To Go Gray or Not? My Honest Hair Journey After 50

For many women over 50, the million-dollar question is this: Should I go gray—or keep coloring my hair?

I struggled with this decision for years. Like so many others, I had been coloring my hair religiously every month since my 30s. When the “going gray” movement suddenly became a trend, I thought—finally! This is my chance to ditch the hair dye and embrace my natural silver.

And so, I jumped right in.

My First Gray Hair Experience

It started during the pandemic (or maybe a little bit after —I honestly can’t remember exactly). Like many women, I simply stopped coloring my hair and let it grow. At first, I didn’t think much of it. Gray was in, after all, so I wore it up or down, not caring how it looked.

But then came a turning point.

Two years ago, I traveled to the Philippines for a vacation and had a wedding to attend. My grays had already grown halfway, and because salon services were so much more affordable there, I decided to go all-in and color my hair completely gray.

Bad idea.

The colorist did something—I still don’t know what—but my hair came out an awful orangey shade. My photos were proof, and I was not happy.

Before heading back to the U.S., I went to another salon to fix the disaster. This time, the results were amazing: a shiny, silvery-gray color I had always dreamed of. It was gorgeous, chic, and honestly made me feel pretty fabulous.

For a while, I was officially in the “proudly going gray” club.

The Reality Check: When Gray Turns Yellow

My colorist had recommended a purple shampoo to keep my silver strands bright. At first, it worked. But just a couple of months later, my once-beautiful silver turned dull, yellowish, and even a little orange again.

What happened? Was it the wrong shampoo? My water at home? Or maybe just my hair type? I never figured it out.

All I knew was that I was disappointed—and frustrated. The upkeep was more than I expected.

Back to Dark: My Personal Choice

Eventually, I made the decision to go back to dark hair. And honestly? I don’t regret it.

Yes, I still color my hair every month (and sometimes let the grays peek through). But if I want a quick fix, I use Boldify, a product I found on Amazon that covers grays without the mess. It’s been a lifesaver for those “in-between” weeks when I don’t want to touch up. Or in most days, I just toss on a hat - which has become my signature accessory and I love it!

I still admire women who rock their natural silver. I think they look absolutely stunning. But for me, gray just wasn’t easy to maintain, and the yellowing was a constant battle. Looking at old photos, I realized that dark hair simply suits me better.

Expert Tips for Women Embracing Their Gray

If you’re leaning toward keeping your natural silver, here are some tried-and-true tips from stylists and women who’ve gone through the process:

1. Purple Shampoo & Conditioner – These neutralize yellow tones and keep your gray looking crisp and shiny. Use once or twice a week (not daily).
   
   

2. Filter Your Shower Water – Hard water can deposit minerals that turn gray hair brassy. A simple shower filter can help protect your strands.
   
   

3. Deep Conditioning Treatments – Gray hair tends to be drier and more porous. A hydrating mask once a week will help maintain softness and shine.
   
   

4. Regular Trims – Split ends show up more on silver hair. Keeping it trimmed helps gray hair look polished instead of wiry.
   
   

5. Sun Protection – Just like skin, hair can be damaged by UV rays, which may cause discoloration. A UV-protectant spray or hat is your friend.
   
   

6. Patience with the Transition – Going gray takes time. Some women cut their hair shorter to speed up the process, while others blend highlights for a softer grow-out.
   

So, To Go Gray or Not?

Here’s my takeaway after living through both sides:

• Going gray is empowering and can look chic and sophisticated.
  
  

• But it’s not always as low-maintenance as people think—it often takes toning, purple shampoos, and patience.
  
  

• Not every hair type reacts the same. Some grays stay silver, while others turn brassy.
  
  

• And at the end of the day, it’s about what makes you feel most confident.
  
  

If you love your silver strands, embrace them with pride. If you prefer the richness of a darker shade, color away without guilt.

Because whether you go gray or not, beautiful hair is hair that makes you feel like yourself.

✨ Bottom Note: If you’re curious about the Boldify product I mentioned, you can check it out at Amazon here.