All products featured in Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, you may get affiliate income for this article and a commission when you buy something.
Not only do our bodies go through many changes as we age, but the transition to natural gray hair can feel the most nerve-wracking. It’s just that my normal routine isn’t cutting it anymore and I’m looking for the best way to care for my changing strands. We enlisted two hair care experts to share their best tips.
For starters, it may be helpful to understand how natural gray hair differs. says Dr. Dr. Gabby Longsworth, Scientist, Certified Hair Practitioner, Biotech/Pharmaceutical Patent Attorney. Regarding the color of gray hair, Mr. Longsworth emphasizes that it is transparent like glass, not gray hair. This is due to the loss of melanin, a natural protector against UV rays. “Because gray hair lacks this natural protective mechanism, it becomes more sensitive to the sun’s rays, causing the proteins in the hair to oxidize,” she points out. It is easy to clean and looks yellowish.”
That said, Longsworth says that reduced sebum production, especially for frizzy textures, can make hair feel coarse, limp and dry. Creative Director and Head of Color Nina Rubell explains that you may need to change your styling and maintenance routines accordingly. Read on to discover key steps to making sure your natural grays are as healthy as ever.
Remove dirt with a clarifying shampoo
“To keep gray hair healthy, use only gentle clarifying shampoos and avoid sulfates, which dry particularly gray or curly hair,” Longsworth says. Or use every other week to keep your silver as white as possible and your scalp healthy.” With chelating agents, apple cider vinegar and hydrolyzed keratin, Oua’s Detox Shampoo is your ticket to removing dirt and oil while conditioning your hair. is. Otherwise, Rubel recommends alternating L’Oreal Professional Metal Detox Shampoo with a conventional cleanser for a deep clean.
gentle cleansing
When you’re not using a clearing formula, you’ll need a daily shampoo to improve the look and feel of your mane. hair exposure, as well as other external factors, can cause your hair to turn yellow,” Lebel said. That’s why it’s important to invest in purple shampoos and products to prevent brassiness. And there’s Klorane’s Neutralizing Shampoo, enriched with Organic Century to counteract yellow tones.
Prioritize moisturizing care
As always, after cleansing is conditioning. Remember: According to Longsworth, “gray hair needs more moisture than non-gray hair. Briogeo’s mask is always a good idea and is known to revive dry and damaged hair with just a few uses. Enter the Innersense infused option to quench thirsty strands without weighing them down.
Choosing a restorative leave-in
“Grey hair is prone to damage, so it’s essential to strengthen and protect it,” Rubel explains. “A repair mask such as K18 is a great way to restore previous damage while protecting your hair from future stress and wear and tear.” It combines the acclaimed TCF8 complex with supercharged superfoods and antioxidants to promote lustrous, thicker, and hydrated strands.
keep the scalp in balance
Pigmentation and gray hair are healthy hair from the scalp! New York City-based trichologist Bridget Hill previously said: trend Hair serums have helped “provide moisturizing, protective, and/or styling benefits to the scalp or hair fibre.” Minimize inflammation. Kerastase options, on the other hand, use a blend of ceramides, conditioning agents, and green tea extract to soften hair and reduce breakage.
Promotes hair growth and strength
Likewise, products that specialize in hair strengthening and subsequent growth are fine. Longsworth is part of Miel’s acclaimed oils, which boasts an impressive cocktail of castor oil, rosemary, peppermint, biotin, and tea tree. Then there’s Oribe’s treatment serum, rich in chia seeds, bamboo, botanical protein and hyaluronic acid, which not only strengthens your strands, but also protects against heat up to 450 degrees.
Combining hot tools with heat protectants
“If gray hair is abused with hot tools, the heat can dull it or turn it yellowish, so proper protection is needed,” advises Lebel. Some already have heat protection properties, but a standalone spray may help.Both the Kenra and Bumble and Bumble formulas protect against heat up to 450 degrees.
switch styler
Don’t get frustrated when the styler you once had nearby no longer works. Longsworth is part of Millibel’s lightweight gel that provides a soft, weightless hold. Not to mention, it’s moisturizing at the same time thanks to conditioning ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseed extract and vitamin E. Volume up with Paul Mitchell’s Volumizing Liquid, which counts Mae Musk as a fan, or Shu Uemura’s Mousse, recommended by Lebel. For other styling needs, Living Proof’s spray offers a range of benefits, from instant volume to pristine texture.
lock in moisture
As a final step, a drop of hair oil can help improve dry, brittle hair by locking in moisture. You can add shine and softness without feeling greasy. Bread Beauty Supply’s Elixir is also a solid choice, featuring Kakadu Plum for unparalleled glow and hydration.
