Growing Out Gray Hair: 5 Things To Know From Colorists 

To avoid this harsh line, there are some things you can do. Here, we spoke to colorists about a few tips: 

And if you can, try to find a colorist who has done work in transitioning to gray. Sure, you may have your go-to person, but if they've never done it before, you may consider a consultation with someone else. "To transition to gray hair, the details matter, so I would definitely recommend seeking out a trained professional to help you through the process," she says. "A color expert who cares about the health of the hair will be sure to inform the client that growing out your natural hair color is not a quick process." To find one, simply call around to salons and ask if they have a colorist who has done it before—it may take some time, but getting the right person can make all the difference. 

"During a transformation, my expert advice is to eliminate the harsh demarcation line caused by artificial color," says Haliti. "Balayage is a more gentle highlighting technique, so it's much simpler to slowly embrace the natural gray hair that begins to come along. Yes, this will partially come along during the transformation."

If you've never done highlights before, you'll need to change your color-safe product routine. Artificially dyed lighter strands require a more thorough upkeep as they tend to oxidize quicker (read: turn orange, brassy, or yellow). So while you're in your transitory phase, you'll want to make sure you're using purple shampoos or conditioners to keep this at bay. 

"A glaze is basically a semipermanent color that coats the hair shaft with shine and lasts up to a few washes," says celebrity colorist and Redken brand ambassador Matt Rez. As the pigment sits atop the shaft and can be made with light-reflective nutrients, they are often used as a way to add luster to otherwise dull hair—or in this case, as a way to help blur any harsh line between your new growth and previous dye. But because it only sits atop the strand, it washes out with a few shampoos—making this a good option if you want a temporary pick-me-up prior to an event or some such. 

Not to mention, with new hair color (aka your grays) usually comes a need for a new style. New color elements create new dimensions, movements, and textures; therefore, your new cut should reflect this. It doesn't have to be a dramatic change, but your stylist might feel the need to change up layers, add a few face-framing elements, or the like.