Going Gray? Here’s How To Do It With Style!
“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.
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!
- Try using a blue-hued (or violet-hued) shampoo once or twice a month to counteract the yellow hue and brassiness that gray hair is often plagued by. Don’t use it regularly unless you want your hair to start looking blue or purple! Looking for some specific options? Try one of these four brands:
- Just like UV light can harm your skin (sunscreen!), UV light can also harm gray hair. Your new hair pigment is much lighter and, therefore, much more susceptible to UV and environmental damage. This is what causes gray hair to start looking dull. If you are out in the sun a lot and notice your hair losing its shine, try using a color protection shampoo. Looking for somewhere to start? Check out the following option:
- Now, these are great options for when you are experiencing common problems associated with gray hair, but what about shampoo to use regularly? No worries, we’ve got that covered too! Try out one of the below options to see which daily shampoo works best for you:
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:
- Giovanni Colorflage Perfectly Platinum Color Defense Conditioner
- Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions Conditioner
- Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Conditioner
- Biosilk Silver Lights Conditioner
3. Pick the Best Cut
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:
- Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
- Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil
- Wella Professionals Sun Protection Spray
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
