Going grey is not about fading away.
It is about clarity, intention, and learning how to work with your natural colouring rather than against it.
One of the most common fears women share with me is this:
“Will my grey hair suit me?”
Closely followed by:
“Will I still be able to wear colour?”
To answer these questions properly, I invited Kelly Caira, colour analyst and founder of House of Colour, to share her expertise with our community.
Kelly specialises in helping women understand colour in a practical, reassuring way, especially during life transitions like going grey. You can find her on Instagram at @houseofcolour_kellycaira.
Below, she answers the most common questions women ask when they stop colouring their hair.
What is the biggest myth about colour and grey hair?
The biggest myth, and the biggest worry for many women, is that grey hair will not suit them and will clash with their makeup or clothing. Grey hair is often associated with ageing badly or slipping into a “beige phase of life”.
That simply isn’t true.
Grey hair is not one single colour. It is a mix of tones, and women of all colour seasons can look wonderful with grey hair. What truly makes grey hair shine is wearing colours near the face that are in harmony with skin tone, eyes and undertone.
Are some colours really “off limits” once we go grey?
No. This belief often existed long before grey hair.
Many women believe they do not suit certain colours because of a comment made years ago. In reality, it is rarely the colour that is wrong. It is the shade.
There is a version of almost every colour for every colour group. Going grey does not change what suits you.
Why do some women feel they don’t suit anything during the transition?
This is very common.
During the transition, hair is often a mix of dyed colour and natural grey. This can create a temporary imbalance between hair, skin and clothing. Colours that once worked can suddenly feel wrong.
Once the hair settles into its natural grey, harmony usually returns. Knowing your undertone makes this phase much easier, because undertone never changes.
Does going grey change our colour season?
In simple terms, no.
A colour analysis is not based on hair colour. It is based on how colours reflect onto your skin. Eye clarity, skin tone and definition are what matter.
Your natural hair, including grey, will always work with your palette because it belongs to you.
What is the first simple step to finding the right colours with grey hair?
The most effective step is a professional colour analysis.
If you had one years ago, a colour re-rate can be very helpful when you go grey. It checks which shades within your palette work best now. Online tools or guessing with clothing rarely give reliable results.
Can we still wear the colours we loved before going grey?
In most cases, yes.
The core palette stays the same. Some shades may become more flattering than others, but the change is usually subtle.
Kelly herself is a Jewel Winter. After going grey, most of her strongest colours remained the same, with a few additions like icy pastels that became particularly flattering.
Why do the right colours make grey hair look brighter?
It is all about light reflection.
Colours worn close to the face reflect light back onto the skin. When the colour is in harmony, the skin looks clearer, shadows soften, and the hair appears brighter and more intentional.
When colours clash, even healthy grey hair can look dull.
Is there any colour that suits almost everyone with grey hair?
A true red.
A balanced, primary red that is not too orange and not too blue reflects well on many skin tones. Ironically, it is also the colour many women avoid because it feels bold.
Do colours near the face matter more once hair is grey?
Yes, even more so.
Tops, scarves, glasses and jewellery sit directly under the face. They can lift the whole look or drain it. These details become increasingly important with silver or white hair.
Can the wrong colours make grey hair look dull?
Unfortunately, yes.
Even beautifully cared-for grey hair can look flat if surrounded by colours that clash with your undertone.
How should makeup change with grey hair?
Makeup becomes more important, not heavier, but right.
Lipstick, blusher and foundation chosen in harmony with your undertone bring balance and definition. Many women see the difference instantly during an in-person colour analysis.
Does lipstick matter more with grey hair?
For many women, yes.
Lipstick adds contrast and polish, especially in professional settings. The key is undertone.
Warm-toned women often shine in orange reds.
Cool-toned women often look wonderful in cherry or pink-based reds.
How can accessories help?
Accessories are powerful.
Scarves, glasses and jewellery bring colour close to the face. Knowing whether gold or silver metals suit you best is particularly helpful. These small details often make the biggest difference as we age.
What is the easiest way to refresh our look without buying everything new?
Start with what you already love wearing.
Look at the colours, fabrics and shapes you naturally reach for. Use those clues to guide future purchases. Adding one or two pieces per season, especially in current colours, can keep your look modern without overwhelm.
Does going grey give us more freedom with colour?
Very often, yes.
Many women find going grey liberating. Once you stop fighting your hair colour, everything else feels easier. Clothing and makeup become tools to enhance rather than compensate.
Can colour help women feel modern and radiant with grey hair?
Absolutely.
The idea that women should disappear into neutrals as they age is outdated. Grey hair pairs beautifully with colour. Combined with good hair care, colour helps create a look that feels current and intentional.
A final message for women afraid of going grey
Going grey does not take colour away from you.
You still have all your colours. In fact, you may enjoy them even more. This is a time to feel confident, expressive and supported by products that care for your hair properly.
Grey hair is not giving up.
It is stepping into a new, beautiful phase of life.