Going grey is in
In the past, the second a silver strand appeared, we’d race to the colourist’s chair. However, keeping up to colour on rapidly greying hair can become time consuming and expensive. The natural solution is to embrace it. After all, cared for correctly, it can be polished and flattering. Just look at luminaries like Dames Helen Mirren and Judy Dench, and Carmen Dell’Orefice. The look is utterly striking.
Grey hair however, brings a unique set of needs. Thankfully, they’re not too high maintenance.
Brassiness
Grey hair is porous, so its colour can be altered by anything it absorbs from the atmosphere, like pollution, chemicals and smoke. These can create a brassy or yellow tinge. A silver semi permanent toner will help, and can be done at home. Shampoo weekly with a toning shampoo, like Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo, $26.96, which neutralises and brightens dull or yellow-tinged locks. Follow with Joico Color Endure Violet Conditioner, $26.95.
Hot Hair
Be wary when using hot irons or curling tongs. Keep them below 180 degrees, or they can burn the hair and turn it yellow. Heat protection is a must. Apply it prior to styling, as the heat from your hairdryer will activate the ingredients and facilitate strengthening of the hair strand. Try Tresemme 7 Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activate Treatment, $10.99.
Dry, Brittle Strands
Hair, like skin, loses moisture and elasticity with age. Our bodies slow down so the hair follicle may not be receiving the nutrition it requires. Grey hair’s porosity makes it vulnerable to dryness and breakage.
Consider hair care for mature tresses, like Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Time Restore Q10 Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment, $26.95 each. Take five minutes to massage your scalp when conditioning, to stimulate circulation to the hair follicles.
Coarse, Wiry Texture
Grey hair lacks the naturally occurring oils present in younger hair, so its texture becomes coarse, wiry and prone to frizz. The secret is to infuse plenty of moisture.
A quality hair oil helps. Use one with a blend of various types of oils to build strength as well as hydration. Apply it as a weekly treatment, but also use a small amount daily before and after styling to protect the strand and encourage shine. Try Macadamia Luxurious Oil Treatment, from $47.95, which blends argan oil with macadamia oil.
When styling, use a product that offers superior control. While designed as a volume enhancer, Kevin Murphy’s Anti Gravity, $32.95, also offers weightless heat protection and terrific manageability. Eat plenty of foods rich in Essential Fatty Acids, like salmon and avocado, to hydrate internally.
Make a mask out of them too! Whip avocado, olive oil and eggs into a mask for smooth, soft and manageable hair.
Hint: Very dark eyebrows against a grey hair can look startling. If you think the contrast is too strong, consider having your brows professionally lightened.
Growing it in
There will be a transition period taking your previously coloured hair back to grey. To make the contrast seem less obvious, ask your hairdresser for a style cut that disguises the roots. You may wish to wear it shorter, add in layers, or wear it without a definite part. Coloured dry hair shampoo can temporarily disguise regrowth. As it lightens, ask your colourist for reverse highlights that are similar to the grey that is growing through, to make the look more polished.
Did you know? It’s an old wives tale that when you pull out a grey hair, three grow back in its place. It’s actually the case that one grey hair usually means that there are more on the way!