How to take care of gray hair?

The beginning of the hair graying process depends on genetic predisposition, but it can be accelerated by stress and illnesses, for example, chronic B12 deficiency or thyroid problems. Graying after 30 years of age is considered natural, but if silver threads appear in the hair earlier, they are a symptom of premature graying of the hair. Regardless of when and why we start graying, the appearance of gray hair can be improved in many ways. How to take care of gray hair and when to start the proper treatment?

Gray hair – properties

Gray hair has a different structure than the others: it is often drier, sometimes thicker or thinner than hair with pigment or even, in contrast to the latter, they start to curl.

Gray hair – when to start the treatment?

As long as gray hair is 10-15% of the entire hair area, there is no need to change your habits. The care of gray hair becomes necessary when the amount exceeds 60-70%; then, the methods of its care should be changed. If gray hair is thick and dry, you should use moisturizing ingredients with softening properties. From time to time, it is worth using a shampoo or conditioner to prevent yellowing of the hair, which will allow you to avoid unsightly, blue reflections on the hair. Choose products for your hair type every day and wash your hair with gray hair shampoo once a month.

How to take care of gray hair?

Change the hairstyle

If you have more than 30% gray hair and do not want to color-treat it, consider changing your hairstyle. In this case, long hair is not likely to look impressive, so get a bob or a pixie cut.

Increase the volume

With age, our hair becomes thinner and falls out, so it is worth adding volume. To do this, massage the scalp before each wash. Thanks to this, you will improve the blood circulation and lift hair at the roots.

2-in-1 shampoos tend to overload fine hair and thus, they should be avoided. Instead, it is worth reaching for light masks and mousses. The hair lift effect will also be provided if you wash it with a mixture of shampoo and white clay. Also, a beer rinse will improve your hair volume. To prepare it, just mix light beer with water (ratio 1:1) and pour over the hair.

Take some years back

Hair becomes gray such because it lost the pigment that had previously given the color. Because of this, it is now hollow, stiff and prone to damage. To strengthen the hair and make it more flexible, it is worth putting on a home-made face mask at least once a week. To prepare it, just mix coconut oil (2 tablespoons), rosemary oil (5 drops) and egg yolk, then apply it to your hair and wrap your head with a foil and warmed towel. The mask should be washed off after 30 minutes.

Moisturise well

Gray hair loses moisture faster, breaks and falls out. To prevent this, you need to regenerate it. The best method of regeneration is applying oils, thanks to which the hair regains its shine and becomes more elastic. Moisturizing properties are particularly exhibited by jojoba oil, argan oil and amla oil (from Indian gooseberry). Hair oiling should be carried out 2-3 hours before washing the head or the day before. To do this, apply a small amount of oil onto your fingertips and run it through (dry or slightly damp) hair from the roots to the ends.

Restore the color

There is no obligation to dye gray hair, to prove it, we have offered the hairstyles that best match it. On the other hand, not all women look good and feel comfortable with gray hair. If you see or feel that silver threads make you look older, simply dye them. You must bear in mind that gray hair does not tolerate colouring agents, so it is worth going it to a good hairdresser, especially the first time; they will choose the color of the dye to match your complexion, and take care for the hair deep hydration.

In addition, it is worth using protein supplements with each washing. These preparations moisturize the hair and increase softness and gloss. Cosmetics containing shea butter are of particular importance. Purple shampoos will help gain natural colour. Such a product does not only eliminate yellow tones, but also adds cool shade to your hair.

If you intend to color-treat your hair, avoid semi-permanent shampoos. Gray hair can be covered only with a strong dye. Also, make sure to choose dyes that are darker than natural hair by a maximum of two tones. However, if you plan to put an end to hair dyeing, just apply a hint of the colour through the roots and use a product that’s a tone lighter than the rest of the hair.

Additionally, trim the tips no less frequently than every 6 weeks. With gray hair, dry tips are much more visible.