Understanding Grey Hair: Why Hair Goes Grey & How to Care for It
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Grey hair is more than hair that has simply changed colour. It behaves differently, responds differently to products and colour, and often needs extra care to look and feel its best.
At Fiolet Hair in Lathlain, Perth, we help clients understand what’s happening with their grey hair so they can make confident, informed decisions about managing their grey hair. Whether you choose colouring, blending, or embracing grey naturally we are here to support your grey hair journey.
Understanding why hair goes grey and how it changes is the first step to managing it well.
Why does hair go grey?
Hair goes grey when the hair follicle produces less melanin - the pigment responsible for hair colour. This process is completely natural and varies from person to person.
The most common reasons hair goes grey include:
Reduced melanin production within the hair follicle
Genetics, which play the biggest role in when and how quickly greying occurs
Hormonal and biological changes over time, such as perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, or other life stages
While lifestyle factors can affect overall hair health, greying itself is largely predetermined and not something you can “cause” or prevent entirely.
Why does grey hair feel different?
Many people notice that their grey hair feels different from the rest of their hair, and they’re absolutely right.
Grey hair often:
Feels coarser or wirier
Is naturally drier due to reduced oil production
Is more resistant to colour absorption, making colouring or blending more complex
Is more susceptible to UV exposure and heat damage, which can cause grey hair to turn yellow or brassy over time
Because grey hair lacks pigment, it has less natural protection against environmental factors like sun exposure, hot tools, and heat styling. Without the right care, this can lead to dullness, dryness, and unwanted yellow tones.
These changes are normal, but they do mean that grey hair benefits from targeted haircare, heat protection, and professional advice to keep it looking bright, healthy, and intentional.
Common grey hair myths debunked
There’s a lot of misinformation around grey hair. Let’s clear up a few common myths we hear in the salon:
Plucking one grey hair does not cause more to grow
Stress alone does not instantly turn hair grey (though it can impact overall hair health)
Grey hair still benefits from professional salon care, often more than pigmented hair
Grey hair doesn’t mean “low maintenance” by default. With the right approach, it can look healthy, soft, and beautifully intentional.
You’ve found grey hairs - what now?
If you’ve just started noticing grey hairs, your next step is to read: “I’ve Started Noticing Grey Hair - What Should I Do?”
That article will help you understand when to act, what options exist, and how to avoid over-committing too early.
If you’d prefer personalised advice, our team at Fiolet Hair in Lathlain, Perth can assess your hair during a grey hair consultation and recommend the best next steps based on your hair, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences.
Grey hair is normal. Understanding it is empowering.
