Gray hair can have a coarse, sometimes wiry texture that can be difficult to manage. If you like your gray or you have tired of the labor and/or cost involved with coloring it, help is on the way.

 

It’s best to consult a professional stylist if you are currently coloring your hair and want to go gray as gracefully as possible. Once you get to gray, your daily hair care routine will go a long way toward keeping your gray hair looking gorgeous. Shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for gray hair are readily available at your salon, beauty supply store or supermarket. Gray hair tends to be dry so invest in frequent deep conditioning treatments. This can be done at home or in the salon. Look for highly moisturizing conditioners made for colored tresses, as they work well for dry, coarse hair types. Clear glosses help keep hair shiny and manageable, too.

 

 

 

If you are trying to color hair that is more than 50% gray, permanent hair color is the way to go. A technique called ‘pre-softening,’ which involves applying a 20% peroxide solution to the hair, can help hair to better absorb the color. If you are coloring your hair at home, always apply the color to the gray areas first. Gray hair can take longer to process too, so experiment with times to find out what works best for your hair. Highlighting is another option that many women choose for dealing with gray hair. While this method will not completely cover the gray, it can blend it in a very flattering way. Lowlights, adding darker pieces into the natural hair color, are fun for women going for a bolder look. Permanent hair color does require constant upkeep, as when your hair grows you will definitely see roots.

 

 

 

 

 

With semi-permanent hair color, gray hair is blended but not covered in the way that permanent color works. It gives gray hair what might be called a ‘highlighted’ look. Best for hair that is 10 – 20% gray, semi-permanent hair color contains no peroxide and cannot lift the shade of your hair. It only deposits color on to it. This hair color washes out naturally over a 4 to 6 week period and leaves no visible roots. Semi-permanent color is great for shine and for helping to give hair a smoother-looking texture. Also look for temporary products to cover roots until your next shampoo, such as products with a wand type applicator. These are great when you need quick coverage and don’t have time for a full color application.

 

 

 

If you color your hair you want to take all the steps necessary to keep it looking good for as long as possible. Many companies make shampoos and conditioners that deposit minute amounts of color onto your hair, thereby keeping your color shiny and healthy looking. At home hair glosses, used in the privacy of your own shower, can also stretch out your coloring efforts and help maintain a thicker, shinier mane. It is important to include regular use of a clarifying shampoo, especially if you use a lot of hair products to maintain your hairstyle. Removing the buildup of gunk from your hair will help color to adhere better and give your hair more body and volume.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When dealing with your gray hair, keep in mind that we age as a unit and your hair needs to reflect that. A 70-year-old woman with dyed black hair is not fooling anyone and is truly doing herself a disservice. Let your true personality shine through in your hair, gray, partially gray, or snow white. The right cut can make all the difference in your appearance and you could find that the right style makes you better able to deal with your gray hair. Our looks are such an expression of our inner selves. Let your hair, however you feel comfortable in it, speak volumes about beautiful you.