Do you want to know the best way to care for your silver strands? Here are my top tips to keep your greying hair vibrant and shiny.
Greying hair is one of the most common signs of ageing. But factors like vitamin deficiencies, genetics, oxidative stress, and chemical-laden hair dyes can also cause greying of hair. Millions of tiny sacs called hair follicles line the skin of the human body. The follicles produce melanin-containing colour or pigment cells as well as hair. Grey hair develops due the loss of pigment cells in hair follicles over time.
If you have decided to embrace your grey hair, you should be aware that it takes work to keep them looking beautiful. It is crucial to tweak your hair care routine to maintain the health of your locks because grey hair tends to be dryer and more fragile. To make things simpler for you, I have compiled a list of my top greying hair dos and don’ts to keep them looking healthy and lustrous.
Pay attention to the ingredient list
Rethinking your bathroom shelves should be your first step if you are wondering how to care for greying hair. I recommend paying attention to the ingredient lists of your hair care products. Since grey hair is often dryer, I recommend staying away from hair cleansing products loaded with harsh chemicals. Instead, use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to keep them nourished. But not every hydrating product is the same. Avoid using dimethicone, a silicone that is often found in many types of hair products. Since it is not water-soluble, if there is a lot of it in a product, it can weigh down your hair. Soft grey hair that needs additional volume may be particularly affected by this. Also, it is a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo because this extra-powerful cleanser thoroughly cleanses the hair fibre. For those with greying hair, this can be particularly useful as grey hair is porous and holds on to particulate matter.
Protect your grey hair from the heat
Grey hair has a unique texture that makes it considerably more susceptible to burning when using hot tools. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your hair from heat. I advise against excessive use of blow dryers and other high-heat styling appliances as grey hair can become damaged and appear yellow when exposed to heat. Never let the tool sit on the hair for more than a few seconds, and keep the temperature below 350 degrees.
Don’t forget UV protection
Did you know that grey hair can easily burn in the sun, turning a little yellow and that it could take months to reverse? So it is very important to keep your hair covered with a hat or baseball cap when outdoors. I recommend spraying on a UV protectant before stepping out, particularly in the summer.
Use satin or silk hair accessories and pillowcases
Due to the textural shift in your hair fibres, you might notice increased frizz, especially when you first wake up. Therefore, I recommend sleeping with a headscarf or pillowcase made of silk or satin to allow your hair to glide without causing damage. Silk and satin are smooth materials that help retain the hair’s natural oils and reduce friction, which can lead to hair pulling, tugging, stretching, breaking, and tangling. If you want to prevent breakage, wearing your hair in a topknot while sleeping is also a good idea.
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