Best Of Hair Talk #4: Grey Hair - To Color Or Not

Introduction

Grey hair is one of those hair concerns that most people deal with at some point in their lives. The key question is whether to hide it with color or let it out in its full glory.

Historically men have been considered "distinguished" with grey hair but women have been marked as "older" if they let their grey hair show.

As we approach the Year 2000 these attitudes about grey hair, styles, appropriate lengths and color are changing dramatically.

Consumers no longer let hair and fashion industry experts dictate the "right color" or the "best style" and make their own personal choices based on what works best for their lifestyles.

Should you color your grey or not?

This is a favorite topic in both the Hair Talk and Hair Politics boards at The Hair Boutique.

I have included some of the more popular threads in this Best of Hair Talk topic about grey hair.

Enjoy!

Hair Talk Discussion Board

Grey hair

Posted By: A. S. B. Monday, 3 May 1999, at 9:06 a.m.

Hi there,

Is there any remedy for grey hair. I am 30 years old and because of a lot of grey hair I have, I seem to be 40 years old. I heard that some minerals can get your black hair back. Is this correct?

Posted By: Clare Tuesday, 4 May 1999, at 2:21 p.m.

In Response To: Grey hair (A. S. B.)

Well, I have a theory, and its just my personal theory, as I don't believe there is any science yet to back it up, but I think gray hair is a least somewhat linked to sun exposure, just as the sun brings on the majority of wrinkles. I am not saying that there are not other factors, as genetics, diet, or whatever, but we all know that the environment can affect the expression of genetic proclivities. Although there are no "official" hair sun blocks with FDA approved SPF, I would say try to protect your hair from sun as much as possible. Use a leave in conditioner, and wear hats if necessary. Good luck.

Clare

Posted By: Kent Monday, 3 May 1999, at 6:53 p.m.

In Response To: Grey hair (A. S. B.)

I can understand your concern over the grey hair that is appearing. Our culture tends to encourage a youthful appearance and it is easy to fall victim to that philosophy. You may feel like you are too young for such an image, but dont fall victim to a mindset that prevents you from using it to improve your appearance.

My wife and I have some friends that we have known for over 20 years. Both the husband and wife had a full head of strikingly beautiful grey hair by their mid-30s. Now in their 50s they have not let it be a negative influence in their life and it has become a positive symbol of beauty for both of them. I also met a woman last summer who is a missionary in Japan. She is about 50 and has lovely long grey hair. It looks great on her.

There are things you can do about your hair if you really do not like the grey color. I know I toyed for a short time with the idea of having my grey streaks colored, but finally decided that for me the natural look is the most flattering. However, since Im not personally a fan of hair coloring, my thinking on that subject may be colored (sorry for the pun) :-). Im sure there are others who visit this site who can give you excellent advice on hair coloring, if that is the direction you decide to follow.

You might also consider a style that is flattering to the grey hair. Dare I suggest you might want to grow it longer? or cut it shorter (sorry Dave, I had to say it, but perhaps you can provide some examples of well known long haired women with grey hair that might be encouraging to A.S.B.) Personally I think a longer hair would be more flattering to your grey, but you need to go with whatever style pleases you the most.

I wish you well on your decisions and trust that you will find a solution that enhances your personal appearance and gives you the self confidence you desire. Perhaps you feel you have been dealt grey hair at a prematurely early age, but that is no reason for despair. Let it be your crowning glory and your natural beauty will shine through. You deserve the best, so go for it!

Kent

Posted By: Dave Monday, 3 May 1999, at 10:00 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Grey hair (Kent)

Hi Kent,

You don't need to apologize. Really :-)

As an example of what Kent has suggested, try this link, A.S.B., for info on Maria Matarazzo, in case you're interested... http://www.madoralonghairheaven.com/madorahistory.html

Madora Long Hair Heaven

Posted By: Cher Monday, 3 May 1999, at 7:16 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Grey hair (Kent)

Thanks Kent for a very encouraging post on growing long gray hair. I have alot of gray for a 40 year old woman. I tried coloring it and it totally went against my lifestyle.

For one thing I cannot be a slave to Clariol or any other box on the shelf.

My hair grows fast and the roots start to show quickly. Soooo.. I opted for the natural state of things.

I take care of my hair and keep it French braided for most of the time. I plan to grow it to knee length. I do keep the front of my hair cut in some feathery bangs.. I feel this softens the effect of my graying hair.

Thanks for some encouragement.

As for the question of the original poster on anything you can take to bring back the natural color, if there were such a thing, surely it would have been marketed already.

I have heard taking copper supplements reverses gray but I have never met anyone who this actually worked for. If it were true, copper would be the rage right now. I do take copper myself that is included in my multiple vitamins but the only thing I am getting is more gray hair!!

One thing that kind of works for me is to use gel or in my case, I use Aveda's Phomollient. I smooth it through my hair and it tends to darken down the silver some... but not into oblivion!! ;-) take care and include me in the group who is opting for the natural look..

Posted By: Diane K. Monday, 3 May 1999, at 1:41 p.m.

In Response To: Grey hair (A. S. B.)

Hello, The answer to your question is NO!! Your hair turning gray is a natural processes. No pill is going to change what is already programmed in your genes and your heredity. That's like saying a person with blonde hair can take a pill and it will change to red. Not even Jane Jetson would have lived to see that!

Please be wary of people (or things) that try and sell you the things. If it sounds to go to be true it probably is. Not only that but you can bet if someone could do this that it would be all over the place an widely none. Someone would be very very rich to say the least!

Happy Healthy hair, Diane K. Re: Grey hair

Posted By: jj Monday, 3 May 1999, at 11:13 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Grey hair (Diane K.)

Grey hair can be very beautiful but if you feel its too soon try a semi-permanent color. It covers the grey but leaves it a shade lighter than the rest giving it a highlighted look. It washes out gradually and you're not a slave to color.

If you want to talk more about this or other hair care articles on HairBoutique.com or anywhere else, please post a message on HairBoutique.com's Hair Talk Forums.