you can't really go by pistols, that is incorrect to do.(normally you'd be waiting until the hair's receded)well I do.....People touch their buds and that will cause the hair colors to change prematurely, which is the case there...I only tell ya, so next time you certainly let it go longer or ask someone advice if ready or not...it was still putting out kinda a lot of white hairs also, there like 3 things I look for, Caylx's & receding hairs, general look of buds(they will have a smooth appearance) lastly water uptake will slow to next to nothing..