I must get this question at least once a week. “What do you think my hair would be like if
Nice length highlighted bob tucked behind ears to break up angles
I let the gray come through and stop tinting it”?
Well it all depends on how you wear it!
First off who noticed my spelling of Gray or Grey ?
Gray and Grey are different spellings of the same word, and both are used throughout the English-speaking world. But gray is more common in American English, while grey is more common in all the other main varieties of English. In the U.K., for instance, grey appears about twenty times for every instance of gray. In the U.S. the ratio is reversed. Both spellings, which have origins in the Old English grǽg, have existed hundreds of years
Ok enough history – back to Grey hair…
Grey hair happens due to the reduction of melanin being produced inside the scalp in the hair root or bulb. Each hair has its own little hair colour producing factory which dictates your colour of hair. When one of these factories stops producing this colour it becomes grey – or in other words pigment less.Sometimes there can be a stuttering effect as the hair grows producing an interesting banding of colour on each hair strand. But usually this is only in the early stages of grey hairs coming in. The over all colour effect that people see you have is dependent on the percentage of grey hair to your original colour.Once you have more than around 40% you have noticeably grey hair. When you get to around 70% grey hairs then you are like this picture — more gray than colour. (see pic right)
Being grey can be a really flattering look if combined with a good haircut.
Definition of a good haircut for you is something you will suit and flatters you and you feel comfortable wearing.
Classic looks, something short with a sharp edge like a classic bob, this works well with grey hair when combined with a strong fringe shape. A short or angled fringe will challenge the traditional conformist especially if it is designed by your stylist to suit your face shape.
Another point …. as a hairstylist you might think it would be more in my interest to keep recommending getting the 6 weekly roots done!
However this need not be your only option. There are alternatives if you are the adventurous type or in the mood to cast off the label – something that is a bit different and even possibly funky works well.
One such innovation on the market is a coloured /toning shampoos and finishing sprays that tone down yellowish wash out conditioner that comes in various colours ranging from hint of blonde to funky pink and purple/lilac tonal colours that work beautifully with gray hair. More pastel than bold and lovely tones shimmer through without being labelled a punkette.
(Dame Helen Mirren carries this toning effect off beautifully)
Another option is using highlights of a dark colour through the hair to blend and tone the hair without the obvious roots.
See pic…. note the dark lowlights of a dark ( don’t freak out but black very fine highlights gives this effect). This can be done on fringes or underneath sections to create a shaded volume effect. This is a technique I personally like to use through high percentage grey hair to shadow and create interest.
Also vitally important is keeping your hair in good shape by being trimmed more often — say every 6 weeks, as gray hair tends to be coarser texture and can become frizzy if left too long. Using straighteners quickly without over heating is a good tip. Don’t pause or squeeze your hair, just swoosh through your hair from root to tip with minimum fuss. Simple is best.
Something to consider is a shampoo without sulphates and a slightly heavier conditioner which will help reduce this frizziness. Argon oil is a useful leave in finishing product that will give the hair lustre and shine and smooth course hair.
When it all gets down to it its up to you about the choice you make, however speaking to your hairstylist about the options available to you might just make all the difference.
The main thing is you approach this with confidence and purpose.
And if you change your mind their are always options or you can go back to colouring , its YOUR CHOICE 🙂
Feel free to come in for a chat about ideas and I will be happy to help guide you choosing the best look for you. Colin @HQshair
Question about men’s grey hair? Is it ridiculously self-involved for a man to color his hair. I started going grey when I was in my twenties. Many years later I look in the mirror and I believe I look 10 years older than my age.
Is there a right way for men to color their hair? Or must we just give in to nature?