As a stylist for over 20 years, I’ve worked with many different textures and have tons of experience in safely helping people to reach their hair goals. 

Recently I had a conversation with one of my new clients that I wanted to share with you, in case you’re experiencing the same thing. She booked an appointment with me to  rapidly transition her hair to grey (which is the color of the majority of her new growth) because like many, she has grown tired of constantly coloring her hair with dye to hide it.

I have different suggestions to give, usually based on their texture, the health of their hair, the color of their hair,  and their lifestyle.

The process of decolorizing, which is to basically remove the current hair color by lightening it, usually requires an extensive amount chemical processing to prepare the hair for the greying process.

For African American textured hair, it’s usually not the best way to go because for most , the process breaks down the hair so much that it is vulnerable and in an unhealthy state.

My first and safest suggestion would be to just grow your natural grey hair out.  The time that it would take it to grow out would depend on the length of your hair. If you choose to grow your hair out, here are some of my suggestions that I’ve found to be really effective: 

1. You can use a Demi color instead of a permanent color, which basically tones with some coverage. This option usually lasts up to 8 shampoo’s and wear’s-off after time. 
2. You can use semi color touch up sprays and hair fibers , which also tone grey hair temporarily. These last from shampoo to shampoo. 
3. You can wear protective styles like braids to blend with your grey hair as it grows out, or Crochet braids styles , which can look very natural and can be styled in a variety of different beautiful looks.  And, also sew-in’s and wigs are an option.  
4. And my last suggestion is to do a big chop.  Cutting off all of the colored hair is the quickest and most freeing option because it puts you right on track to where you want to be.  Embracing your gorgeous grey mane.