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Uncovering the Timeless Story of Grey Hair Coverage

Covering grey hair isn’t a modern trend it dates back to Ancient Egypt! However, in recent years, more people are choosing to embrace their natural greys rather than hide them. To delve into the rich history and evolving perception of grey hair, we spoke with hair history expert Rachael Gibson (@thehairhistorian) and grey hair specialist Craig Purves.

A Gruesome History of Grey Hair Coverage

According to Rachael Gibson, the obsession with covering grey hair is centuries old. Ancient civilizations used unusual and sometimes shocking methods to mask greys:

  • Ancient Egyptians: They used a mix of black cat blood and oil to cover greys.
  • Romans: Historians have uncovered over 100 Roman hair dye recipes, including ingredients like boiled earthworms, leeches, ashes, charred eggs, and boiled walnut shells.

During the Victorian era, traditional methods were still common. Rachael explains: “Lead combs were widely used across many ancient cultures, as they gradually darkened the hair. The lead salts reacted with sulfur in hair keratin to create black lead sulfide, which darkened the strands. This technique remained popular well into the Victorian period.”

Grey Hair and the Fear of Ageing

The pressure to cover greys has long been driven by societal perceptions of youth and desirability. Rachael elaborates:

“Historically, people have covered greys for the same reason they do today—to appear younger. Youth has always been linked to attractiveness, productivity, and success. From the Victorian era onward, marketing campaigns targeted men by suggesting that grey hair could cost them job opportunities, relationships, and social standing.”

Although men with grey hair are often labelled as “silver foxes,” women still face greater societal pressure to hide their greys. Fortunately, as Craig Purves emphasizes, perceptions are evolving:

“Over the last decade, I’ve seen a major shift in how people perceive grey hair. Social media and greater access to information have empowered people to embrace their natural greys rather than feel obligated to cover them.”

How to Transition to Grey Hair Gracefully

Craig categorises grey hair clients into two groups:

  1. Those who want to blend their greys rather than cover them completely.
  2. Those who prefer full grey coverage.

If you’re considering the transition, Craig offers these expert tips:

  1. Start with a Demi-Permanent Colour

“Permanent colour and full grey coverage require major upkeep! A demi-permanent dye blends regrowth with less harsh demarcation, making for a softer, more natural transition.”

  1. Consider Your Previous Colour Treatments

“If your hair has been permanently dyed, switching to a demi-permanent root touch-up can create a more seamless transition. Partial lightening techniques, like foils for short cuts or balayage for longer styles, can help break up solid colour and make the transition easier.”

  1. Invest in High-Quality Hair Products

“Regardless of whether you have 4C curls or a sleek geometric bob, grey hair can always look stunning with the right care. Using the best products will enhance your natural silver tones and maintain healthy hair.”

Craig’s Must-Have Products for Grey Hair

  1. Shades EQ Gloss by Redken

“This translucent demi-permanent colour is perfect for blending greys seamlessly and enhancing natural silver hues.”

  1. K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask

“As hair loses pigment, its texture changes and becomes more brittle. K18’s Leave-In Mask restores hair at a molecular level, making it stronger, shinier, and less frizzy.”

Ready to Embrace or Enhance Your Greys?

Whether you're looking to blend, enhance, or embrace your natural grey hair, the right products can make all the difference. Explore our full range of hair colour solutions today at Capital Hair & Beauty, or stop by your nearest store!

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