Gray Hair - How to Keep It Beautiful, Healthy and Stylish

Like so many women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, in an effort to stave off my advancing years, I colored my hair. But, as I approached 50 and menopause, I began to toy with the idea of letting the gray grow out.

My personal hero, actress, Jamie Lee Curtis, had already taken the plunge and looked fabulous. I admired her spunk and really wanted to be free of the burden and cost of trudging to the salon every four weeks to cover the gray. But, I was terrified I would look old.

My hair stylist at the time didn't help much either by constantly warning me I would look like my young daughter's grandmother instead of her mother.

But, I really wanted to do it. So, in addition to changing my hair, I also changed my hair stylist. You just can't make a radical life change without those around you being supportive.

Because I had kept my hair short for a very long time, it didn't take long for the gray to grow out. At first, it was difficult. I definitely felt old. But, I persevered and I'm proud to say that I've been fully gray for about five years now with no intentions of ever coloring my hair again.

Not only do I have an extra $150 per month from foregone salon costs, but I love the freedom of living in total acceptance of who I am - gray hair and all.

If you too have longed to let your gray grow out but have been afraid of the change, just follow these simple tips and suggestions. With the right cut, style and hair care products you can learn to love your gray too!

Keep Gray Hair Shiny and Bright with Violet Shampoos

The thing that makes gray hair gray is that it has lost its pigment. Where once was color, say, brunette or red, there is none. The downside of this lack of pigment is that gray hair has a tendency to absorb chemicals and trace minerals that are often found in water. The result? Dull, drab, yellowish hair that makes you look old, washed out and tired.

Fortunately, there are many excellent hair care products on the market that are formulated just for the care of gray hair, such as violet shampoos.

As the name suggests, violet shampoos are violet. They are also called bluing shampoos. They work by removing dulling, harsh chemicals that are left behind after washing. The end result is bright, shiny, soft hair.

My personal favorite is So Silver by Matrix. I bought my first bottle from a styling salon for around $18. But, like everything else these days, you can certainly find it on line for a few bucks cheaper, though you will pay shipping costs. I've even seen it in some grocery stores that carry salon hair products as well.

L'Oreal Professional Artec White Violet Shampoo is another excellent violet shampoo at around $19. Aveda hair care products has one called Blue Malva.

Both of these products can also be found on line and perhaps in some salons. While Walgreens carries a large line of L'Oreal hair care products, I've not been able to find the Artec White in any of their stores.

If you would rather not spend upwards of $18 for a bottle of shampoo, Clairol Shimmer Lights pro line can be found in some grocery stores. If not, any Sally's Beauty Supply Store will definitely carry it for around $8 a bottle.

Be warned that if you wash your hair too much with a violet shampoo, it will turn your hair blue or purple. When you first use it, it's okay to use it every day for about a week. Then cut back to once or twice a week or even twice a month.

Keeping it Conditioned

Gray hair has a tendency to become dry, brittle and coarse. If you already have coarse hair that also tends to be dry, you will have a double whammy with gray hair. While the violet shampoos soften and condition hair, you may find that an extra conditioner is necessary a few times a week as well.

If you can get away with not washing your hair every day, it is advisable. Every other day is good for most people to maintain good scalp health, anyway. But it's especially important with gray hair since it will become dry and brittle rather quickly if over-washed.

Maintain a Stylish Cut

Most stylists will tell you that keeping gray hair cut in style that is flattering for you is essential for wearing gray hair well. Which usually means short.

While the long, flower-child styles often worn in the 60s and 70s made a care-free statement in your teens and twenties. In your 40s, 50s and 60s, long, unkempt gray hair will date you and be most unattractive.

There are a few women who can wear their gray hair long. The eternally youthful, country-folk singer, Emmylou Harris comes to mind. But, most women look better if it is cut in a chin-length bob style, like actress, Dame Helen Mirren, for example. Or if you can pull it off, super short and spiky, Ala my hero, Jamie Lee Curtis.

Plus, long hair on older women tends to pull an already aging face downward. So, to avoid the long, sad, Basset Hound look, consider keeping it cut short and above your shoulders if possible.

Change Your Color Palette

As an olive-skinned dark brunette, I was comfortable in browns, bronzes, taupe, tans and various shades of deep, dark, neutrals.

Now, as a 50-something woman with silver-gray hair, browns, bronze and taupe tend to harden my features and drain color out of my skin-tone.

With gray hair, blue based color palettes such as some reds, pinks and purples along with white, gray and black work well.

The same goes for make-up colors. Pinks, blues and violets, applied softly around the eyes, cheeks and lips, brighten, soften and add just the right amount of color to brighten your face and contrast well with gray hair. And by all means, avoid heavy, dark eye-liners.

Wear it Proud

Stepping out with your new gray hair might take some adjustment. Because, let's face it, nothing says we're not 21 anymore like gray hair.

But, if kept healthy and stylish, nothing says chic, elegant and classy like gray hair either! So, wear your gray with with the best beauty accessory, ladies - confidence. You've definitely earned the right!

Sources: Emmylou Harris.com
Ladies Home Journal.com
Going Gray Looking Great.com