The appearance of gray hair marks a natural transition in your life and hair’s life cycle. You might be worried about what to do with it or how to care for it. Also, a common misconception is that graying hair doesn’t need care. However, embracing this change with care can enhance the health and appearance of graying hair.
Whether natural or treated, your hair deserves excellent care and treatment at all stages of life. The truth is that gray hair needs the most intensive care as it can dry out, thin, and become susceptible to breakage. Tim Foster, a hairstylist and colorist at District on 50th in Edina, Minnesota, says, “Going gray doesn’t mean giving up; it shows confidence.”
What causes gray hair?
As you grow older, your body releases less and less melanin, causing your hair to turn gray. Melanin is a biomolecule produced in melanocytes that gives your skin, hair, and eyes its pigmentation. The more melanin you produce, the darker your hair, eyes, and skin. Melanin production also depends on genetics and other environmental factors, such as sun exposure. Genetics are in play if you notice that your hair is graying at a younger age, maybe in your 20s or even 30s. Doctors have also attributed stress and certain medical conditions, such as vitiligo, pernicious anemia, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, to increasing the risk of premature graying of hair.
Caring for your graying hair
To properly care for your graying hair, you first need to understand the reason or cause of your graying. If you have underlying medical conditions requiring a doctor’s intervention, seek and follow your doctor’s advice. If your graying is due to age or genetics, the tips below will help you properly care for your hair.
Get a good trim
Most people can swear by the magic of getting a good trim every once in a while. When your hair starts to gray, it becomes brittle, dry, and weak. So, trimming the weak ends ensures your hair looks healthy. You can also work with a stylist who understands your face shape and how to give your hair the much-needed cut. Finding a stylist who understands aging hair is cut, as it requires attention to detail.
Apply gentle clarifying shampoo to remove buildup
Graying hair is frail, so using gentle products is critical. To maintain and boost your hair’s health, gently clarifying shampoos remove buildup. If buildup accumulates for extended periods, it will weaken your hair further, damaging it. According to Dr. Gaby Longsworth, a Ph.D. scientist, certified hair practitioner, and biotech/pharmaceutical patent attorney, you should also avoid shampoos that contain sulfates because they dry gray hair. Instead, you can opt for charcoal and ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) detox products weekly or biweekly to keep your scalp healthy and your hair shiny.
Use moisturizing conditioners
Graying hair needs more moisture to keep it soft, smooth, and healthy than normal hair. You can occasionally use a hydrating mask or deep conditioner to ensure your hair doesn’t dry out. You can also try different masks and conditioners to find the one that best suits your hair.
Use a good leave-in treatment to repair damaged hair
Gray hair is prone to damage, from UV to pollutants to heat damage, so ensuring that you use a good leave-in treatment that will keep repairing your hair is crucial. An excellent leave-in treatment will repair the already-caused damage while ensuring no future damage.
Avoid a lot of heat
Exposing even non-gray hair to extreme heat damages it. Imagine the damage excess heat will do to already weakening gray hair. While you may not wholly avoid heat, invest in good quality appliances with temperature regulators. Also, ensure that you use quality heat protectants or thermal sprays to coat your hair and protect it against heat damage.
Embrace purple products
During your gray hair journey, you may notice a yellow hue on your strands. Exposure to UV, pollutants, and other environmental stresses can contribute to hair yellowing. Purple shampoo and conditioner neutralize the yellow tint, leaving your hair silvery, shiny, and healthy.
Invest in satin or silk pillowcases
Silk and satin create less fabric, preventing hair from breakage, frizz, and flyaways. You can also have your hair up in a bun or topknot and secure it with a silk or satin scrunchie. Then, wear a silk or satin bonnet before bed for extra protection. If bonnets are not your cup of tea or they fall off while you’re asleep, hold your hair in a topknot and secure it before bed.
Takeaway
Caring for graying hair is more than just maintaining its appearance — it’s about embracing the new phase with a stride. Adopting a nourishing routine can keep the hair healthy, vibrant, and full of life. Remember, each strand of gray hair tells a story, and with proper care, your appearance can shine with elegance for years to come.
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