The Gorgeously Gray Guide
Each era brings with it some new hair trends, and these past few years are no different. This trend, however, may be a little bit... unexpected.
Between many more people working from home, the lack of hair salon access in 2020, and general reprioritization in the midst - one of the hottest hair trends is... wait for it... gray hair. Perhaps it can simply be attributed to the fact that gray hair translates to accepting yourself and making peace with the decision to go au natural. Not only does it free you from the monthly grind of spending those dollars and time with your colorist while you align your schedule around your roots, but you may just discover that going gray can be a liberating decision in more ways than one. We encourage you to embrace whatever hair color you choose, and as always, we’re here to support you with the best tips and tricks to rock that silver and still have the healthiest most gorgeous strands ever.
The Science Of Gray Hair
Melanin, a chemical that gives hair its color, is contained inside the pigment cells of our hair follicles. Aging affects every part of our bodies, and hair is no different. As we age, our pigment cells start to die. Without pigment, our new hair growth will come in lighter and take on various shades of gray, silver, and eventually white. Once a follicle stops making melanin, it won’t make colored strands again. While you might blame stress for some of those grays, it is genetics that dictates how early and how fast you’ll accumulate gray. If your parents had a full head of gray in their 30s, there’s a good chance that you will too. While there are a few health problems that turn hair gray (lack of vitamin B12, thyroid disease, some inherited conditions, and Vitiligo), for most of us, it’s genes that rule our graying journey.
Gray Hair Can Feel Different
Ever wonder why gray hair is wiry and sticks up stubbornly while the rest of your hair is behaving? Gray hair is not only thinner than hair with natural color, but the cuticle is rougher than hair that has pigment. Because the oil glands in the scalp produce less sebum with age, in addition to drier and tougher textured hair, your strands will be more fragile and sensitive to the sun’s rays. Density and shine also wane. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to combat the typical gray hair challenges and have silky smooth soft hair forever.
Just heed these hairxpert tips:
Brush Your Hair Nightly
Brush your gray hair every day to distribute natural oils from the scalp to the ends. After about six weeks of nightly brushing, your hair will become smoother, softer, and glossier. Curlies may have to substitute a pick for a gentler brushing approach, but we do recommend a boar’s hair bristle brush for everyone else.
Use The Right Shampoo
A moisturizing shampoo is the foundation for shiny soft gray hair. Don't wash too frequently to avoid increased dryness and always use a sulfate-free shampoo as they are gentler on fragile grays. Always rinse with cool water to maintain moisture balance.
EVOLVh shampoos are known to soften grays and impart immense shine on all hair types.
Explore our range of sulfate-free gentle shampoos here >
Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
Use the right conditioner and add a leave-in conditioner to your routine. Conditioners and moisturizers are a must for combatting the dryness levels of gray hair. Seal in moisture with a conditioner treatment (try a co-wash if you are skipping shampoo that day), plus a leave-in conditioner - the third protection step that you can't skip.
Discover the right conditioner and leave-in for you >
Learn why the leave-in step is simply unskippable >
If you are still struggling with dryness - deep condition once or twice a week. Leave it on in the shower, mask for 30 minutes, or use a product formulated to be used as a longer leave-in treatment (simply wrap your head in a scarf or old tee shirt and leave the treatment to work its magic overnight while you sleep). The goal is intense hydration that will leave your grays healthy and shiny.
Our UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque can be used in any of the ways mentioned above depending on how much time you have.
See why we call UltraRepair a "time-traveler" >
Stock Up On Styling Products
With the specific challenges of gray hair – styling products are your friend. Choose colorless or white formulations so that your grays will not take on any additional color from your products. The most common byproducts of gray hair (dryness, dullness, and frizz) will all benefit from hydrating products that also add sheen.
Here are our recommendations:
SuperFinish Polishing Balm - nourish as you style with soft hold to smooth things out and fight frizz. Pro tip: throw a 2oz bottle in your bag for touching up on the go.
SuperCurl Defining Cream - everything your curls need, and nothing they don't. Bonus: like all of our stylers, it can be used on wet or dry hair!
Ultimate Styling Lotion - as its name implies, this is our most universal medium-hold styler and a product everyone should have in their arsenal.
WonderBalm Magic For Curls & Straightening - this concentrated serum smooths curls into bouncy ringlets with no frizz, stickiness, or crunch AND cuts down on blow drying and flat/curling iron time for the silkiest straight and wavy styles imaginable.
Protect Hair From Heat & Sun
Gray hair can burn in the sun, so it’s important to cover up while outdoors - wear a hat or headscarf. UVA and UVB rays can damage your hair, especially the outer layer, which can lead to yellowing, more dryness, breakage, and frizz - so protection is key.
Be cautious with hot tools while styling, so as not to damage your delicate locks. It is very important to purchase high quality hair tools with temperature controls. Do not exceed 350 degrees, and never let the tool remain in one place on the hair for more than a few seconds. Even with a blow dryer, do not leave heat blowing in one area for too long. Heat can be your hair’s biggest enemy, so proceed lightly to avoid damage.
Beware Of Purple Shampoo
We’ve heard the term "blue-haired ladies," but what exactly are they? Yellowing can be a common issue with white hair, and can be caused by a number of factors. In general, gray hair can pick up pigments from the environment – the sun, shower/pool water (which may contain chlorine and chemicals), and even the air around you. The color in the hair products you use can also be a suspect. A trace of color may actually deposit itself onto your beautiful silver. While the use of purple or blue products are sometimes recommended to neutralize brassy or yellow tones (violet is the opposing color to yellow on the color wheel), if used on your hair too much or left in too long, it will leave a lilac tint on your hair.
Purple shampoo does not fall into the clean ingredient category so we don't recommend it and suggest you opt for keeping up with regular washing, using white or clear products, and purchasing a good shower head to rinse out potential pollutants from your porous locks instead. If you do notice some yellowing, try a natural solution like an apple cider vinegar or baking soda rinse to maintain that bright-white pigment.
Luxury Self-Care For Gray Hair
A silk or satin pillowcase is a lovely way to slumber. The silk creates less friction, thereby protecting your gray hair from breakage, unwanted frizz, and fly-aways. As a result, your hair will break less and hold its style better. Ahhhhhh – yes please!
If you’re ready to ditch the dye - we say go for it! Gray hair is sexy, powerful, and beautiful – but most of all, YOUR choice. We support you - all hair types, all hair colors, all the time. XO, The EVOLVh Team
