be made on an individual basis.

Why am I posting about this when I haven’t gone grey (much) yet? Well, there will come a time when grey will come my way. I have a smattering of grey hairs here and there and if I’m honest I’m ok with that. Grey isn’t a big issue for me, I’m quite pragmatic and things happen for a reason, whatever that may be.

However, I know that I fall into the post menopausal camp where I actually don’t really give much of a fig about others opinion of me. I am who I am and that’s not going to change because I don’t measure up to the social norms. And, given the social norms I’ve seen in recent years I’m not sure I want to follow them! The ‘perfect’ bodies and hugely enhanced facial features seen on the likes of Geordie Shore, Love Island and other ‘Reality’ shows isn’t my idea of what mother nature intended, but that’s for another post perhaps.

Do we all go grey? Well just like losing our hair there’s some science behind why some of us go grey earlier and even why some don’t go grey at all.

The science behind going grey

The color of your hair is determined by a pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the hair follicles. As we age, the melanocytes in our hair follicles gradually die. This means that less melanin is produced, and our hair starts to lose its color.

There are two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for dark hair colors, while pheomelanin is responsible for red hair colors. When there is more eumelanin than pheomelanin, the hair is dark. When there is more pheomelanin than eumelanin, the hair is red. When there is very little melanin, the hair is grey or white.

I fall into the in between red and brown hair camp. Although I have predominantly cool toned brown hair I do have a lot of red tones in my hair ( I put this down to following my father’s side of the family hair wise, he is red whereas mum had very dark brown hair when she was younger and is now salt and pepper grey). I was blonde when I was young, but turned redder during my later teen years and then brown in my thirties, I didn’t see a grey hair until a couple of years ago in my mid forties and even now I still only have a handful.

I honestly thought I was going to go grey a lot more than I have especially last year when I found out I had had cancer. Everything my body was fighting and the fact that my hair was thinning and falling out in clumps I really thought it was going to be the end of my really thick healthy hair. Thankfully it grew back and in as good a condition, just as thick and also, very little grey. So it just goes to show that in this case it was probably down to genetics rather than stress.

Factors that influence the age at which you go grey

There are a number of factors that can influence the age at which you start to go grey, including:

• Genetics: Genetics is the biggest factor in determining when you will go grey. If your parents or grandparents went grey early, you are more likely to do the same.
• Ethnicity: People of Caucasian descent tend to go grey earlier than people of African or Asian descent.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata, can cause premature greying.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the melanocytes in the hair follicles, leading to premature greying.
• Stress: There is some evidence that stress can accelerate the aging process, including the greying of hair.

Is it possible to stop going grey?

There is no known way to stop the greying process altogether. However, there are a few things you can do to slow it down and keep your hair looking its best:

• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking damages the melanocytes in the hair follicles, leading to premature greying.
• Manage stress: Stress can accelerate the aging process, including the greying of hair. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

If you are concerned about going grey, you can always talk to your doctor or even a dermatologist. They can help you to determine the underlying cause of your greying and recommend treatments to slow down the process or improve the appearance of your hair.

So now you know a little bit about the science behind why we go grey, here are some of the pros and cons of not coloring your hair:

Pros:

• It’s cheaper. Coloring your hair can be expensive, especially if you need to do it regularly. Going grey can save you a lot of money in the long run.
• It’s healthier for your hair. Hair dye can damage your hair, especially if you use it frequently. Going grey can help your hair stay healthier and stronger.
• It’s more natural. Going grey is a natural part of aging, and it can be beautiful. Many people find that they feel more confident and comfortable with their natural hair color.
• It’s empowering. Going grey can be a way to embrace your age and accept yourself for who you are. It can also be a way to challenge societal norms and expectations about beauty.

Cons:

• It may take some time to adjust. If you’re used to having colored hair, it may take some time to get used to going grey. You may also find that you need to experiment with different hairstyles and makeup looks to find what works best with your new hair color.
• You may get negative comments from others. Some people may make negative comments about your grey hair, especially if you’re younger. It’s important to remember that their opinions are irrelevant. You should do what makes you happy and feel confident.
• You may need to use different hair products. Grey hair can be drier and more frizzy than colored hair. You may need to use different hair products to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

Overall, the decision of whether or not to color your hair is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both sides, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. If you’re thinking about going grey, talk to your stylist about how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Here are some additional tips for going grey:

• Start by letting your roots grow out. This will help you get used to seeing your grey hair and make the transition more gradual.
• Get a good haircut. A good haircut can help to accentuate your grey hair and make it look its best.
• Use the right hair products. Choose hair products that are designed for grey hair. These products can help to moisturize and hydrate your hair, and reduce frizz.
• Experiment with different hairstyles. There are many different hairstyles that look great on grey hair. Try a few different styles to find what works best for you.
• Don’t be afraid to embrace your grey hair. Grey hair is beautiful and unique. Embrace your natural hair color and feel confident in your own skin.

Remember, going grey is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and patience to adjust to your new hair color. But once you do, you may be surprised at how much you love it.

Take care, stay safe.

Becks xo