Gray hair happens. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.
Why does your hair turn gray? What’s the best shampoo for gray hair? What’s the best hair color for gray hair?
To help you embrace the gray, we’ve rounded up our top tips to keep your salt-and-pepper strands looking sleek!
Melanin is the pigment that gives your hair its color. What causes gray hair is when the hair follicles lose their ability to produce melanin. Without melanin, those follicles appear white or gray.
While many of us may go gray eventually, premature graying is likely linked to genetics. But other factors may speed up the onset of gray hair, including poor nutrition, smoking and stress.
Look for formulas that provide protection against breakage. Whole Blends Honey Treasures shampoo is enriched with Beeswax and Vitamin A to seal in moisture and form a barrier against breakage.
Dr. Madfes recommends using a nourishing conditioner to keep hair soft and supple, and go the extra mile with a weekly hair mask to help provide proper hydration.
Deep-down hydration is important to tame unruly grays. For a quenching overnight treatment, apply Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream and cover your hair with a shower cap before bed. The next morning, wash it out with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo. This is a yummy shampoo for gray hair because it’s infused with Argan Oil, Vitamin E, plant protein, and conditioning agents. For best results, follow up with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Conditioner.
Nourished hair means better color. To cover gray hair, check out Garnier Olia Ammonia Free Hair Color in 1.0 Black. This oil powered gray hair dye will ensure brilliant color and healthier hair.
If you’re looking for the best way to cover gray on dark hair, try a nourishing color creme. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme in Medium Natural Brown 50 (Truffle) for instance, is infused with avocado, olive and shea oils to allow the formula to deeply penetrate hair fibers so color can adhere better and longer.
If you’re dealing with stubborn grays, you’ll want the best gray hair dye for 100% coverage on resistant grays. Thanks to its CoverPlus Technology, Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Coverage in Deep Dark Brown (Sweet Pecan) is the ultimate cover up for gray hairs that also provides intense moisture for nourished and healthy-looking locks.
- Don’t smoke. Premature hair graying, as well as hair loss, is more prevalent in smokers, found a wide-reaching scientific study.
- Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. A lack of Vitamin D3 and calcium have been found to be present in cases of premature graying.
- Don’t sweat it. Stress can contribute to hair loss. And here’s the kicker: gray hair doesn’t fall out as readily as dark (pigmented) hair – that’s according to the Canadian Dermatology Association. So if you’re losing hair to stress, you may find that even more grays reveal themselves!
- Make peace with your grays. It may be tempting, but don’t pluck them out! According to Garnier consulting dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, after plucking “the follicle can become damaged and not regrow”.
- Healthy body, healthy hair! It’s like your momma always told you: get your exercise, and get your beauty sleep. Your hair – and your stress levels – will thank you for it!
