Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Deciding to go gray, or “natural” as it’s now being referred to, is not an easy decision. I know for me personally, it’s not something I’m ready to do anytime soon. If you are one of the brave souls who feel this is something you want to do, here are some suggestions to help you and your hair look good.

There are a couple of ways to transition to gray according to one stylist. If you hair is long or a medium length, cut it short so the gray doesn’t take too long to grow in. The easiest transition however, is to go with heavy highlights in blond, silver or gray. New growth will then blend in with the highlights.

A stylish cut is very important, to keep you from looking matronly. Younger women with gray hair advise having a stylish cut and staying current with fashion and makeup.

Gray hair tends to be coarser, so it is imperative that you use a good conditioner. A purple or violet-based shampoo used once per week will remove environmental toxins from the hair that can cause it to look yellow. A protectant spray will keep gray hair from turning dirty and brassy when you are in the sun. Look for a product that has thermal protection to deflect heat damage and add shine and luster to your hair.

As women age, they lose pigmentation, not only in their hair but in their skin. When this happens, the sun damage and freckles become more prominent. If you are going gray, you will have to rethink your makeup. Consider foundations with more luminosity, more moisture and just a hint of shimmer.

Let’s face it, if your skin is dull, it takes away from the whole package. So, if you have always worn pale, beigy pink, you may have to step it up to mauve or darker pink-brown. Or, perhaps a soft burgundy. You need to compensate for the loss of color in your hair, somehow, someway.

It’s not just about adding more foundation, lipstick or blush. It’s about adjusting the color. A bright lipstick will define the lips better and a lipstick will offer more pigmentation and last longer than gloss. A bit of color on the cheeks makes one look healthier.

Don’t ever go without mascara, that will “fade” you out with gray hair. People who go gray, go gray in their lashes and brows also. You need to add color to your brows and lashes as your eyes are a form of communication. If you are washed out, it can affect the way you feel. It’s important, if you have absence of hair color, that you put the color back in somewhere else.

Just know, if you go gray, that won’t be the only change you have to make. Oh, if life were only that simple!