Gray and white hair can gradually turn yellow for a variety of reasons. Since both of these transparent colors lack color pigment, hairs readily absorb and reflect colors they pick up in the environment. Cigarette smoke, styling products, tap water and environmental pollutants are huge factors in yellowing. The sun is also at fault. Some gray hair possesses a small amount of blue color pigment, which counteracts yellow and warm colors. The sun removes the blue pigment, leaving the hair vulnerable to yellowing. Fortunately, preventing yellow is possible with a few hair-care tricks.
Step 1
Shampoo and condition with blue-based shampoos and conditioners as part of your normal hair-care routine. Look for color-enhancing shampoos with a blue or violet base, not blue-colored products.
Step 2
Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product and environmental buildup. Lather the hair, and allow the shampoo to remain on the hair for 5 minutes before rinsing. Follow up with a blue-based conditioner.
Step 3
Strip your hair every two to three weeks. Mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto dry hair, and comb through to distribute product. Set timer for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly once the timer rings. Towel dry and style.
Step 4
Avoid smoking, excessive sun exposure and the use of hair products containing wax. Cover your hair with a cap when you cannot avoid smoky and dirty conditions.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash your hair with distilled water if you have hard water, well water or poor-quality tap water.
Things You'll Need
- Blue-based shamoo and conditioner
- Clarifying shampoo
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Comb
- Timer
- Towels
References
- "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology"; Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008
- Life123: How to Remove Yellow from Gray Hair Naturally
- Going Gray Looking Great: Blue Shampoos What Do They Do
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