Friday Fun Stuff Tips for Going Gray

On the heels of the unexpected interest in my post about decorating for the over 55 set I decided to do a post on going gray since so many of you have emailed me about it .  To be honest I was reluctant to post about it as I know it is not for everyone.  I do not want to be the torch bearer for gray hair.  For me it worked, I am happy I did it and I have never regretted it for one second. 

It has to be your decision.  It is helpful if your husband and your family are supportive (mine were). Don’t  let your hairdresser tell you that your hair will not be a “pretty gray”. If she does find a new one! I had multiple hair stylists tell me that.  When I went back to my original hairdresser she supported me. I was having to color my hair so often my hair began to look something like this…seriously


rodneygentry.com


emmy lou harris

Here are my three tips if you want to go gray

• Go shorter
• Go lighter   Ease into it by going lighter first. This  lessens the mark between regrowth and the color that is being applied to your hair. 
• Add lowlights  Instead of doing a full base color, start doing lowlights (instead of coloring all of the hair, repigment your base color in strands). 

Once you have made it through the above process remember going gray is not your ticket to low maintenance hair.  Gray hair is dryer, coarser, more brittle, and frizzier than normal hair. Sun, minerals in your water and other environmental factors can cause your hair to yellow.

My Tips for Caring for your Gray Hair

     * Use a “blue shampoo” at least once a week
     * Have your stylist do a gloss when you get your haircut (if you can afford it)
     * Deep Condition or Use a Really Good Conditioner
     * Use a  Product to Combat the Frizz
     * Use a Clarifying Shampoo Once a Week
     * Keep Your Style Current

Here are my favorite products that work for me.  I am not endorsing any of these products for everyone.  There are many out there and you will need to find out which ones work best for you.

My two favorite shampoos are Phytargent Whitening (this is my personal favorite), and Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo.


   
I personally don't care for the Aveda conditioner.  Until recently I had not found a conditioner I liked. Now I am a huge fan of Davines Alchemic Silver Conditioner.  It is pricey but it is wonderful!

The best combination I have found to combat frizz is the original Moroccan Oil (just a couple of drops) after washing and before drying.  Add to that a couple tiny pumps of  the Original Frizz Ease from John Frieda (I find the extra strength do be too much) . I have tried more expensive products and find this to be the best.  Be super careful not to get too much or your hair will become greasy. 

 

 Once you have made the leap you need to be careful not to look like a grandma.  Make sure you have a current cut and you will need to adjust your makeup.  I find that I need my lipstick and blush to have a little more color   Since I have gone silver fuschia is one of my new best friends.  I could never wear white before and white is absolutely the best color for gray hair as well as aging skin! One of the best perks is you can dress a little more hip without looking like you are trying to be your daughter. 

mydubio.com

 I hope this helps.  I am going to try and do a fashion/beauty post every other friday. Are any of you thinking about going gray?  I would love to hear about it!