My gray hair care under transformation – first year.

This is such an important topic — I get thousands of questions about what I use. I’m not here to recommend a specific brand (even though I have my favorites!), but I’ll share the main principles that helped me through the transition.

1. Always use gentle shampoos — no SLS or SLES
Let your scalp rest. Harsh detergents can dry out your roots and weaken hair follicles. A mild shampoo with a clean formula is essential.

2. Purple shampoo — but carefully!
I used purple shampoo a maximum of once a week. It toned down the bright silver shade so it blended better with my dark dyed ends. But! It can be drying and stains the scalp if overused. So here’s what I did:
• First wash: gentle shampoo
• Second wash: small amount of purple shampoo
• I never left it on for long — just a quick cleanse and rinse.

3. Condition every time
Two steps, always:
• Rinse-out conditioner or mask (always rinsed with cold water!)
• Leave-in conditioner to nourish both the old dyed hair and the new silver strands – here K18!

4. Scalp Care: After each hair wash while my hair is still damp, I massage in a natural lotion for the scalp (recipe here). I highly recommend this – the results are truly visible. I’ve got loads of baby hairs, and I’m not losing hair anymore! So I recommend making your own herbal scalp tonic. It strengthens roots, improves microcirculation, and has no unnecessary chemicals. A true game-changer!

5. Daily scalp massage
I used a simple wire head massager. It may look basic, but when used daily for just a minute or two — it really boosts blood flow and supports new growth.

6. Curl styling products
I used creams, mousses, and gels to define my curls — but never near the scalp. I always applied them at least 4–5 cm from the roots to avoid buildup.

7. Oil treatments — only on the dyed lengths
My hair was dry and brittle from years of coloring. It broke easily and fell out. Twice a month I did oil treatments using Amla oil — it worked wonders! I only applied it to the dyed parts, avoiding the new silver roots.

✨ Extra Tips That Made a Big Difference ✨

As part of my grey hair journey, a few small habits had a surprisingly big impact on the condition of my hair. Here are my personal game-changers:

1. Microfiber towels only
I never rub my hair with a regular towel anymore. I gently squeeze the water out using a soft microfiber towel. It’s much gentler on the strands and helps reduce frizz and breakage.

2. Final rinse = always cold water
Yes, it’s not the most pleasant feeling — but hear me out: it works wonders. Cold water helps close the hair cuticle, adds shine, and reduces frizz. I never skip this step.

3. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase
Total game-changer. Less tangling, less breakage, and my curls stay more defined. It’s one of those little luxuries that actually makes a difference.

💫 The Result?

Healthier Hair:
No more harsh chemicals or dyes means my hair is finally recovering. It feels stronger and less fragile.

New Growth:
I’m seeing new baby hairs all over, and hair loss has reduced dramatically. What used to be handfuls… is now a few strands. Totally manageable!

Curl Revival:
My natural curls are back! One stylist told me that coloring can relax curls — and now I believe it. As the dyed parts grow out, my texture is coming to life again.

Freedom:
No more planning around salon appointments — especially before and after vacations. The freedom is real!

A Youthful Glow:
Believe it or not, going grey has made me feel more radiant. There’s something fresh and effortless about embracing your natural color. Nature knows best. 😉

With Love

Ilona