My natural color was auburn and when I got to the point of letting it grow out - I left it get to about 6 inches all over - with my ends of course the old dyed color - and then I found a beautician who cut my hair so it all "blended" and it turned out beautiful - a good beautician can do wonders to help with the process of helping it look nice while growing out the dye - now I keep it short and she cuts it so the graying lines sort of "flow" and I get many compliments about how nice it always looks.... Occasionally I do a vinegar rinse and it shines and looks so healthy and clean - keeps it's shape also!