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Going Gray? Here’s How To Do It With Style!

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“Going Gray” has been associated with getting old for what seems like forever. It’s a part of the aging process that people try to hide from the rest of the world. At first, people pluck those first few gray hairs that dare to arrive and then they start to dye their hair so no one will find out that they are officially old.

Now, if you actually take a moment to think that scenario through, it’s completely ridiculous. There are so many factors that effect when you “go gray”. Some people are completely gray by the age of 30, others don’t get gray hair until their 50s. Does that mean the people who have naturally gray hair at the age of 32 are old? I don’t think so. Honestly, I wouldn’t consider the people going gray at 52 to be “old” either. I would argue that gray hair has nothing to do with being old and, because of this, I want to share with you the top 5 ways to have gorgeous gray hair.

Funny senior people

1. Use the Right Shampoo(s)

Gray hair brings brand new concerns to the forefront when it comes to choosing the right shampoo.  White strands of hair are far more susceptible to the colors of the products you use. Because of this, you should avoid using blue shampoo too regularly. Using blue-hued shampoos regularly can cause your hair to pick up a bluish tint. Why use blue (or violet) shampoo at all? Gray hair can pick up a yellow hue just from exposure to the elements. To counteract this, you can use a shampoo with a blue/violet tone (which counteracts the yellow) a few times a month.

All of this being said, you have to experiment and find the best shampoo for you. Some people just need one shampoo while others need to use two or three different shampoos throughout each month. Don’t worry though, below are a few of the best shampoos for gray hair to get you on the right track!

2. Condition, Condition, Condition!

This is where my above point about gray hair looking dull with exposure to the outside world really comes into play. How do you prevent your hair from looking dull – you get a great conditioner! Look below to see some of my top picks:

3. Pick the Best Cut

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Which haircut would you consider “old”?

Do you have a go-to hair stylist? If not, it’s time to find one. Choosing the right haircut makes all the difference. After all, just look at these two women on the right. There is one who clearly looks older than the other, right? When it comes to picking the right hairstyle, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Consult your stylist to decide which haircut best flatters your face.
  • Pick a modern cut with clean edges.
  • Don’t let your stylist use a razor on the ends because it can cause your ends to fray and look a bit ragged.
  • Schedule a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to keep your hair looking clean and fresh.

4. Protect Your Hair

Like I’ve mentioned before, the biggest threat to your hair is the elements. The simplest option is to try to wear hats when you are out in the sun for a long time. However, there are other options as well. Using platinum or silver color defense shampoo and conditioner with antioxidants can help protect your hair from the elements. There are even sunscreens specially made for your hair! Check out the top hair sunscreen options below:

5. Update Your Wardrobe (& Makeup)

Your entire life you have worn certain “flattering” colors, but now that your hair is a different color, the colors that compliment you best have also changed. Follow these tips for picking the most flattering outfits and makeup:

  • Try wearing more clothes that are gray and blue, they often compliment your hair well and cause a striking beauty effect (although your eye color might cause these colors to be more or less flattering).
  • Take the chance to be bold in your style. High fashion looks wonderful on people with gray hair.
  • Brighten up your wardrobe. Think of your new hair as a blank canvas no more do you have to worry, “will that look good with my hair?”
  • Deep colors often make you look refined and regal. Try deep reds, blues, purples, and grays.
  • On the other hand, earth tones often make you look washed out.
  • With your hair taking on a cooler tone, it is time to warm up your makeup.
  • Try a peach blush to warm up your face in a few seconds.
  • If your eyebrows seem to be disappearing, define your arches with a taupe pencil to make them stand out a bit more.
  • Don’t forget to groom your eyebrows as well, trim hairs that are getting out of hand.

Need some more makeup tips? Check out this video from Sixty and Me:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dei9jbtgOxQ]

Regardless of which of these suggestions you find work best for you, embrace your new look and I promise, you will look phenomenal!

Sources: Prevention.com, VibrantNation.com, TheGuardian.com, LoveTheGray.com, AHairGuide.com, SixtyAndMe.com, StyleCaster.com

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Darrell Gurney
 

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 9 comments
Kathy - January 11, 2017

I love my gray hair.

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Darlene - February 17, 2017

I made the decision out of the blue to let my hair grow out longer and not to dye it, but rather allow it to grow out naturally. I have received countless compliments how beautiful my hair looks and how healthy it is, even my hairdresser of 11 years still comments on how good my hair looks. I do take specific care in keeping it healthy by using strengthening shampoo and conditioner and only wash it every 2nd, sometimes 3rd day. By not shampooing daily, it allows your own natural oils build up which provides nutrients from the roots, fortifying your hair. Yes……I LOVE my “salt ‘n pepper” hair!! (heavier on the “salt”)

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    Alicia Hinkle - February 17, 2017

    I love that you love your hair, Darlene!

    Reply
pinkandrowe - February 21, 2017

So happy to have found this site. Going grey has been on my mind lately. Thank you for tips.

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Joanie - February 21, 2017

I have nearly waist lenth hair. How do I go gray?

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    Alicia Hinkle - February 21, 2017

    Hi Joanie! There are a couple different options. If you want to keep your long hair, you can actually dye your hair gray so you don’t have the stereotypical “skunk” hair. If you aren’t as tied to your long hair, you could rock a short (or shorter) hairstyle as your hair naturally grows out. If you want to still avoid the gray stripe down the middle of your head, you can ask your stylist about using highlights and lowlights to blend the ends of the two different colors together a bit more. Whichever option is best for you, I strongly suggest talking to your hair stylist first. They will have the best advice for what will work best for your specific hair color, texture, and type!

    Reply
    Caren Taubman Glasser - February 22, 2017

    Hi Joanie, I decided to grow out my gray a few months ago. The best advice I can give you is to talk with your hairdresser to see what options they suggest. In my case, we decided to lighten my hair one shade (my hair color was close to black). It is now about 3 inches in and I make sure to use a purple shampoo to take the brassiness out and to use argan oil to keep my hair smooth and not feel like straw. As my hair is growing out I’m getting regular trims to keep my hair looking as healthy as it can. The other advice is to join one of the many groups on Facebook (I’m a member of Gray and Proud) to have support from so many who are going though the “transition”. I also invite you to join my Little White Lie Movement. I do weekly live broadcasts with guests that help you on the way to going gray! You can find out more here: http://www.TheLittleWhiteLie.com.

    Reply
My Next Blogging Goal | A Day In The Life - February 24, 2017

[…] Going Gray? Here’s How To Do It With Style! […]

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Gray Hair In An Anti-Aging Culture - The Little White Lie - July 28, 2017

[…] I have been talking about how the Little White Lie journey is about more than just my hair color — it’s about how we see ourselves and the decisions we make to feel beautiful, young, acceptable, etc. Whatever the “Little White Lie” is, it seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people, judging from the response I’ve been getting! I even got a shout out from the The Back Forty Fliers here: Going Gray? Here’s How To Do It With Style! […]

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