Gone are the days when gray hair was thought of as more of a hindrance — or as a thing you had to work around. Women are embracing their grays and silvers at every age, and the shade looks both natural and stunning. With that said, gray doesn’t mean no maintenance whatsoever (sorry to be the bearer of bad news). If you want your hair to remain shiny, bouncy, and youthful looking, it’s going to require a little bit of work and a few great haircut, hairstyle, and haircare tips. Watson Anthony, editor-in-chief for Hairstyle Camp, offers four smart tips to look younger with gray hair.
Keep hair longer
This tip may go against every other tip you’ve heard about rocking a blunt cut or pixie when you get older, but if the goal is to look more youthful and fresh with gray hair, Anthony recommends keeping it on the longer side. “Longer hair tends to make a person appear younger, which might be helpful for those who are wanting to look a little more youthful, but also want to embrace their gray hair,” Anthony said.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sport your hair down your back (although, if that’s your favorite style, more power to you). A stylish lob or shoulder-length hair offers just enough length while still making your hair easy to manage.
Use leave-in conditioner daily
Keeping your hair healthy is important when trying to appear younger, Anthony stresses. “Gray hair also tends to be more dry than colored hair, which is why you need to add moisture back in,” Anthony said. “A leave-in conditioner is helpful at retaining moisture and making your hair look and feel soft and frizz free. Use a leave-in conditioner everyday to maximize its benefits.”
Try fun hairstyles
Change things up once in awhile to make gray appear more youthful. “It can be fun and help to make you appear younger with gray hair if you try different heat free hairstyles,” Anthony said. “Trying different braids, buns or other updos can elevate your hair, as well as provide some fun and exciting ways to change things up. Also trying heatless overnight curls can help to give you a more youthful appearance with minimal effort.”
Tone your hair
Love gray hair, but not a fan of brassy or yellow tones that can date you? Toner is your hair’s best friend. “It can be helpful to use purple shampoo a couple times a week to keep your hair shiny and bright instead of yellow,” Anthony suggested. “Don’t overuse it though as it can tint your hair purple.”
Gray is gorgeous — and these tips will help you embrace your stunning shade.
