Do redheads go grey? Understanding the aging process of natural red hair

Red hair is captivating, rare, and often envied for its fiery hue. But one question seems to spark curiosity for many: “do redheads go grey?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While the aging process impacts everyone and everyone’s hair colour changes through age, redheads experience some fascinating changes in their ginger hair shade. It’s called ‘achromotrichia’, don’t you know?
The science of red hair colour and aging
Red hair gets its distinct colour from a pigment called pheomelanin, which is produced in higher quantities in people with red locks. Unlike darker hair colours that rely more on eumelanin, this unique pigment is what gives red hair its vibrant shades ranging from fair strawberry blonde to deep auburn.
When we age, all hair typically loses its pigment due to a natural decline in melanin production. For brunettes and blondes, this shift usually results in grey or silver tones before eventually turning white.
But for redheads, the story is a little different. Instead of going grey, red hair often fades to lighter, more golden tones, a process called ‘achromotrichia’, which literally translates to the “absence of pigment in the hair”. Over time, it can transition into shades of sandy blonde, silvery-white, or even a light peach colour. This gradual softening of shade is subtle and tends to occur much later than with other hair colours, making redheads stand out even as they age.
Why don’t redheads typically go grey?
Unlike their brunette and blonde counterparts, redheads tend to retain their natural colour longer. Some studies suggest this is because of their increased pheomelanin levels, which can degrade differently than eumelanin. Red pigments are more resilient and generally don’t break down as quickly, so instead of a sudden leap to grey or white, the transition for redheads is much more gradual (this may also explain why red hair is harder to dye!). The vibrant red shine may fade, but for many, the process results in elegant warm tones rather than stark greys.

Gingerful’s Henna & Rose colour-enhancing shampoo and conditioner for redheads
The gradual transformation of a redhead’s hair colour is a testament to the natural beauty of aging. And of course, if you use henna-infused hair products for redheads, you can keep the gingerness for longer in a natural-looking way (much better than reaching for the dye).
And for gingers everywhere, one thing is certain – your vibrant locks will continue to turn heads!