How to Grow Gray Gracefully

You've plucked the gray hairs until plucking has become a full time job. You've dyed and colored even though the grays pop out earlier and earlier. Dyed hair that is too dark or bright can be more aging than gray. Perhaps it is time to let nature take over. Silver, salt and pepper or white hair can be dramatic and elegant on women of any age.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your colorist to help you make the transition if you've had your hair professionally colored. You might consider stopping all coloring and just letting the gray take over. The transition requires patience and might be less noticeable in blondes. Brunettes and redheads may prefer to go gray gradually by allowing longer intervals between colorings. At some point your hair could look as if your stylist professionally frosted it.

2. Investigate product options. Graying hair brings with it changes in texture, often becoming dry, brittle and fragile. Products especially for gray hair are made by Clairol, Phyto, Rene Furterer and Nirvana. Such special products contain tints that combat any yellowing of the gray hair. Some colorists recommend mixing the tint shampoos with an equal portion of conditioning shampoo to avoid overly tinting the hair. Use deep conditioners once a week if possible.

3. Avoid over-processing the already brittle gray hair. A good haircut should allow easy care without over-reliance on styling products.

4. Don't be afraid to let your hair grow longer. A short pixie cut can be a cute, youthful style for gray hair, but long gray tresses in a sleek pageboy or a tumble of curls can be striking on women of any age.

5. Look at your makeup palette. You may have to change to new colors to go with your hair color. Try a lighter shade of foundation as well as lighter eye makeup. Experiment with a touch of blush to prevent a washed-out look. Clothing colors should also be chosen to complement the gray or white hair. Pastel shades of blue, green, and lilac or dramatic black, and of course gray and silver complete the elegant picture, as does silver or white-gold jewelry.