At the first sight of a grey hair, do you wince and reach for the tweezers, call your stylist and schedule a colour treatment, or opt to ignore it and embrace it as a natural part of growing older?
“For most of us, going grey is inevitable. It’s how we respond to it that will determine how to care for it,” says Shelene Shaer from Tanaz Hair, Body and Nails.
Why it happens
Like wrinkles, the pattern and rate at which one will go grey varies from person to person. “Melanin is formed and created at the root of each hair follicle and then moves up into the cortex. As the hair grows from the follicle it develops its colour according to our genetics. As we age, the papilla (the process of connective tissue extending into and nourishing the root of a hair) for some reason fails to deposit pigment in the growing cells and is replaced by air bubbles in the fibrous cortical layer that give a white optical effect,” explains trichologist Elma Titus.
Hair goes haywire
The texture of grey hair tends to be wiry, less pliable, frizzy and generally unmanageable, says Shaer. “Grey hair becomes drier as we age because the sebaceous gland also slows down production and gives the impression of coarse hair,” adds Titus. A natural response in most women is to colour treat hair more often, meaning chemicals are applied, which in the long term affects the moisture content of the hair shaft and results in dull, thinning, damaged hair.
By the age of 40, women should start using products which add moisture, and leave hair shiny. We love L’Oréal’s Age Supreme with omega-6 and vitamin B. For hair that’s lacklustre and dull, try L’Oréal’s Nutri Gloss range, which contains fine glitter that hangs onto hair, leaving it shiny, thick and moisturised. Also try Touch of Silver shampoo and conditioner, specially designed to protect grey hair from appearing dull. Once your hair is styled, finish with a shine spray to protect colour and provide shine without weighing hair down.
Look to your diet
Stress, worry, constantly rushing to get somewhere or get things done – these are all traits of modern-day living, and are ultimately reflected in the state of our hair, skin and the quality of our sleep. “Hair consists of keratin, which is a protein material, so eating sufficient protein is vital to strong, healthy hair.” Also include omega oils, sunflower, pumpkin and flax seeds, seaweed and silica tissue salts, and vitamin B, which retards the growth of grey hair, say the experts.
Care for your hair
• If you choose to go grey, do so gracefully. Do not neglect your hair, as it will need more attention because of the lack of colour. Use a deep penetrating conditioner and mask, which will help to maintain its natural shine and aid with styling.
• Fade to grey gradually and slowly. Include low-lights of your natural colour interspersed with the grey for a natural finish.
• Treat your grey hair with care. Use maintenance products to give your hair a beautiful, healthy shine. Add a gloss or serum to bring the grey to life.
• Be trendy. Grow a grey streak, made to look effortlessly cool by the famous trend forecaster Li Edelkort. Consult your hairstylist about a new cut. Grey hair reflects light so keep it styled to perfection.
• In terms of your general grooming: “Keep eyebrows tidy, make sure your skin is regularly treated, define your lash line and give lashes some extra oomph,” says make-up artist Dale Titus. “Use a cream-based blush for a dewy freshness – a peach colour works well on older skins.” Be brave and add a pop of colour to lips to really bring out the grey.
Pro tip
If you hair is thinning and grey, grow a fringe. It’ll move grey regrowth further back, make hair appear thicker and will save time on styling, advises Shaer. Is your hair too curly? No problem! Simply apply a hair texturising treatment such as a Brazilian Blow-out to the fringe area.