Grey Hairs Are the Nation’s Biggest Hair Concern, Research Reveals

From covering up to embracing silver strands — here’s what Brits really think about going grey in 2025.

A study of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Gtech, has delved into the hair woes of Brits, shedding light on the most common hair complaints.

The research found that 19% of people consider grey hairs to be their biggest hair frustration, closely followed by thin hair and frizziness (16%).

When it comes to grey hair gripes, the issue with grey hair is most prevalent among those aged 55 to 64 years old, before declining again. Interestingly, while grey hair is the biggest frustration overall for 35-64 year olds, thin hair is the primary concern (19%) for Brits 65 and over.

According to the research, other issues are the main pain points for younger generations, with greasy hair being the biggest struggle for 18–24 year olds (23%). Meanwhile, scalp issues (23%) are the most common frustration for 25 to 34 year olds.

Commenting on the findings, celebrity hairstylist to Molly Mae and GK Barry, Alicia Dobson, shares why different age groups are more prone to specific frustrations and her top tips for handling them: 

“No matter your age, product buildup, heat damage, and environmental stressors will always affect your hair. So, protecting your hair by using the right products, trimming it when needed, and giving it some love is important. Healthy, vibrant hair isn’t about perfection, it’s about understanding what causes these common frustrations.”

20s:

“Just like you, your hair changes with every chapter. In your 20s, the biggest complaint is often oily hair. So don’t worry, it’s not just you. Your hormones are fluctuating, stress can be all over the place, and let’s be honest, sometimes you might go a little wild with the hairspray. My advice is to keep it simple – get regular trims, eat a balanced diet when possible, and use a gentle clarifying shampoo to hit reset.”

30s and 40s:

“In your 30s and 40s, you may start noticing thinning, shedding, maybe a little more scalp peeking through, which is all totally normal. This is usually caused by stress, your genetics, or perhaps hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or perimenopause. I always recommend switching to gentle, sulfate-free products, protecting against heat, and exploring some thickening treatments to combat these issues.”

50s and beyond:

“For my fabulous 50s crowd – greys are gorgeous, but let’s keep them looking luxe, not brassy. That’s where a good purple shampoo comes in. And don’t sleep on scalp care, dryness, and itchiness can sneak up on you, so treat yourself to regular scalp massages and nourishing treatments. It’s self-care and hair care.”

To find out more about the hair grievances of the nation, or to shop hairdryers and hair straighteners, visit the Gtech website.