Says Piliang, "The combination of a thinner fiber, weaker cuticle, and less oil gives hair a rough, unruly texture"—so that's why those grays tend to stick straight up!
Since your curl pattern is determined by the shape of the follicle, you may notice gray hairs will not follow the curl pattern you're used to- they may be more or less curly than before. Additionally, gray hair strands can develop a medulla: a hollow core that makes those strands more wiry and unruly.
Grey hair tends to grow more dry or wirey than its coloured counterparts - and sometimes can grow a new curl pattern all together. For some TLC, avoid sulphates and switch to a shampoo with some protein plus lightweight hydration in your routine.
Tackle the texture first. A weekly moisture mask will help soften coarse gray strands. You'll also want to switch to a violet-tinged shampoo to help neutralize yellow tones; even white hair can turn brassy from UV rays and minerals in the water.
Typically, white people start going gray in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and Blacks in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50.
A new study shows that stress really can give you gray hair. Researchers found that the body's fight-or-flight response plays a key role in turning hair gray. Your hair color is determined by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
People use “gray,” “white” and “silver” interchangeably to describe hair that is turning or has turned. Its appearance — whether it looks, gray, white or silver — depends on how much natural color, or pigment, remains, experts say.
Gray hair tends to be more dry, so sealing in moisture is a crucial first step. Don't over shampoo, as this strips the hair of natural oils from the scalp that moisturize your locks. Shampooing your hair 1-3 times per week should be perfect.
Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.
Does purple shampoo work on gray hair? The short answer to this is yes – purple shampoo does work on gray hair. Gray hair can actually turn brassier and yellow more quickly than blonde hair because it clings onto particles found in the air that cause that unwanted discoloration.
Your Hair May Look Thinner
So when you stop coloring your hair, you may see a decrease both in actual volume, and in the appearance of body and thickness.
Gray hairs are thicker and wirier, so your hair gets coarser as they multiply. You can't do anything to stop graying -- it's something you inherit. But you can tame gray hair with a good hairstyle and special care.
Gray hair tends to be dryer, so using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is especially important to keep the curls hydrated and bouncy. Occasionally using coconut oil on gray hair overnight is a good conditioning treatment and helps with detangling. Check out Qhemet Burdock Root Butter Cream.
The main difference you'll notice when you start to get grey hair is the texture, as oil glands start to produce less sebum. This causes strands to become coarse, dry and rough in texture, which make hair appear dull and lifeless.
Best overall: Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Conditioner, $26. Best for frizzy gray hair: Pureology Hydrate Soft Softening Treatment, $41. Best for natural gray hair: Pattern Lightweight Conditioner, $25. Best for short gray hair: Kérastase Blond Absolu Strengthening Conditioner, $44.
Apple cider vinegar is an acid, which means it can help to lighten and refine the colour. As grey or white hair has little or no pigment, its colour can be easily impacted by pigments in the environment, such as the shampoo or conditioner you use. However, apple cider vinegar can help to neutralise these tones.
Gray Hair Returns in Less than Two Weeks
If your client can't seem to keep their gray hair or roots covered for long, it may be time to discontinue using hair dye. Going to the salon every two weeks for treatment is too often, and along with all the damage it can do to their hair, it can also be expensive over time.
You want to avoid shades that are too similar to your natural coloring; beiges, creams, off-whites, stone grays, taupes, etc. These colors will only wash you out and emphasize your gray tones.
Your scalp health will improve.
"Letting your hair go gray is an effective way to avoid exposing your scalp to toxic ingredients of hair dyes," says Monica Davis, a professional hairstylist and founder of Hair Scream. Instead, your scalp will be calm and free of any rouge dye stains.
Silver shampoo is also perfect for natural grey hair which can develop a yellow tinge from exposure to elements such as wind, rain and pollution. The shampoo can help correct this brassy colour, as well as strengthen hair fibres.
Neutral shades like soft blonde, mushroom brown, light copper, and caramel blonde balayage are the easiest to blend gray into (and maintain over time without wanting to shave your hair off).
Using baking soda on your hair is essentially gently bleaching it, removing any natural color and leaving your hair looking faded or ashen. This kind of lightening can be really damaging to grey hair, especially if it's already dry or fragile.