Are You Ready To Embrace Your Grey Roots?
Regal. Alluring. Sophisticated. Those are three words that instantly come to mind when I see someone with grey locs. It is time we dispel the myth that grey hair is synonymous with old or elderly. Redefining your beauty starts with you. So if you’re wondering if you should start locs with grey hair or if it is time to stop coloring your locs and embrace your salt & pepper roots this post is for you!
Although I have not yet to sprout my first silver strand, I have had the pleasure of cultivating locs for women that have graciously gone grey. The transition to going grey can be carry a lot of stigma with it. And, I’m sure you don’t need me telling you that grey hair has a mind of its own; but what I can tell you are 4 tips for cultivating locs with grey hair.
Tips for Caring for Salt & Pepper Locs
In my experience, the most important factors when cultivating locs with grey hair are grooming, product choices and managing expectations. Let’s explore how each of these show up when caring for grey locs.
1. Product usage, such as shampoos, conditioners, and gels should be light. When I mention “light”, I am specifically referring to the color. Strive to use products that are translucent in color or before purchasing check the labels for artificial dyes that would stain your hair. For example, many “tight hold gels” can leave a yellow cast in your locs. This film can make your locs appear dirty and dingy even though you just washed your hair. You don’t want that!
2. Use caution if you decide to color your hair. Always keep in mind that once your hair starts turning gray all of the hair that grows from your scalp will be grey. This means you will need to continuously stay on top of coloring your roots to maintain the “illusion” that your hair is not grey. And on average our hair grows ½ an inch per month. Which is about 1 inch every 8 weeks! I just want you to be mindful of your level of commitment with coloring grey locs because it is a lot of upkeep. You can embrace your naturally exquisite haircolor for free.
3. Grey hair is stubborn, more often than not. It likes to grow away from the base of the locs, sometimes it refuses to lock altogether, and often times it can be extra frizzy. It’s just the nature of wisdom. And in some instances you may experience a whole new texture. This is normal. Try to think of it as an opportunity to discover something new about yourself. You may also find it easier to maintain your locs with interlocking. Interlocking will help to keep your locs strong, while also controlling the inevitable loose hairs.
4. Frizz is normal and natural— pick your battles. With a new texture often comes a battle of control. You will want your hair to do one thing— like stay smooth— and it will do the complete opposite. I’ve found that a consistent routine does really well with training the rebellious hairs to cooperate. Instead of randomly moisturizing, grooming or cleansing your hair, work towards creating specific times that you will care for your hair and stick to the schedule.
Personally, I think grey hair is absolutely beautiful— especially when it is intertwined on a gorgeous head of locs! Seriously, I am looking forward to the day when my first silver hair sprouts. Until then, I am living vicariously through you and so I hope after reading these tips you are more than willing to embrace your grey locs!
And as you’re cultivating locs with gray hair if you feel like they are thinning check out this article “9 Common Causes of Thinning Locs”. Of course, if you have any other tips or questions about grey hair with locs, leave me a comment.
Blog Comments
Kimberley A Stephens Woods
February 5, 2021 at 11:22 am
Love the article
curlynugrowth
February 6, 2021 at 6:09 pm
Peace Kimberley,
Thanks for reading the article, glad to hear you love it.
Jackie
February 5, 2021 at 11:38 am
Thank you for sharing these tipss! It’s hard to find information on how to maintain silver locs/twists/natural hair. I have learned that I must use clear clarifying shampoos, shampoos and conditioners that are made for silver/blonde hair and clearer oils. Less is more with silver hair.
Great advice
curlynugrowth
February 6, 2021 at 11:02 pm
Peace Jackie,
Glad the tips in the article were helpful.
Roxanne Reynolds
February 6, 2021 at 6:53 pm
Peace Sis! Thank you for this blog. My hair has a mixture of gray in it. it’s not completely gray but it is coming in more in the front. I’m noticing that the ends of my locs frizz up a lot more because there’s gray in them but the back is maturing nicely even though I’m in the teenage stage (14 mos). So glad you’ve put this blog out here it makes sense. I imagine there’s really nothing I can do about it especially since its closer to the middle and ends of my locs. My question is will it ever adhere to the rest of my locs or will I always have this problem?
curlynugrowth
February 6, 2021 at 11:00 pm
Peace Roxanne,
I’m glad your enjoying the blog, here is a article that will provide a guide to embracing the level of your greying locs.
Tips for Embracing Grey Hair with Locs
Madia
February 12, 2021 at 6:37 pm
Now I understand the frizz in my mostly salt and pepper locs. This is my 9th month on the journey and could not understand why my hair always looked so frizzy. As it grows longer I am learning to accept the beauty even in the frizz. Thanks for this article.
Jocelyn Reneé
February 17, 2021 at 12:37 am
I am so grateful that this article was helpful and I encourage you to continue to embrace your beautiful texture!
LeTrece
September 20, 2022 at 8:53 pm
This is an amazing article! I have more than embraced my graying locs! Surprisingly more people than not comment on how I should Cole them! I politely respond by saying “ thanks but nah, I’m good! Indicative of my journey!!! Peace and love!