going gray month by month

How to transition to gray hair with lowlights

Choosing to embark on the journey of transitioning to gray hair is a significant decision. It signifies a moment of self-acceptance and the readiness to reflect that change on the outside as well.

However, before you fully commit to this transformation, it’s crucial to contemplate the approach you want to take to transition to gray hair. Embracing your natural hair color and incorporating lowlights can be a stunning way to infuse depth and character into your look..

If you’re not sure how to make your grays blend into the rest of your hair as they grow in, don’t fear. Here, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on transition to gray hair with lowlights, and sharing the tips to give yourself the perfect hair color.

What are Lowlights?

Lowlights are sections of hair that are dyed a darker shade than the base color. This technique can be used to add depth, dimension, and richness to any hair color.

Transitioning to gray hair with lowlights is a process of gradually blending your natural gray hair color with darker shades to create a more natural and flattering look. This can be done by adding lowlights to your entire head of hair, or by focusing on specific areas, such as your roots or the sides of your face.

Lowlights are a great way to transition to gray hair because they are less damaging than highlights and can be used to create a variety of looks. For example, you can choose subtle lowlights that are close to your natural hair color, or you can go for a more dramatic look with darker, contrasting shades.

Why Choose Lowlights for Transitioning to Gray Hair?

Natural Look – Lowlights help create a natural look by blending your gray hair with your natural hair color. This helps eliminate the harsh line of demarcation between your colored hair and gray roots.

Low Maintenance – Since lowlights don’t require as much upkeep as highlights, they’re an excellent choice for those who want to embrace their natural gray hair but don’t have the time or energy to spend on frequent salon visits.

Soften Features – As we age, our skin tone changes, and lowlights can help soften the features of our face, providing a more youthful appearance.

Versatility – Lowlights can be customized to meet the individual needs of each client. They can be done in a variety of shades and intensities, depending on the desired effect.

How to Choose the Right Lowlights for Your Hair

Gray hair comes in various shades, much like the spectrum from black to white. What might catch you off guard, though, is that finding the right shade of gray is crucial to complement your hair and skin tone. An ill-suited gray can create an unflattering contrast, but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you away from that fashion faux pas. It’s not simply about going from dark to light, although that’s an essential consideration.

Skin Tone – Consider your skin tone when choosing lowlights. If you have warm undertones, opt for lowlights with warmer tones such as golden brown or caramel. For cool undertones, choose cooler lowlights like ash brown or platinum.

Natural Hair Color – Take into account your natural hair color when choosing lowlights. If you’ve been coloring your hair for an extended period, it’s possible that you’re uncertain about the extent of your natural gray hair. This can significantly impact the timeline for your lowlights transition before achieving a full, natural gray look. Fortunately, determining your natural gray level is usually straightforward. Simply wait until your roots begin to show, and you’ll get a clear indication of the extent of your gray hair.

Lifestyle – Consider your lifestyle when choosing lowlights. In case you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, opt for lowlights that won’t fade quickly, such as auburn or deep red.

Maintenance – Choose lowlights that are easy to maintain. Opt for shades that don’t require frequent touch-ups and fit in with your everyday routine.

How to transition to gray hair with lowlights

Consultation with a Professional

Transitioning to gray hair with lowlights is a gradual process, and it may take several appointments to achieve the desired look. During the initial appointment, your stylist will assess your current hair color and determine the best approach for adding lowlights.

Color Selection

Your stylist will select a shade that’s one or two shades darker than your natural hair color and apply it to your hair using a technique called foiling. This involves sectioning off small sections of hair and applying the lowlight color only to those sections.

Gradual Application

Start the transition gradually. Instead of applying lowlights to your entire head at once, opt for a partial application. This allows you to ease into the change and ensures a subtle, natural look as your gray hair grows in.

Maintenance Schedule

Plan regular maintenance appointments with your colorist, typically every 6-8 weeks. During these visits, the colorist will touch up the lowlights and adjust the color as your gray hair continues to grow in. Over time, the amount of lowlighting can be reduced to create a more natural look.

Consider Highlights

To add dimension and contrast to your hair, consider incorporating highlights along with lowlights. Highlights can create a harmonious blend between your natural gray and the lowlighted sections

Tips for Maintaining Gray Hair with Lowlights

Once you’ve achieved your desired look, it’s essential to maintain your gray hair with lowlights. Here are some tips for maintaining your new look:

  • Use Color-Safe Shampoo – Using a color-safe shampoo specifically formulated for gray hair can help prevent fading and keep your lowlights looking their best.
  • Limit Heat Styling – Excessive heat styling can cause damage to your hair and fade your lowlights more quickly. Try limiting heat styling as much as possible or use heat protectant products.
  • Protect from Sun Damage – UV rays from the sun can cause your lowlights to fade more quickly. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using a protective hair product with SPF.
  • Schedule Regular Touch-Ups – Regular touch-ups with your stylist can help maintain the color of your lowlights and keep them looking fresh.

FAQs

  1. Will lowlights damage my hair? Lowlights typically do not cause damage to your hair when done correctly.
  2. How long does it take to transition to gray hair with lowlights? Transitioning to gray hair with lowlights is a gradual process that can take several appointments to achieve the desired look. The timeline for transitioning to gray hair with lowlights can vary depending on the starting color of your hair and the level of contrast you want to achieve.
  3. Will my lowlights need to be touched up frequently? The frequency of touch-ups needed for lowlights can depend on several factors, including how quickly your hair grows and how well you maintain them. However, lowlights typically don’t require as much maintenance as highlights and can last for several months before needing a touch-up.
  4. Can I still have highlights if I’m transitioning to gray hair with lowlights? Yes, it’s possible to have both lowlights and highlights. Your stylist can work with you to create a custom look that blends your gray hair with your natural hair color while also incorporating subtle highlights.
  5. Is transitioning to gray hair with lowlights suitable for all hair types? Yes, lowlights can be used on all hair types and textures to help blend gray hair with your natural hair color.
  6. Can I transition to gray hair with lowlights at home? While it’s possible to add lowlights to your hair at home, we recommend seeking the services of a professional stylist to ensure the best results and minimize the risk of damage to your hair.

Final Takeaway

Transitioning to gray hair with lowlights is a fantastic option for those looking to embrace their natural gray hair while still maintaining a youthful appearance. With the right lowlights and maintenance routine, you can achieve a stunning and seamless blend between your gray hair and natural hair color.

If you’re considering transitioning to gray hair with lowlights, we recommend consulting with a professional stylist who can help guide you through the process and create a custom look that suits your individual needs and preferences.

Remember, embracing your natural beauty is a journey, and it’s essential to enjoy every step of the way. So, go ahead and make the leap to gray hair with confidence and grace – you won’t regret it!

EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ELIMINATING BROWN SPOTS

If you’re eager to eliminate those stubborn brown spots, the good news is that there are various solutions available. While brown spots are typically benign and pose no health risks, it’s crucial to monitor any that change in color, size, or texture and to visit your dermatologist regularly. Although treatment for benign spots isn’t necessary, their removal or fading can be both cosmetically and psychologically rewarding. After all, who wouldn’t want a clearer, more even skin tone?

What should I know about spots?

Brown spots, also known as age spots, liver spots, solar lentigines, or sun spots, are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation that vary in size. Typically gray, tan, brown, or black, these spots appear on areas of the skin that have received the most sun exposure over the years, such as the face, backs of hands, tops of feet, forearms, shoulders, and upper back. They can affect anyone, regardless of sex or race; however, brown spots are more common in individuals with fair skin, a history of frequent sun exposure, regular tanning bed use, and those over 40 years of age.

What causes spots?

Brown spots are caused by overactive pigment cells known as melanocytes. Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for a tan or darker skin. After years of UV exposure, melanin can clump together or be produced in high concentrations, leading to the appearance of brown spots.

There are three main types of benign skin pigmentation resulting from overactive melanocytes: freckles, solar lentigines, and melasma.

FRECKLES

Freckles can be seen as a genetic gift from Mother Nature. These small, flat spots range in color from pale to dark brown and result from an overproduction of melanin in response to UV light exposure. Typically, real freckles are found on younger skin, especially in children, and are most common among individuals with red hair and fair skin that burns easily. They tend to be more noticeable in sun-exposed areas during the summer months and often fade during the winter season.

SOLAR LENTIGINES

Solar lentigines, commonly known as age spots, are dark patches that develop from prolonged sun exposure and are generally harmless. These flat, actinic keratosis lesions can appear yellowish, gray, or light brown, with clearly defined edges. Some may have a dry or slightly scaly texture. Unlike freckles, which are smaller and more diffuse, lentigines are larger and more distinct, typically found on areas such as the face, hands, and chest, accumulating over time due to sun exposure. Unlike freckles, they do not fade in winter and can occur anywhere on the body; they are usually benign.

On the other hand, actinic keratosis represents another form of sun damage that may have the potential to become cancerous. These spots are flat or slightly raised, reddish-brown, and have a more abrasive appearance, often with a scaly surface. Surprisingly, nearly 60 million Americans are affected by this type of sun damage to their skin.

A Woods Lamp (black light) evaluation allows us to detect cumulative skin damage before it becomes visible to the naked eye. It can be eye-opening to observe the extent of sun damage that has already occurred. Since there is always a chance that new lesions may develop in the future, the best preventive measures include avoiding sun exposure, using a broad-spectrum high-SPF sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing and hats.

MELASMA

If you have a Mediterranean-type olive complexion or are of Latin, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent, you are more likely to develop melasma. This condition manifests as large dark patches of pigmentation caused by overactive melanocytes, often appearing as mask-like areas on the cheeks, temples, above the upper lip, and/or forehead. Melasma is believed to be influenced by excessive or repeated sun exposure, as well as hormonal changes. It can develop during the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy mask.” While melasma may be visually unappealing, it is not dangerous and does not cause any physical discomfort.

Another type of brown spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs as a result of skin injury. PIH is more common in individuals with darker skin tones and appears as patches triggered by inflammation from conditions such as acne, eczema, or trauma. After the initial condition resolves, dark spots may remain, and their fading over time can vary from person to person.

Words of caution and when you should see a doctor

Another type of brown spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs as a result of injury to the skin. PIH is more prevalent among individuals with darker skin tones and manifests as patches triggered by inflammation from conditions such as acne, eczema, or trauma. After the initial skin condition resolves, dark spots may remain, and their tendency to fade over time can vary from person to person.

What spots can be treated? 

Brown spots, including liver spots, freckles, solar lentigines, and other benign pigmented lesions that develop after years of sun exposure, can be removed or faded from almost any area of your body. Conditions such as melasma, sun-related brown spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also be effectively treated. However, actinic keratoses and any abnormal-looking lesions should be evaluated and treated by a physician.

Types of spot treatments

Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis—the outermost layer of skin—any treatments aimed at lightening brown spots must penetrate this layer effectively.

Medications and prescription lightening creams containing hydroquinone or kojic acid (pigment-bleaching agents) can be used alone or in combination with retinoids (like tretinoin) and mild steroids to gradually fade spots over several months. However, these treatments may cause temporary side effects, including itching, redness, burning, or dryness. It’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during treatment.

FotoFacial or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments emit a range of light waves that pass through the skin to target and destroy melanin, breaking up the spots without damaging the skin’s surface. Typically, two to three sessions are required, and after treatment, spots may appear like coffee ground speckles that flake off and gradually fade over several weeks or months. It’s crucial to avoid sun exposure for at least four weeks before treatment and to use sun protection liberally afterward to ensure optimal results.

Cryotherapy, or freezing, destroys the excess pigment by applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the spots. This treatment is quick but can be painful, and afterward, there may be some discomfort, blistering, or temporary redness and swelling. As the area heals, the skin may appear lighter. Cryotherapy is generally used for single brown spots or small groupings, but it carries a slight risk of permanent darkening of a spot (PIH), lightening of surrounding skin, or scarring.

Chemical peels involve applying an acid that removes the outer layer of skin to allow new skin to grow in its place. Several treatments may be necessary before seeing results, and strong sun protection is advised following the procedure. Temporary redness is common, with a slight risk of permanent changes in skin color.

Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive option that smooths the outer layers of skin using inert crystals to exfoliate. This treatment requires multiple sessions over several months to achieve desired results and is not recommended for those with rosacea or small red veins on the face. After microdermabrasion, mild redness may appear but typically resolves within a few hours, with flaky skin for three to four days. It can be effective, especially when combined with chemical peels.

Non-ablative laser spot removals destroy melanocytes without harming the skin’s surface. At YouBaby Skin Spa, we use a picosecond laser and PICO Genesis Spot treatments, which deliver light deep into the skin at a trillionth of a second. This breaks up melanocytes, allowing them to be eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. The treated area may darken, resemble bruising, or form a crust for a few days, but fades over the following weeks, improving both the spots and the skin’s texture. Several treatments are recommended to build upon the results of previous sessions as the skin regenerates collagen and absorbs the debris.

Ablative laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that removes sun-damaged cells to refresh the skin and fade spots. This method removes the outermost layer of skin, allowing new skin to grow back, but requires considerable recovery time and healing. One or two treatments can effectively address age spots quickly.

Prevention

To help prevent the reappearance of brown spots and the formation of new ones after treatment, follow these tips to limit your sun exposure:

  1. Avoid the Sun Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
    The sun’s rays are most intense during this time, so try to schedule outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day.
  2. Use Sunscreen.
    Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to apply it generously and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
  3. Cover Up.
    Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, along with a broad-brimmed hat, which offers better protection than a baseball cap or golf visor. Consider clothing specifically designed for sun protection, labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 for optimal safety.
  4. Never Use Tanning Beds.
    Avoid tanning beds, as they can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of developing new brown spots.

CONCLUSION

Spot removal is not a new concept, and the type of treatment varies, offering different outcomes. In some cases, spots may never be completely eliminated but can fade significantly, becoming much lighter. Proper home care is essential after any removal treatment to maximize your results. Alongside sunscreen, common aftercare typically includes a tyrosinase inhibitor (which targets the enzyme responsible for melanin formation) and a lightening agent.

We design an individualized program tailored to your skin type, the specific spots you have, and the treatment administered. Share your goals with us, and we will guide you to the appropriate treatment options.