5 Tips for Redheads Transitioning to Gray/White Hair

Most redheads write into H2BAR asking how they can enhance their red, but if you’ve come to the point in your life where you want to transition into white or gray completely — this post is for you! Don’t worry, you will always be a redhead.

READ: Redheads: Will You Go White or Gray?

We spoke with Lindsay Loo, a Wella Master Color Expert located in NYC and celebrity hairstylist, Julien Farel, to get their top tips on how to easily transition from red hair TO white/gray -– or as Loo likes to call it wisdom. Isn’t wisdom a fabulous word for this process?

“Redheads, depending on the depth of the red, can have a softer transition to going ‘wisdom’. One advantage most natural redheads have is their red (normally) loses its intensity and goes towards being more blondish or brunette-ish,” says Loo. “Depending on the level, meaning depth or darkness of the hair, your ‘wisdom’ could look more dimensional as it grows out so you might not have as much concealing to do.”

The following are Loo’s and Farel’s tips for redheads who are sick of coloring and/or want an au-natural look:

Option 1: Let it grow and embrace the look

This is one of the hardest transitions to do, as it can take up to a year or more to grow out. “If this is your go-to approach, I recommend a healthy haircut and possibly a different hairstyle. I am not saying you have to go pixie but if you were to cut your hair into a bob or lob and grow out your roots, this will give you a style to maintain while the color goes to the beat of its own drum. A haircut will give purpose to the growing out process,” Loo explains.

READ: 4 Things To Know Before Cutting Your Red Hair Short

Option 2: Lighten the red with color

Starting with a good haircut, schedule an appointment with your trusted colorist. “This will be a single process from your natural color to another red color of choice. This process will require more frequent visits to match the regrowth –– usually 4-6 weeks at max,” Farel shares.

Option 3: Add some low lights

Add red “low lights” using a foiled highlight technique to help blend the process while it grows out. Farel shares,”If you are a natural redhead and start seeing a few gray hairs, you could see your colorist and launch some low lights from your natural tone/color. This process will allow you to space out your visit once or twice a year.”

Option 4: Use a root powder

Get a root powder to conceal as you grow. This can be messy and add to your morning routine but will help you be in control of the process. Just make sure to always carry an umbrella in case of rain.

READ: 10 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Root Cover-Up Products

Option 5: Invest in a color-safe shampoo

You don’t want to wreck your hair with a shampoo that’ll strip the color. Turn to Julien Farel’s Hydrate Restore Scalp & Hair Shampoo to help fight your color from getting brassy and dull. It’ll also add shine, keep your hair smooth and hydrate the scalp. We also love the V itamin Shampoo and Conditioner – featured in the March 2020 H2BAR Box!