How to Hide Graying Hair

While some people are afraid of going gray, others blend it into their daily appearance.

Gray hair: let it grow or make it go? Television personalities like Kathy Bates and Anderson Cooper keep their gray hair as part of their appearance, while others get alarmed at the sight of a few silver strands. There are many ways to fight gray hair for those who do not want it around. This can be done using coloring products, natural herbs, hair accessories or by visiting a stylist for professional work. Methods range in difficulty. Choosing the correct ones depends upon the amount of gray already on the head, where the gray hair is located and whether the solution is a short-term fix or something long lasting.

Things You'll Need

• Hair color
• Natural herbs
• Hat
• Comb

Instructions

1. Use hair color. There are many products available that can temporarily change the hair's color until the next wash or over the course of several weeks. This depends upon whether the coloring penetrates the cuticle (outer layer of the hair). Choose a color that is about two to three shades lighter than the hair's natural color. When hair color is applied, it turns the hair darker, so lighter colors will make the new shade blend in nicer.

2. Use a natural solution. Some people are worried about using commercial hair products because of chemicals and turn to something more natural. Chamomile is popular among people with blonde hair because it removes the dark streaks that sometimes come from summer, turning the hair lighter.

   Sage is an herb that is good for people with naturally dark hair who do not mind going darker. When applied, it will also turn gray hairs darker, allowing them to blend in more naturally. Sage herb should be boiled and then washed or sprayed into the hair.

   Henna is a stronger herb that penetrates the cuticle. It will produce a brassy red color but can be toned by mixing it with Chamomile.

3. Wear a hat. This simple solution will cover gray hair with no coloring needed. It works especially well for gray hair that sits on top of the head or higher up on the sides of the head. A baseball cap works well for men in casual setting. The only drawback is baseball hats are usually not allowed in the workplace or other formal places.

   Women may enjoy this solution since a hat can go well with an outfit. There are many styles, colors and designs available for women to wear during many occasions, including formal settings.

4. Comb hair in a way that covers gray strands. This solution works well if there are small pieces of gray in just a few areas. Apply gel or hairspray and comb over hair on top of the gray spot or tuck the gray strands under other hair to conceal it.

5. Visit a stylist for professional help. This is a good option for people who are afraid of using permanent coloring methods for fear of bad results and want something stronger than temporary coloring, rinses or natural products. A stylist knows which shades of base coloring to apply and how to blend it well so the hair will not end up too dark or with small splotches. Although seeing a professional will cost more, it may cost even more if something goes wrong with the do it yourself kit.

Tips & Warnings

• If gray hair is not changing when colored, comb a 20 percent peroxide solution into the gray parts before coloring. This will help open the cuticle and help the color stick, according to HairBoutique.com.

References

• Grey Hair: The Game of Hide and Seek;
• Mother Earth News; For Natural Hair Color, Color Your Hair With Natural Dyes
• Natural Beauty Guide: Greying Hair
• Grey Hair Loss: Covering Grey Hair
• Hairfinder: Covering Grey Hair with Hair Color