How to Let Your Hair Go Gray After Coloring for a Long Time
While hair color can disguise gray hair, many women tire of the expense as well as the constant maintenance involved with the use of hair dyes. Thanks to celebrities, such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Helen Mirren, who prove that gray hair can look stylish and trendy, in addition to hair care products that condition and treat gray hair, women increasingly view gray hair as a chic option. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Low-lights
- Semi-permanent hair color
- Make-up
- Hair conditioner
- Gray hair care shampoo
Instructions
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Visit your hairstylist and develop a plan for gradually growing out your gray hair. Your options might include adding low-lights (darker streaks) to add definition and blend in the roots or applying a semi-permanent color to your hair until the gray grows out a bit.
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Consider cutting your hair into a shorter, trendier style. A choppy, layered cut often looks more youthful and disguises the different hair colors. According to Mark DeVincenzo, creative director Frédéric Fekkai Salon in New York City, women with gray hair need a contemporary cut in order to look stylish and modern.
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Change your makeup to complement your new hair palette. Gray hair can wash out your complexion and make you look pale. Purchase some vibrant, new makeup shades to re-energize your look and flatter your coloring.
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Condition your hair on a regular basis. Gray hair tends to be brittle and prone to dryness due to the thinning of the cuticle that protects hair from damage. Your hair might also be coarser and more prone to breakage.
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Choose products specifically designed for gray hair to keep your hair in optimal condition. Wash hair with shampoos made for gray hair once a week to prevent it from yellowing due to exposure to smoke, sun and environmental pollutants. Use clear hairsprays and gels to avoid discoloring gray hair.
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Tips & Warnings
Wait until your roots are at least 60 percent gray for the most natural look when your gray hair grows in.
Apply a clear gloss or glaze to your hair on a monthly basis to boost the shine of your hair.
Take care not to over-use gray hair shampoos and products since they often counteract the yellowing of gray hair by including blue colorings that can give your hair a purple tint.
