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The Truth Behind Gray Hair: What's So Different About It?

What makes gray hair different from other shades?

If you’re wondering whether gray hair is truly different from other shades, the answer is yes. But of course, we think the differences are both beautiful and manageable.


That said, there are some things you’ll want to know so you can manage its uniqueness and ensure your transition to a naturally silver mane is as effortless as possible. And, if you’re already loving your naturally gray tresses, you’ve probably noticed that it requires some TLC that’s a little different from your pre-gray shade. Regardless of your experience or stage of your gray hair journey, we’ve got insights below to help you shine as you embrace your gorgeous gray hair

Gray hair isn't really gray hair

Gray hair is dimensional

But it looks gray, right? That’s what's so interesting. Melanin is the substance in your body that creates your hair, eye and skin color. In the case of your gray hair, they’re simply strands that lack melanin. Test it yourself: Hold one strand in the light and you’ll see it’s translucent. The illusion happens when these white hairs mingle with darker ones (if you’ve got a naturally brown or black base), which casts a gray-ish tone. 


That’s why blondes and redheads generally don’t have that salt-and-pepper look. Instead, their locks gradually fade to white. That’s also why natural gray tresses have so many different undertones. They’re translucent and merely reflecting natural variances in base color.

Gray hair is super multidimensional

Thanks to gray hair actually being translucent hair, it picks up natural light, which gives it a gorgeous radiant shimmer and that natural platinum blonde look other people have to pay for. Score one for the Silverists. And while dyed hair can look opaque, flat or dull (because light doesn’t easily shine through it), naturally silver highlights look beautifully mult-dimensional and rake in the compliments.

Wiry gray hair texture is a myth

Gray hair texture close-up

At Silverist, we’re constantly asked about whether your hair’s texture changes if you decide to rock naturally gray hair. Good news: That’s just B.S. (and not coincidentally, it’s partly why we started a blog about natural gray hair). Sure, if you’re comparing natural gray hair to, say, the locks you rocked as a child, yes anyone’s gray hair is probably more wiry. Or, are you comparing gray hair texture to that of your dyed hair?


Here’s the difference… the gray hair you have after dyeing your hair for years may feel harder, coarser or more wiry compared to your naturally pigmented hair’s texture before years of experiencing permanent hair dye. Additionally, a lot of us are experiencing our natural hair texture for the first time in our adulthood and realizing that we may have naturally wavy/textured hair!

" Additionally, a lot of us are experiencing our natural hair texture for the first time in our adulthood and realizing that we may have naturally wavy/textured hair!"

Countless women who’ve ditched the dye can attest to the stunning transformation that happens when naturally gray locks recover from the toxic hair dye cycle. As you stop dyeing hair, each gray hair loses the layer of dye around it, revealing a finer, natural texture. Then something beautiful happens. As your scalp recovers from frequent exposure to permanent hair dye, new, naturally silver strands begin growing back looking fuller, thicker and healthier than before.


The different textures you might be feeling come from comparing your natural hair with processed dyed hair that’s been enduring chemicals while trying to cover it in color.

Gray hair is structurally different

Gray hair close-up

It’s all about the science. De-pigmented "gray hairs" do have slightly thinner cuticles (the outer part that protects inner layers) and are more porous, which is more than cool cocktail party trivia. It actually means it’s harder for these types of locks to retain moisture, which is why they’re more prone to dryness and dullness. Also, our scalp tends to be less oily as we age, which can contribute to drier strands. This simply means that subjecting natural gray to drying conditions or situations, like over-shampooing, can cause them to become even drier or more brittle. Honestly, aren’t we all a little high maintenance? So treating our natural gray a little more luxuriously so their inherent beauty shines through just makes sense. 

Gray hair is like a white T-shirt

Translucent gray hair

You know how your fave white T-shirt literally reveals everything and tells you when you’ve not treated it properly? Same things hold true for your glorious grays. They’re light color means you’re more likely to see issues like heat damage or product build-up. Think of it like holding a hot iron onto your T-shirt too long, which creates that yellow heat stain. That can also happen to your naturally gray hair when you hold heat styling tools on them for too long. Product build-up? Yep, we can also see that. 


That’s why it’s super important to protect your natural grays against completely avoidable damage from UV rays or heat. Protect against sun damage with sun hats, scarves or UV sprays designed specifically for hair. 


Build-up can be a bit trickier because you’ll need to hunt down the source of the problem. Certain factors like the hardness of your water or the types of products you use can cause gray tresses to look dull. Treatments, like toning or clarifying shampoos, can be a fast and easy fix. Purple or blue shades can help correct yellowing or a clarifier can help prevent build-up, revealing naturally shiny, gorgeous grays.

Silver hair is a liberating transition

Despite the admittedly emotional transition phase between your natural base color and rocking your natural gray hairs, the destination is worth the journey. 


To us, the issue isn’t so much how to hide, mask or cover your transition, because yes it can be done albeit with effort, but the freedom that comes from letting your natural silver shine through. At the very least there's no more worrying about your roots showing through or thinking about your next haircolor appointment! It can also be one of the most beautiful journeys you can take to let the real you shine through. Many women find that once they've joined the silver-haired tribe, they also feel a tremendous sense of authenticity.

Gray hair is permission to refresh everything

Your mindset, your makeup, your fashion, your hairstyle, your routine. When you own your naturally gray hair, it’s normal (and liberating) to feel a certain confidence and newborn state of mind that naturally ignites other parts of your life. That’s just one aspect of what’s possible to change. Because naturally gray hair can have more volume, more fullness, more dimension, more shine, you’ll feel a greater sense of confidence and what might have once been a source of shame or embarrassment now makes you feel proud.  Because natural grays are so different — in the best ways possible — infuse this good energy and positive mindset wherever you can. 


Remember, silver isn’t just a shade of hair, it's a shift in how you show up and shine out in the world. And we got you.

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26 Comments

Lynne M. Zekis

April 14, 2024
Great job ! I love this ! Lynne
Reply

Silverist

August 9, 2024
Thank you for your support, Lynne! So glad you enjoyed this article!
Reply

Gail

September 26, 2024
Great article!
Reply

Silverist

September 26, 2024
Thank you, Gail! So glad you enjoyed it!
Reply

Deborah

November 6, 2024
Love this and look forward to using these products!
Reply

Silverist

November 12, 2024
Thank you, Deborah! So glad you enjoyed this blog! 🩶
Reply

angela

December 30, 2024
will this shampoo make my white hair turn gray or just brighter
Reply

Silverist

January 8, 2025
Hi Angela! This shampoo won't turn your hair gray from another haircolor. It does not contain permanent hair dye. It does contain pigments intended to help brighten out depigmented translucent hair strands (white, grey, silver depending on what you like to call them) and decrease brassiness.
Reply

Julie Williams

January 4, 2025
I've let my natural white shine now for 15 years. It's been a challenge to find the right products. I'm jumping into the seep end and trying yours. I feel confident that I may have found my answer....
Reply

Silverist

January 8, 2025
Julie! Thank you so much for the vote of confidence and we hope you'll love the product!🩶
Reply

Cindy

January 8, 2025
Thank you I needed this
Reply

Silverist

January 8, 2025
Cindy! So glad this article was up your alley! 🩶
Reply

Michelle

January 17, 2025
Loved this article. Helps me to understand what my gray needs and why. I just ordered your products to have on hand once the growth becomes more and more.
Reply

Silverist

January 18, 2025
Michelle! So glad to hear this article was educational for you. Thank you for your order and hope you love Silverist!
Reply

DELMA RIOJAS

February 4, 2025
Finally! I'm ordering this product right now.. only question i have is can I use this shampoo and conditioner every time I wash my hair, which is twice a week?
Reply

Silverist

February 4, 2025
Hi Delma! Yes, you can use Silverist shampoo and conditioner as your main haircare products whenever you wash your hair as the products are designed to be non-stripping and non-drying. There should be no issues at all with your twice a week timing. Enjoy your new products and thanks for becoming a Silverist customer.
Reply

Allison

March 26, 2025
Hi, I’ve been researching for the right products for my white and grey hair. My question: Will your products work on my hair even tho I have well water? do have a very good water softener. Thank you.
Reply

Silverist

March 28, 2025
Hi Allison! Thank you so much for your purchase! You can definitely use Silverist products for each hair wash. Regarding well water which can be very high in minerals that leave a yellowing cast, you may find you still need to use a demineralizing product or to try a filtered showerhead as we currently do not have a demineralizer in our line.
Reply

stella marquez

April 6, 2025
just bought the silverfish set growing out my gray 9 months it’s a process
Reply

Silverist

April 15, 2025
Thank you so much for your purchase, Stella! Please reach out with any questions! We understand that it IS a process, but one that hopefully will be well worth it for you!
Reply

Kimberly Zapalac

April 14, 2025
My hair isn’t all gray, mainly just on the sides. Can I still use?
Reply

Silverist

April 15, 2025
Hi Kimberly! Yes, absolutely! In fact, many of us don't have full gray but a mix of strands of varying levels of pigmentation. Our products were tested on a wide range of subjects with 30% or more natural gray hair.
Reply

Cynthia

April 26, 2025
Are there any tips when using this product? Like do you leave it in your hair for a couple of minutes before rinsing off?
Reply

Silverist

May 5, 2025
Hi Cynthia! Yes, each product has different usage instructions. For the shampoo, if you feel you have a lot of brassiness and would like to accelerate the tone building process, we recommend leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. For the conditioner, we recommend you leave it on for 3-5 minutes. The leave-in stays in the hair, and we recommend you start with a smaller amount of product in the hair and see how your hair absorbs the product first. I hope this helps!
Reply

Ginny

May 5, 2025
I have lots of hair but it is fine and limp. The Siverist Trio is the only product I have found to work since 2025. My body went thru tremendous stress that year and my hair was never the same again. I’ve tried cheap to expensive shampoos nothing worked until I came across this shampoo last month. I absolutely love it. No more static electricity or nails on a chalk board feeling. Hair turns out great everyday. Thanky you so much. When my hair feels goat it’s best,I feel at my Best. Finally!
Reply

Silverist

May 5, 2025
Ginny! Hoping that you're now in a place in your life where you're experiencing a lot more peace and tranquility. Thank you so so much for your amazing endorsement of our shampoo. It's much appreciated! 🫶
Reply

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