We all know that feeling. You’re getting ready for the day, running a brush through your hair when—wait, what’s that? A flash of silver catches your eye. Yep, it’s happened. You’ve found your first gray hair. Before you start spiraling into a panic or Googling “how to reverse gray hair,” take a deep breath. Going gray is a normal part of the aging process and our professional stylists are here to help you with what comes next. So let’s get started.

Don't panic.

First things first: Do not panic. Finding a gray hair is completely normal and it’s something most of us will experience at some point. Regardless of age, graying is a natural part of life and can be influenced by genetics, stress, and even your diet. So you’re not alone! And remember, one little gray hair doesn’t define you—it just adds a new shade to your personal palette.

Resist the urge to pluck gray hairs.

We get it. The instinct to pluck that gray hair out is strong. But hold on! Plucking isn’t always the best solution. Constantly pulling out gray hairs can lead to damage over time, affecting both the texture of your hair and the health of your follicle—it may even cause the hair to never grow back. So, instead of grabbing those tweezers, consider other ways to address your newfound grays.

Colorist Tip: “Ever heard that plucking a gray will cause more gray hairs to grow in its place? Not true! Plucking only removes one hair from a follicle, and only one hair can grow per follicle. The hair might grow back white but it won’t cause more to sprout.” - Stefanie Sarmiento, Colorist Manager

Explore your options.

The great news is that you have plenty of choices when it comes to dealing with gray hair. If you’re not ready to fully embrace the silver, there are many easy ways to cover it up or blend them with your current look. 

- Temporary Root Concealers: If you’ve only found one or two gray hairs, a temporary root concealer (like a spray or powder) might be the easiest way to mask them. They’re easy to apply and wash out with your next shampoo. 

- Highlights: Adding highlights can blend your grays with your natural color, giving you a sun-kissed look that’s fresh and youthful. This option is more low-maintenance than coloring your hair from root to tip and might make for an easier transition when you decide it’s time to reach for the dye. 

- Hair Dye: If you’re ready for a more permanent solution, hair dye is your best bet. If you only have a handful of grays (25% or less), demi-permanent hair dye is a great place to start. This type of dye fades subtly over time and offers a natural-looking finish, making it an easy way to maintain your original hue or even experiment with a new one.

If you do decide you’re ready to dye your hair, our colorists can help create a custom shade that fits your exact color and gray coverage goals. 

Embrace the change.

Ultimately, finding your first gray hair is just a sign that you’re stepping into a new chapter of your life—a chapter that can be just as vibrant and exciting as any other. Whether you choose to cover your grays or let them shine, the most important thing is to feel confident in your decision. After all, gray hair is just another way to showcase your unique beauty.

So, what’s next after spotting that first gray? The answer is up to you. Whether you decide to conceal it, color it, or let it be, remember that it’s all part of the journey. Embrace the change with grace and confidence—you’ve earned it!