There is an interesting trend going around: more and more women are ditching their colorists and embracing their gray hair. As someone who started going gray at 25, it was great to see Kelly McGillis with Tom Cruise at an event recently sporting a chic gray pixie cut. My husband wants me to embrace my gray too and since my hair seems to be bypassing the dirty gray color and is going straight to silver I’ve decided to give it a shot. It’s only been about 5 weeks since I last colored but my grays never hold color for long and it’s washing out fast. I’m having a little trouble adjusting to the shocking reality check of just how much gray hair I have at 30 and that I’m going to let it grow out and be seen. By people. Everyday. I’m a little scared.

Gray hair is the result of when pigment cells in the hair follicle stop producing melanin. Heredity, stress, and a poor diet can also have an effect on melanin production and how quickly we turn gray but a lot of it is just plain genetics. I believe my premature gray is hereditary since my grandmother was fully gray by 40 and colored her hair most of her life. Since I have fairly long hair that I have no intention of cutting I’ve been researching the best way to grow out the gray and after talking to a stylist friend I think I’ve come up with a plan. So if you are planning on ditching your color these tips can make the grow out bearable.

Cut Regularly:

Even long hair will benefit from regular trims but a pro can help design your hairstyle to either conceal or highlight your silver locks. I’m graying a lot in my bangs but I only have about an inch of regrowth. Changing my bangs to side sweepers gives them more of a highlighted look  and makes the streak less noticeable.

Deep Condition At Least Once A Week:

Because of the lack of melanin, gray hair needs more TLC than most to avoid it becoming dry, brittle and/or frizzy. Using a deep conditioner regularly will also help your gray maintain it’s shine and make it easier to style.

Consider Highlights or Lowlights:

I’m quitting color cold turkey but if growing out your gray is going to leave you with a stripe around your head you may want to consider highlights or lowlights to blend the gray and make the grow out look more natural. Talk to your colorist, they will know just what you need to do to rock your gray with style.

Choose The Right Products:

I have a love/hate relationship with my gray, I’m only 30 so I hate that I have so much of it but I have to admit, it’s turning a really awesome silver color. In the right light, the silver looks like Christmas tinsel or glitter sparkling throughout my hair and I want to keep it that way. Gray hair can turn a sickly yellow color due to exposure to pollutants and the environment and at the risk of sounding like a little old lady, blue or purple shaded shampoos will cancel out the yellow. Phyto Phytargent Shampoo for gray or white hair is a popular one.

Take Care Of Your Skin:

I actually didn’t see this one coming. I usually take pretty good care of my skin but since my hair is starting to make me look older I’ve become determined to keep my face hydrated and in the best shape possible. Since my face is looking good, I don’t seem to mind the gray as much.

(Image via jewelryguideonline