For many women, the decision to grow out their grey hair is a deeply personal one. It’s not just about changing hair colour; it’s about embracing a new identity, one that reflects where we are in life and how we want to show up in the world. But let’s be honest—while the idea of letting go of dye is freeing, the actual process can be rough. I’ve seen so many women embark on this journey and spend months, if not years, feeling self-conscious, frumpy, or just plain fed up. I knew that if I was going to do it, I needed a plan—one that allowed me to transition with confidence and ease.

So instead of going cold turkey and enduring an awkward two-year grow-out phase, I chose the gentle route. The kind route. One that isn’t free but allows for a much smoother transition into my new natural colour.

My approach? Grey blending. Specifically, I decided to grey blend the front portion of my hair while letting the rest grow out gracefully. This ensures that whether I wear my hair down or up, it still looks groomed and well-kept throughout the process. In this post, I’ll share why I made this choice, how it works, and why it might be the right approach for you if you’re considering growing out your grey hair.

​For a deeper dive into how your colour palette may change with grey hair, check out my blog - Grey Hair, New Palette: Discover the Colours That Will Transform Your Look.

When I first considered growing out my grey, I knew I wanted to avoid that harsh, stark line of demarcation between dyed and natural hair. I’ve seen women push through the painful growing-out phase with admirable determination, but I also noticed how many of them felt uncomfortable and self-conscious during that time.

For me, it wasn’t about proving anything or making a bold statement—I just wanted a solution that allowed me to feel polished while embracing my natural hair. The key for me was blending, not battling. I didn’t want to wake up every morning feeling frustrated with my reflection. I wanted to look in the mirror and feel like myself at every stage of the process.

​This is why I opted for professional grey blending at the front. It softens the transition, allowing me to grow out my natural colour without the drastic contrast between my roots and my dyed hair. This technique makes the grow-out phase much more manageable and, quite frankly, much more enjoyable.

Grey blending is a colouring technique that helps soften the contrast between natural grey hair and previously dyed hair. It’s achieved by adding highlights and lowlights that mimic the natural variation in grey hair, creating a more seamless transition.

For me, the strategy was simple:

Front portion of my hair: Blended with lighter tones to match the greys coming in naturally. This way, my face-framing pieces look intentionally coloured and sophisticated rather than mismatched.

Rest of my hair: Left alone to grow out gracefully, without additional dye.

​By doing this, I avoid the dreaded “skunk stripe” or harsh regrowth line. Instead, I have a soft, gradual shift from my dyed hair to my natural grey, making the whole process far less jarring.

Since starting this journey, I’ve noticed a shift not only in my hair but in my mindset. Instead of dreading the mirror or feeling like I’m in an awkward in-between phase, I actually love how my hair is evolving. The blended front pieces frame my face beautifully, and I feel stylish and put-together, even as the rest of my hair transitions naturally.

Another unexpected benefit? Freedom. I no longer have to worry about rushing to the salon every few weeks for touch-ups. I’m saving time, money, and energy—things I’d rather invest elsewhere.

​And perhaps the biggest takeaway of all? Confidence. Knowing I made a decision that aligns with my values and allows me to step into this new phase of life with grace and self-assurance feels incredibly empowering.

If you're looking to explore a career as a personal stylist, I recommend a few resources to get stared. First sign up for my weekly newsletters here. Next, I recommend you get yourself over to facebook and join my community of personal stylists over there. I provide lots of training and free resources there too. Finally, I invite you to drop me an email at aileen@laneimageconsultants.com and let's start a conversation about the next best steps for you.

If you’re considering growing out your grey but feeling hesitant about the in-between stage, here are some questions to ask yourself:

If you answered yes to these questions, grey blending might be the perfect solution for you.
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​Deciding to embrace your natural grey is a big decision, and there’s no “one right way” to do it. The key is to find an approach that feels good to you. For me, that meant choosing a path that allowed me to transition gracefully, confidently, and on my own terms.

Grey blending has made all the difference in how I feel about this journey. Instead of feeling like I’m waiting for my hair to grow out, I feel like I’m actively evolving this new phase ofmy life with confidence and ease. And that, to me, is what this whole process is about—embracing change with kindness, patience, and self-love.

Want to see another transition with darker, warmer hair, check out Helen's story here.​