I’m going grey at 27, so I asked my hairdresser about my options

To dye or not to dye?

One particularly sunny day in December last year, I found myself in a very cute hotel bathroom getting ready for my friend’s wedding. I had a fresh blowout and my eyeliner was about as even as humanly possible. The vibes were high – until I saw it.

Glistening in the sunlight like an ember sparking from a flame was my first grey hair. My initial reaction was shock. I thought there was no way, at the ripe age of 27, it would be an actual grey hair. Upon closer inspection, it definitely was. And it had friends. Since that day I’ve been entertaining the devil and angel on either shoulder – should I embrace my body’s natural changes, or should I dye and deny?

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Good old science shows that both genetics and lifestyle play a part in greying hair. It’s something most of us will experience. In fact, according to ABC, a whopping 75 per cent of Australians have some degree of grey coverage. While it’s comforting to know I’m not alone, I still associate grey hair with ageing, since so many of us who do have them cover them up. So, I spoke to colour and balayage specialist Prue Campbell who works out of Co-Studio in Collingwood, Melbourne to discuss my options (and calm my nerves in the process!).

How often do your clients in their twenties disclose they’ve noticed grey hairs?

80 per cent of clients will tell me they’ve found greys (even if I can’t even see them at first). Clients finding greys, especially in their twenties, has always been a cause of panic for some. It’s important to talk about how it makes you feel. Does it worry you or do you want to embrace it?

Many of us associate grey hair with being ‘old’ and so many of us who do go grey in our twenties and thirties dye our hair. If I want to go down the route of concealing my sparse grey hairs, what are my options?

The first option is to put in highlights around the hairline and part area (usually where they come through first) to blend the greys in. The highlights will imitate the natural contrast in the hair and brighten up the whole canvas, making the greys less obvious.

If it’s a big concern and a client is wanting them completely covered, semi[-permanent hair colour] or a tint to match the natural colour of the hair is something I’d suggest. This option would mean more maintenance with a stronger grow out.

Are there any colour techniques you feel are especially fab for blending in or concealing grey hairs?

I personally love foiling over grey coverage with semi[-permanent hair colour] or tints because it creates dimension and contrast. We can either use a cooler tone (to help blend with the greys) or a warmer tone to really bring colour back to the hair. Both look gorgeous!

I’ve heard that plucking grey hairs can cause them to grow back thicker and faster, is this true?

Isn’t it so funny how this information haunts us? Scientifically this isn’t true, and it’s painful for you! I’m a big believer in working with what we have; to avoid pulling the greys out, try investing in a colour spray that could help blend and disguise those little sparkles.

Alternatively (and a cheaper and easier option) is using an eyeshadow you already have around your hairline to dust the greys in. This will also create the illusion of fullness around the hairline. Great for a snatched pony or bun!

Do you have any advice for those of us considering embracing our greying hair?

Ask yourself – really truly ask yourself – if seeing a few greys on your best friend would worry you. I know it’s easier said than done but try and question why you feel the way you do [about yourself]. The media and industry beauty standards are so critical and harsh, especially [for] women. We’re taught to constantly pick apart ourselves, instead of telling ourselves the things we love [about ourselves].

One of the best things to do is use social media to your advantage! Look up the grey hair movement through hashtags on Instagram like #greyhairmovement, #silversisters and #goinggrey. These accounts are so inspiring – [they’re] women who’ve decided to ditch the dye!

Chatting with Prue made me realise a lot my concerns around my silver strands are external fears of ageing, a societal fear at large. While in many ways I still don’t think I’m ready to accept I am no longer 24, I do feel much more at ease knowing so many of us are experiencing these changes, and that I have so many options no matter what I choose. Stay tuned to see if I’m in for a blonde winter or if I too will be a woman who ditches the dye!

Want to hear stories of women deciding to go grey? Read this.