What I Wish I Knew Before Going Gray

I thought it would be easy

When I decided to stop dyeing my hair, I thought it would be simple.
Grow it out, go gray, feel free. Easy, right?

Not exactly.
There’s so much I wish I had known before going gray—things no one really talks about.

The emotions no one talks about

No one really talks about the emotional side of it—the way you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and don’t recognize who’s looking back. Some days I felt strong and empowered. Other days, awkward and unsure. There were moments when the grow-out stage made me want to grab a box of dye and hit rewind.

The reactions were the hardest part

And then there were the reactions—the second glances, the “You’re too young for gray hair!” comments, the compliments that left me wondering if people really meant them, the “I could never do that” conversations that somehow made it harder.

I wasn’t prepared for how visible it would be

I wasn’t prepared for how much space my hair would take up—not just on my head, but in everyday life.

At first, I told myself I was documenting the journey on social media so it wouldn’t be a shock to friends and family.
But deep down, I think I also needed the accountability.
Like a quiet little challenge to prove I was strong enough to see it through.

The unexpected positives

Of course, we’re our own worst critics. Of course, we think people are staring.
But here’s what surprised me: the unexpected positives.

Like how freeing it felt to step into the world exactly as I am.
No more touch-ups. No more worrying if my roots were showing. Just… me.

And honestly? The money I’m saving makes my husband pretty happy, ha!
I already traveled a lot, but now I don’t have to squeeze in a root touch-up before a trip or pack special shampoo for color-treated hair.
It’s just so liberating.

Finding connection in the journey

Another thing? The connections.
Sharing my journey opened up conversations I never expected—with strangers, friends, even people I hadn’t heard from in years.
It made me realize I wasn’t alone.
There are so many of us out here, quietly cheering each other on.

If you’re considering embracing your natural gray, this Glamour article shares why it’s becoming such a powerful beauty movement.
It’s encouraging to see how many are on this path together.

I know it now—and so will you

I wish someone had told me that it’s not just about hair.

It’s about patience.
About learning to be kind to yourself.
About realizing that beauty doesn’t disappear with age—it just evolves.

Maybe it would’ve made the hard days feel a little lighter.
Or reminded me that even the awkward stages are worth it.
Either way, I know it now—and if you’re thinking about going gray, I hope this gives you a little clarity too.

If you’re curious about how I started, you can also read my first thoughts on going gray.

Every step we take is a step toward our true selves
Thanks for walking part of this path with me.

🩶 Meesh