How long does it take to fully grow out grey hair?

Author: Prof. Keith Muller PhD  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

Be prepared to wait it out We are commonly asked how long does it take to grow out grey hair, the quickest I've ever seen anybody be able to transition was around nine months, but realistically, it probably takes around 18 months to get to a point you're happy with.

How long will it take to grow out my gray hair?

The average time it takes to grow out gray hair is about 2 years--for some it's shorter and for some it's longer. So that leaves A LOT of time to jump in there to try and expedite the process, attempt to soften that demarcation line or just make it so you don't feel like you stick out like a sore thumb ALL THE TIME.

How do I transition my hair from dyed to grey?

There are three main ways of transitioning to gray hair from dyed hair: the cold turkey method (letting the dye grow out or cutting it out), the salon transition (having a stylist blend your dyed hair to match your natural gray), or the dye-strip technique (a combination of various methods).

At what age does hair turn completely gray?

Age: On average, Caucasians start to go grey in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and African Americans in their mid-40s. However, the progression to complete greying can take years to decades.

Does cutting gray hair make it grow faster?

No, plucking or cutting gray hair does not cause more gray hairs to grow back. Each hair follicle operates independently, and the graying of hair is primarily determined by genetics and age.

Rock Gray Hair and screw the haters!

Can grey hair turn black again?

It has long been thought that reversal of gray hair on a large scale is rare. However, a recent study reported that individual gray hair darkening is a common phenomenon, suggesting the possibility of large-scale reversal of gray hair.

Does GREY hair look better short or long?

Get the Right Cut

Rock a great cut with lots of style and texture, and get a trim every 6-8 weeks. Women who are 100% gray often wear their hair short. But consider long layers. They can be beautiful and add movement to healthy, bouncy hair.

What is the average age to go grey?

Typically, White people start going gray in their mid-30s, Asian people in their late 30s, and Black people in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50.

Can vitamin B12 stop gray hair?

Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.

What nationality does not get gray hair?

Melanin is what gives your hair (and skin) its natural color. People of African descent, Thai, and Chinese people, go grey more slowly.

How to grow out grey hair gracefully?

Tricks for growing out grey hair:
  1. Be prepared to wait it out.
  2. Touch up grey regrowth until you're confident to go natural.
  3. Think about your ends as well as your roots.
  4. Consider cutting your hair shorter.
  5. Learn from your hairstylist.
  6. Hydrate your hair as much as possible.
  7. Don't completely ditch the hair colour.

How long does a root smudge take?

Unlike a normal head of foils, you do not need to worry about overgrowth quite so much. After all, darker roots are part of the look! You can expect your root smudge to last up to two to three months without a touch-up.

What is grey blending?

Gray blending is a hair coloring technique that involves blending gray hairs with your base color to help soften the contrast between shades. Typically, the process involves either highlighting your hair or adding lowlights.

How long from first grey hair to full grey?

Redway recommends “reducing heat styling and protecting hair as it can alter the color and texture as well as try to avoid chlorine in water as it can tint your color,” she says. How long does it take from the first gray hair to going full gray? “On average between five and 10 years,” says Onuoha.

How to go gray without looking old?

How to Transition to Gray Hair
  1. Go gray for a day. ...
  2. Let your roots grow in. ...
  3. Apply all-over permanent gray hair color. ...
  4. Opt for highlights and lowlights. ...
  5. Apply hair color with foils. ...
  6. Try root coverup. ...
  7. Use a hair gloss to tint light hair. ...
  8. Consult a professional.

How to grow out dyed hair gracefully?

When growing out colored hair, consider opting for low-maintenance hair color techniques such as balayage or ombre. These techniques involve painting highlights or color onto the surface of the hair, allowing for a more natural-looking grow-out process.

What colors should you avoid with gray hair?

The Colors to Avoid with Gray Hair

Here are a few to steer clear of: Muddy Neutrals: Beige, taupe, and other muted tones can make your skin look washed out and ashy. Earthy Yellows and Oranges: These warm tones clash with the coolness of gray hair and can make your complexion look sallow.

Why is my gray hair turning black again?

That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.

How long does it take for B12 to reverse grey hair?

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that increasing vitamin B12 intake can reverse existing gray hair. Hair that has already lost its pigment is unlikely to regain its natural color.

What age should you stop coloring your hair?

There's no hard-and-fast rule about when (or if!) you should stop coloring your hair and go gray; it's ultimately a personal choice.

Why does hair turn white instead of gray?

When melanocytes stop producing pigments altogether, the result is completely white hair strands. It's possible to have both of these natural processes going on at the same time for a blend of white and gray hair.

Is gray hair caused by stress?

Yes. Stress has been shown to speed up signs of aging — including gray hair. When you're stressed, your body has a fight-or-flight response and releases a hormone called norepinephrine. This causes the melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin — to move out of your hair follicles.

What hair length makes you look younger?

Does short or long hair make you look younger? Long hair can enhance facial features by diverting attention away from wrinkles or age spots and adding volume to your hair. Short hair does not need to age you, though, as the style and texture of shorter hairstyles can add a youthful appearance.

Is it better to go darker or lighter with GREY hair?

Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover grey hair? As for your permanent colour kit choice, for the best grey coverage, Josh recommends choosing a shade close to your natural root colour (that's the colour between the greys.) "Make sure to never stray more than two shades away from this,” says Josh.

Which looks better short or long hair?

Does long hair or short hair look better? Choosing between long and short hair depends on personal style, face shape, and maintenance preferences. Long hair offers versatility and femininity, while short hair provides low maintenance and a youthful appearance. Consider your lifestyle when deciding.

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