How to Care for Natural Gray Hair, From Strength to Style

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Along with age, our body undergoes many changes towards natural whiteness Hair transitions can be the most nerve-wracking—leaving many of us struggling to embrace the inevitable silver hair. Maybe you’ve decided not to dye your hair, or maybe your routine just stopped cutting it, and you’re looking for the best way to take care of your changing locks. Whatever your motivation, you can use our guide; we’ve enlisted two hair-care experts to help share their top tips.

For starters, it may be helpful to understand the difference in natural gray hair. “As we age, hair loses density, luster, and pigment, and the oil glands in the scalp produce less sebum,” says Dr. Dr. Gaby Longsworth, scientist, certified hairdresser, and biotech/pharmaceutical patent attorney. Regarding the color of gray hair, Longsworth stresses that it’s not white, but transparent as glass because it’s lost its melanin, a natural UV protector. “Grey hair lacks this natural protective mechanism, making it more sensitive to sunlight, which leads to oxidation of hair proteins,” she notes. “That’s why white and gray hair is more prone to oxidation and looks yellow and dull.”

Longsworth says, that is, reduced sebum production leads to Hair feels rough, stiff and dry—especially with curly textures. So, explains Nina Rubel, creative director and head of color at Rob Peetoom Salon in Williamsburg, people may have to alter their styling and maintenance routines accordingly. Read on to learn the essential steps to keep your natural gray hair looking as healthy as ever.

Remove buildup with Purifying Shampoo

“To keep gray hair looking healthy, use only mild Purify shampoos and avoid sulfates, which can be particularly drying on gray hair and curly hair,” says Longsworth. “A weekly or bi-weekly detox like charcoal, ACV, and something like that will keep your silver hair as white as possible—and keep your scalp healthy.” The best choice for removing dirt and oil from hair at the same time. Otherwise, Rubel recommends alternating between L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo and a traditional cleanser for a deep cleanse.

When you are not using purifying formula, Your daily shampoo should improve the look and feel of your mane. “Lack of pigment in gray hair can lead to yellowing due to product buildup, metals and minerals in the water, heat styling, sun exposure, and other external factors,” Rubel points out; therefore, buy a purple shampoo or a product that prevents brassy discoloration is the key. Among Longworth’s picks are Davines’ color-boosting purple shampoo for platinum and cool blondes, or Klorane’s neutralizing shampoo, enriched with organic centaur extract to counteract copper and yellow tones.

Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury

Priority moisturizing care

As usual, cleanse and then condition. Remember: “Grey hair needs more moisture than non-gray hair,” says Longsworth. A hydrating mask is a thoughtful addition to your conditioner to go with your shampoo of choice. Hair masks from Briogeo are always a good idea and have been known to restore dry, damaged hair after a few uses. Prefer a clean formula? Enter Innersense’s option, infused with shea butter, flaxseed, quinoa, coconut, and tamanu oils to quench your thirst without overwhelming them.

Briogeo Don’t despair, fix it! Deep Conditioning Mask

Innersense Organic Beauty Moisturizer Hair mask

Maintain scalp balance

For colored and gray hair types, healthy hair begins with the scalp! New York City-based trichologist Bridgette Hill previously told Vogue

that conditioners help “provide moisture, protection, and/or styling benefits to the scalp or hair fiber.” Among them Best of all, Dr. Barbara Sturm works to minimize dryness, oiliness, and inflammation in the hair fiber. Kérastase’s pick, on the other hand, uses a blend of ceramides, conditioning agents, and green tea extract to soften hair and reduce breakage.

2027302 Initialiste Strengthening and Volumizing Advanced Scalp and Hair Serum