Iris Apfel is the OG #girlboss. Kelly Osbourne made the look millennial. Now Rihanna is rocking it on the red carpet. But no matter how effortlessly others sport gray hair, what’s a girl to do when she spots a silver strand of her own? Even if you love switching up shades and can deal with any hair dilemma, everything changes when Mother Nature becomes your colorist.

Don’t Despair

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Are you in a panic over the new hue in your ’do? For many, the first gray hair is a much-dreaded milestone. But fresh-faced beauties like Kate Middleton and Coco Rocha are proving that we really can have it all: grays, grace and gorgeousness. Yes, we’re still mere mortals — but look at the company we’re keeping!

Get to the root of the issue

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Why gray? Why now? Take a step back and track down the culprit. There is (possibly) some truth to the notion that stress can cause premature graying. According to Byrdie, other causes could include a vitamin B deficiency or illness. In most cases, though, it comes down to your genes. If your parents’ #TBT photos feature silvery tresses, expect your color to change over a similar timeline.

Go into maintenance mode

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If you’re less than eager to show off your newest strands, there are plenty of temporary fixes to try at home. What not to do: pluck. (Next to impossible, we know.) No, a lapse in willpower won’t cause the strands to multiply. It may, however, damage the follicle and lead to thinning over time.

Instead, try a root concealer. Whether your prefer a spray ($25), powder ($35) or touch-up pen ($23), you’ll find easy ways to coax stray grays toward your original hair color. While you’re at it, invest in an ultra-moisturizing conditioner ($48) too — grays can be infamously dry and brittle.

Pull a disappearing act

When it isn’t practical to address each silver strand individually, you’re best off with a trip to the salon. Semi-permanent dyes — perfect if you just have grays here and there — coat your locks with color for six to eight weeks and then subtly wash out. Even just adding a few highlights will help the rogue hairs blend in.

Dive in headfirst

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If you’re open to switching up your color completely, this is the perfect opportunity to go all in. From charcoal and dove to silver and dusty lilac, smokey shades are now go-to hues for the fashion set. Go ahead and make the color your own. While everyone else is constantly refreshing their tresses, yours will only get better with age. (Photo via @mizzchoi)

What’s your take on going gray? Share your tips, tricks and thoughts in the comments below.