Lifestyle
Thinking of going grey? Here’s how to do it with confidence
Image Consultant and Personal Stylist, Imogen Lamport talks us through her transition to grey hair and how you can do it too.
As told to Elli Jacobs
The beauty standards I grew up with were harsh, especially for women. Ageing naturally was never truly accepted. There was always some “tweakment” being pushed – Botox, fillers, eye lifts, all reinforcing the message that looking your age is a problem. We were even taught to take “You look great for your age” as the highest compliment.
But, after years in an industry focused on recognising beauty in all its forms, I’ve learned this: beauty isn’t about youth or size, true beauty comes from energy, personality, and self-expression. When someone feels good in their skin, they radiate confidence and people notice.
One thing I’ve come to understand is that many women secretly long for permission to stop dyeing their hair. They’re tired of the upkeep, the pressure, the constant covering-up. The most common thing I hear is, “Your grey looks great, but mine wouldn’t.” They worry it’ll come in patchy, dull, or uneven. That uncertainty holds them back.
Well, consider this your permission to to stop dyeing your hair.
Read what happened when Imogen stopped dyeing her own hair here.
A shift towards something lighter
Often, it’s not just about appearance, it's about fear. Fear of how others, especially partners, might respond. Beneath it all is a quiet, aching question: Will I be replaced? Because maybe they’re not colouring their hair out of love, but out of fear. There’s an unspoken narrative: that it takes courage to simply let your hair be.
From a stylist's perspective (you can find Imogen’s style consultancy business here), finding a grey eyebrow pencil has been frustrating – most products aren’t made for people with grey hair, showing how the beauty industry overlooks our group. But, I’ve found my grey hair actually matches my skin tone, so I haven’t changed my makeup all that much.
When it comes to clothing, there's been a shift toward lighter, more expressive styles. I’ve ditched the black for lighter blues, greens and picks of grey as my go to neutral. My goal isn’t to look “young,” but to have fun and dress creatively, taking inspiration from bold older women, like the late Iris Apfel, who dress for themselves, not for approval.
Imogen’s top tips for your own transition to grey
If you’re considering transitioning to grey hair, think about how you want to do it. Do you want to grow it out naturally, or dye it grey like I did? Here’s what you need to consider along the way and my tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Talk to your hairdresser
If your hair is long, the process can take time, so talk to your hairdresser about styles or cuts that can help make the shift feel more seamless and intentional.
But be reflective of who you are now, not who you were at 25. A fresh cut can bring shape and vibrancy to your look, helping the transition feel like a choice rather than something happening to you.
Revisit your wardrobe
It’s also a perfect opportunity to revisit your wardrobe. If you’ve had dark hair for years, the colours that used to work might not flatter you the same way now. Clothes often reflect who we used to be – past roles, old versions of ourselves. Ask yourself: Who am I now?
Lighter colours and less contrast
Refreshing your style can help align your outward appearance with your current self and embrace colours that bring out your natural features. You’ll most likely suit lighter colours rather than dark ones and less contrast in your outfits, but this doesn’t mean what you wear will be boring. Instead, there are lots of ways you can add interest to outfits, using texture and pattern along with accessories.
Pay attention to your natural colouring
Your skin, eyes, and the specific tone of your grey hair. When you replicate your innate colours it’s like listening to beautiful music, everything is in harmony with you. Stylish doesn’t mean young, it means confident, alive, and authentic.
More than a style choice
That said, letting your hair go grey is more than a style choice, it’s a powerful way to honour who you are, right now. And it can be deeply liberating.
Grey hair won’t make you invisible. In fact, it might be the boldest thing you ever do.
Do I miss my blonde hair? Honestly, sometimes. In my mind, I still feel like I’m in my 30s. But let’s face it, no one’s mistaking me for that anymore. Even when I look in the mirror, I think, ‘Yep, that’s not my 30s self.’ Still, I definitely don’t miss the maintenance.
In the end, going grey isn’t about fading away. It’s about showing up – fully, unapologetically, as yourself.
Feature image: Neil Creek
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