Like wrinkles and occasional aches and pains, graying hair is something most people experience as they grow older. This change is usually gradual and may affect all your hair or only certain areas of your scalp. While thin hair, curly hair and course hair all require some special techniques to make them look their best, gray hair also presents some unique challenges. Whether you decide to hide your gray or let the natural color show, the changing texture, as well as the different tones and hues, benefit from home treatments and specialized maintenance.
Incidence
According to MedlinePlus, gray hair often starts in the 30s. This normally begins near the temples, extending toward the top of the scalp. Genetics play an important role in determining how quickly your hair turns gray.
Coloring
Many individuals decide to color their hair when it begins to turn gray. While a salon is the best place to receive a professional coloring treatment, temporary and semipermanent colors can help you keep your shades from fading and may help stretch the time between professional coloring sessions. Hair rinses can improve the appearance of graying hair and help keep it from looking dingy or yellow. These temporary rinses usually wash out easily during the following shampoo session, while semipermanent colors may stay in your hair for a few weeks. Select a shade that closely matches your natural color and apply according to the package instructions.
Texture Changes
As your hair color begins to fade to gray, your texture also tends to change. MedlinePlus advises that gray hair strands become smaller, making your hair look and feel finer than before. Your thin hair may require different types of treatments formulated for fine hair. Specialized leave-in treatments and conditioning products that match this new texture will help keep your hair looking its best.
Conditioning
Continue to use conditioning treatments to moisturize your hair and protect it from damaging elements, such as hot styling tools and chlorinated swimming pools. Select a deep-conditioner that remains on your hair for up to 20 minutes. Look for one of the newer products that contains ingredients to brighten graying hair. Treat your hair with this deep conditioner once or twice a month, more frequently if you perm or straighten your graying hair.
Benefits
Treating your gray hair regularly at home with a conditioning cream helps to keep it soft and manageable, and may also increase the shine, keeping the gray shades from looking dull. While frequent coloring may make your hair feel dry and damaged, keeping it conditioned may help alleviate some of the stress caused by chemical treatments, including permanent colors, straighteners and perms.
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