How to Get Brown Hair Back to Gray

How to Get Brown Hair Back to Gray
Published: Oct 27, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
2 minute read
Woman outdoor
BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Whether you have been coloring your brown hair gray for years or recently noticed straggling gray hairs and decide it's not worth the time, energy or money to dye your hair any longer, you can wear gray hair with confidence and panache. Letting your hair return to its natural gray means anything but dull, drab and boring.

Put on the plastic gloves to keep the color stripper off your hands. Drape a plastic cape or a towel around your neck to keep the hair stripper from damaging your clothes. Wear an old T-shirt for extra protection.

Apply the entire bottle of color stripper, according to the package directions. Divide the hair into sections. Begin the application ¼-inch to ½-inch above the scalp and work down toward the ends. Most brands recommend you leave the color stripper on your hair for 25 to 30 minutes, but check the directions for the brand you use.

Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water for about five minutes. Keep your eyes closed to avoid getting stripper in your eyes.

Wash your hair as normal, lathering it well with a gentle shampoo. Repeat washing it to ensure you removed all the hair stripper. Condition your hair with an extra rich conditioner to add moisture.

Recolor the hair gray. This will make the transition from brown to gray hair smoother. Start applying the color all the way to your roots at the scalp. Allow hair to process for 25 to 30 minutes or according to package directions. Wash and condition the hair.

References

Photo Credits

BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Sponsored
Our Everyday Life Logo

Explore our everyday life, the best source for food and drink tips, health and general wellness, healthy relationships and much more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.