Grey hair can look very elegant and charming with a touch of sophistication. Naturally some will look better with it than others. While most men don’t regard the graying of hair as serious as balding, to others it is a cause for concern as to what procedure to take, should they hide it, work with it somewhere in between or accept the colour, maybe even enhancing it.
Attitudes towards grey hair for both men and women have changed and you can be your own dictator of fashion as to what works best for you and the look you are trying to achieve for your wedding and beyond.
UNDERSTANDING GREY HAIR
Grey hair occurs when the strand naturally stops producing melanin which is responsible for the pigment which forms its colour. Grey hair does not necessarily come with age; several factors also have an input including diet and hereditary factors. Look at your parents; the chances are that if either one of them went grey early so will you. A diet poor in trace elements like copper or vitamin B12 for instance, can result in a deficiency, which may cause the hair to grey prematurely. Thyroid imbalance has also been inked to contributing to grey hair. While there is no scientific evidence of a magic cure, herb or supplement to reverse the process, you can make a decision and handle your grey hair satisfactorily to suit your personal needs.
WORKING WITH GREY HAIR
CONDITION
Regardless of whatever you decide to do with your grey hair; condition is of the utmost importance. Your grey hair will still need to be taken care of and cleansed and nourished appropriately. Grey hair is coarser than before so will benefit from the softening treatment that a conditioner can give. Products with sunscreen are important to maintain it from becoming brittle and dry.
Combined with a great cut, you have a look which will take you through your wedding and any activity with style
EMBRACING THE GREY
A glorious silver mane is beautiful to see and can actually be an asset to your appearance. It looks sophisticated and charming and is your hair in its natural unprocessed state. Enhance the colour with silver enriching shampoos. It is very important to keep the brassiness or yellow tinge out of grey hair for that crisp, sharp, silvery look which can be obtained by using a simple shampoo or a non-chemical rinse. Many Hollywood stars of today have embraced this look and for some it has even added to their allure, enhancing their career.
CONSIDERING COLOUR
If you decide on colouring, adding tones to grey hair enhances life and shine into it, especially if it is a conditioning colour. It is recommended that these services best be carried out by a professional to reduce the risk of undesirable results.
TOTAL HAIR COVERAGE
If you are going to completely cover the grey you have to decide which product would work best for you. A semi-permanent contains no harsh chemicals and is the easiest to use as there is no re-growth problem or commitment, lasting for 6-10 shampoos. Demi-permanent lasts for around 18 to 20 shampoos. Permanent is also available, which has to grow out and requires touch ups, but is more effective at totally covering the grey. Aim to colour your hair two shades lighter than your original colour as it will not be so noticeable when it grows out. On men who are ageing, go lighter; do not try to recapture the colour of youth as it can make you look washed out.
BLENDING
Some men opt to blend the grey with colour for a sophisticated look which relegates the grey to specific areas, like the sides or a single dashing temple streak. While there are products available over the counter to achieve this look, a stylist will best be able to advise you as to the strategic positioning of colour, making sure that the application is even and achieves the desired results.
STREAKING, FROSTING etc.
Highlights, lowlights, frosting etc is an effective method which can use portions of colour to blend in the greys for an overall look. Highlights are strategically placed lighter strands than your natural shade, which gives hair a bit of a boost. Lowlights are similar, but a tone or two darker than your natural colour. The back can be a little tricky if trying to do it yourself. This is a good technique to use if you want a gentler transition into the grey or want a more textured finish, without the solidity of an overall colour.
LENGTH CONSIDERATIONS
Take into account the length of your hair. If your hair is very thin and grey there is probably a lot of scalp showing, due to the lack of colour not creating the density you require. It would be far better to wear a flattering shorter style which is textured with plenty of layers.
Long hair which is grey looks better on some people than others. If this is your case, evaluate how dull your hair looks and if you need an enhancing boost and how thick it is, which will determine if it can hold the long look with style.
Work with your grey hair to create exciting expressions which are made even more special by the silver look. Short hair with a longer crown which can be combed back looks especially sophisticated and texturised cuts work well with graying tones to provide movement to a style, especially in thick and or curly hair.
If you have grey hair, it is a very sophisticated look which enhances
any form of wedding style ...
Work with it to your best personal advantage.
