Going grey? Hairdresser with 12 years experience shares 'the trick' to keeping ageless locks

Grey hairs typically start to appear in your 30s and 40s, although genetics and lifestyle factors can make this earlier or later.

The process generally takes 10 to 20 years from when grey hairs start to appear, so most people won't be hit with a silver barnet overnight.

However, it can still be a shock and something women will need to adapt to, according to hairdresser Rebecca Johnston, from Rebecca Johnston Hair.

She said: "Looking for colours and haircuts to make you look younger and more flattering can be difficult. I find that people who are turning grey but once had dark hair find they can look washed out or dragged down.

"When your hair turns grey, your skin tone changes. The trick for this is that often you should start going lighter with your hair."

Rather than fight the grey completely by dying your hair the same dark colour it has always been, women can try slightly lighter shades. This is the secret for making the colour work for you.

Johnston continued: "You don’t have to embrace the grey, but you could get some highlights that brighten up your face, and if you have longer hair, you could get some layers put around your face just to open up your cheekbones."

Your hairdresser will be able to help find a flattering shade, with colouring techniques such as highlights and balayage making it easier to blend grey with a more preferable colour.

Pairing this with the right cut can have an anti-ageing effect. Think well-placed layers, shorter styles or a fringe. The expert added: "If you want to change your appearance but are scared to cut all your hair off, then adding a fringe or bangs is a great way to do this, and it’s cheaper than Botox."