The reality is that gray hair is something most men have to deal with at some point in their lives. According to statistics, 50 percent of the population will have approximately 50 percent gray hair by the age of 50. This is known as the 50-50-50 rule (for very obvious reasons). Nonetheless, sporting gray hair has its charm. Let’s embrace it with pride!
We know all the reasons why hair turns gray. But if the days of those first gray hairs are over, and you’re ready to embrace a new era as a silver fox, we caught up with London-based barber TJ Hunt of Ruffians to find out how to take care of your gray hair.
1. Rethink Your Style
You may notice that color isn’t the only thing changing on top. Sometimes, gray hair can have a different texture than your previous follicles due to a lack of pigment (also known as melanin).
“Your old style may be less suitable for your new silver hair, and a new haircut that’s more flattering and practical may be necessary,” says Hunt. “But don’t worry; a change of style can often be uplifting and revitalizing. Besides, you don’t see George Clooney trying to hide those silver strands, do you?”
2. Choose the Right Shampoo
Now that you’ve fully embraced the new, grayer you, it’s time to invest in a good shampoo. If you’ve ever colored your hair, you’ll know how thirsty and fragile it feels when the follicles lose color. Well, it’s the same story when it comes to gray hair.
“For that reason, it’s best to use a shampoo whose primary goal is to provide moisture and strength,” says Hunt. “Check out those containing argan oil and red algae to boost hydration. You should also investigate silver and purple shampoos. These came out a few years ago claiming to enhance blonde and gray tones by removing dull tones. Well, it turns out they really work.”
3. Get the best products
Now that you’ve chosen a shampoo that really works for you, it’s time to give your styling products a little refresh. Products that are too thick or contain too much oil can make your gray hair look dull, dirty, or have yellow undertones. Or all three at once.
“You need a good styling cream that you can use every day without feeling like you have a block of cement on your head,” says Hunt. “I would also recommend ditching pomades and gels altogether and opting for something lighter, more natural, but still moisturizing. It may take some trial and error.”
4. Reduce the Heat
Blow-drying your hair can give it volume and movement that are difficult to achieve with natural drying. That’s why hair dryers are so popular in salons. However, the constant use of heat can make hair dry and brittle, which is a problem for most hair types, but especially for gray hair.
“Try to find a style that works without having to resort to other tools,” says Hunt. “Sometimes adding products while your hair is still slightly damp can work well. However, if you really can’t live without your dryer, always be sure to apply a protectant first. This is essential for keeping your hair healthy.”
5. Protect Your Hair
It may seem counterintuitive to ask you to cover up your newly discovered silver hair. But it’s worth remembering that the sun’s UV rays don’t just affect your skin—they can also seriously damage your hair.
“UV rays can severely dry out and damage anyone’s hair follicles, causing frizz and breakage,” says Hunt. “But as mentioned above, gray hair is already drier and more porous, so the sun can only exacerbate the problem. The solution could be as simple as putting on a hat before leaving the house or sitting in the shade.”
