Going Gray Timeline
See how many months it takes to grow out colored hair to your natural grey, with milestones along the way.
Your grow-out timeline
| Milestone | Month | Root length |
|---|---|---|
| 25% | 3 mo | 3.8 cm |
| 50% | 6 mo | 7.5 cm |
| 75% | 9 mo | 11.3 cm |
| 100% | 12 mo | 15 cm |
Average scalp hair grows about 1.25 cm (roughly half an inch) per month. Months to full grow-out is the colored length divided by the growth rate — actual growth varies by person, hair health, and season.
Planning a smoother transition
Growing out colored hair to natural grey usually looks better with a plan than without one — knowing roughly how many months until the halfway point, for example, helps decide whether to keep coloring selectively, add lowlights/highlights to blend the line of demarcation, or simply commit to regular trims.
The milestones this tool shows are a starting point based on a steady growth rate; real transitions aren’t perfectly linear, and most people adjust their plan as the actual regrowth becomes visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the grow-out time calculated?
Months to full grow-out is your currently colored length divided by your hair's growth rate — the same length of hair that's colored has to be replaced by new growth (or trimmed away) before none of it is left. The default growth rate, 1.25 cm per month, is a commonly cited average for scalp hair.
Why does the calculator show milestones instead of just one number?
Growing out color is a gradual, uneven-looking process — the milestones (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% grown out) show roughly how much root length to expect at each stage, which is useful for planning a blending haircut, highlights to soften the line, or simply knowing what to expect a few months in.
Does hair growth rate really vary that much between people?
Yes — genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, and season all affect growth rate, with a typical range of roughly 1-1.5 cm per month. If you know your own rate from tracking regrowth over a few months, use it instead of the 1.25 cm default for a more accurate timeline.
Can I speed this up with regular trims?
Trimming doesn't speed up growth at the root, but it does shorten the colored length that needs to grow out, which is the main variable this calculator uses. Regular trims to remove colored ends are one of the most common ways people shorten their own transition timeline.
Educational estimate — not professional cosmetology or medical advice. Individual hair growth varies; a licensed colorist can help plan a transition specific to your hair.