Growing Out Grey Hair in the New Year? What to Expect

Everyone eventually gets grey hair — some sooner than others. If the New Year has you rethinking constant root touch-ups and wondering whether it’s time to embrace your natural grey, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re considering a full transition, planning a gradual grey hair grow-out, or simply exploring how to go grey gracefully, the process is much easier with the right professional guidance.

Here are expert-approved tips for growing out grey hair, so you know exactly what to expect — and how to make the transition feel intentional, not overwhelming.

Tricks for Growing Out Grey Hair

• Be prepared to wait it out

• Touch up grey regrowth until you’re confident to go natural

• Think about your ends as well as your roots

• Consider cutting your hair shorter

• Learn from your hairstylist

• Hydrate your hair as much as possible

• Don’t completely ditch hair colour

When grey roots start to take over and it feels like you’re colouring your hair more often than ever, it’s natural to ask: Is it time to grow out my grey hair?

Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or a complete shift in mindset, growing out grey hair doesn’t have to feel like an all-or-nothing decision.

At Josh Wood Colour, grey hair is something to celebrate. Josh is famously known for redefining grey as modern and fashionable — from putting grey hair on the Jean Paul Gaultier runway to turning supermodel Kristen McMenamy grey. He’s also embraced his own grey hair, proving confidence is the key to pulling it off.

Josh’s mantra is simple:
“If you’re going to do it, own it.”

With that in mind, here are Josh’s expert tips, alongside styling and care advice from Matt Hawes, Creative Master Stylist at the Josh Wood Atelier, to help you transition with confidence.

1. Be Prepared to Wait It Out

Josh says:
“When you decide to start growing out grey hair, you need to commit. There will be a period of visible regrowth. Realistically, the fastest transition I’ve seen is around nine months, but for most people it takes closer to 18 months to reach a point where they feel comfortable and confident.”

“The key is softening the regrowth early. Leave a little grey around the hairline and ask your colourist for a lighter tint at the front, paired with highlights or balayage. This breaks up the demarcation line and makes the grow-out feel far less harsh.”

2. Touch Up Grey Regrowth Until You’re Ready to Go Natural

Josh says:
“If visible regrowth is making you lose confidence, temporary grey root touch-up products are your best friend. They wash out easily, so you’re not undoing your decision to grow out your hair — just giving yourself breathing space.”

This approach allows you to transition at your own pace, without pressure.

3. Think About Your Ends as Well as Your Roots

Josh says:
“For mid-length to shoulder-length hair, the ends can still hold years of pigment. That contrast can feel heavy if it’s left untouched.”

“Using deep-cleansing shampoos helps soften the intensity of old colour. You can also talk to your colourist about thicker highlights or gentle lightening through the ends to create contrast and avoid a solid block of colour.”

4. Consider Cutting Your Hair Shorter

Matt says:
“The more you cut, the faster the transition feels. Even a slightly shorter style or adding layers can make regrowth less noticeable.”

“One-length hair tends to show a sharper line, while texture and movement help disguise the grow-out and make grey hair feel more modern.”

5. Learn From Your Hairstylist

Matt says:
“Grey hair often grows through wirier or coarser. A good blow-dry technique can completely change how it looks and feels.”

“Ask your stylist to show you how to smooth and style your hair at home — it makes a huge difference to confidence during the transition.”

6. Hydrate Your Hair as Much as Possible

Matt says:
“Natural grey hair often has a more open cuticle, which can make it appear dull, dry, or frizzy.”

“Deep conditioning is essential. A rich mask like the Miracle Mask helps restore moisture and shine, while hydrating shampoos and conditioners keep grey hair soft and reduce brassiness caused by the loss of natural pigment.”

7. Don’t Completely Ditch Hair Colour

Josh says:
“Only about 10% of people have naturally even, silky silver-grey hair. Most people benefit from a little help.”

“Adding highlights or lowlights creates dimension and a more premium finish. An icy blonde gloss can also help neutralise yellow tones and blend grey beautifully while you grow it out.”

Grey hair doesn’t have to be flat or one-dimensional — it can be tailored, polished, and intentional.

Thinking About Growing Out Your Grey Hair?

Growing out grey hair is a journey — and it doesn’t have to be rushed. With the right approach, it can feel empowering rather than daunting.

If you’d like personalised guidance, you can book a free 1:1 virtual consultation with one of our professional Josh Wood Colour experts, who can help you plan a grey hair transition that works for your hair, your lifestyle, and your confidence.