Let's Talk About Silver Hair Care

Silver (gray) hair happens, so whether you’ve fully embraced your silver crown or are only seeing a few specks of glitter, Donna has some amazing tips and tricks to help you along the way!

How do grays happen?

Let’s get to the root of it (no pun intended). The same element in your skin that gives its pigment (melanin) is also present in your hair. Throughout our lifespan, our bodies eventually stop producing the melanin in our hair and gray hair eventually grows instead. For some, this process begins around the age of 35. As this stage in life begins, the colored strands of hair don’t actually fade to gray. Rather, grays grow after old, colored hair sheds and falls away. That’s why some people begin with a sparkle here or there, with gray slowly replacing their original natural color over time.

So when does gray happen?

There’s definitely a rumor going around that plucking one gray hair will make 3 more grow in its place. We’re here to tell you that this is just a myth.

For most people, the rate at which gray hair grows is very much determined by genetics. Just looking at your parents and grandparents' gray hair growth will be the best way to learn about your future gray hair process.

It’s important to note that gray hair is assumed to be an indicator of stress. However, stress does not directly cause hair to turn gray, but it can cause hair to shed much faster than normal. If you have gray hair already started to show, high stress levels can possibly cause more strands to shed, therefore leaving room for new gray hairs to eventually come in.

Also, certain medical conditions can connect to gray hair including vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, and alopecia. Gray hairs from these conditions are not as common but it does happen, particularly to people who start to see gray hairs at a younger age. Don’t be alarmed! For the majority of people, genetics is the biggest indicator of when and how fast your silver strands will introduce themselves to the world.

How to Transition to Gray Hair

For some, going gray is just a part of the aging process. For others however, they still want to hang on their natural hair color as long as possible. Either way, do whatever makes you happy and comfortable!

The Perks of Going Silver 

Let’s be honest, silver gray hair is beautiful. Period! The beauty and entertainment industry have taught us that gray hairs should be covered, but why? Silver hair is 100% natural and beautiful!

Check out our Donna’s Cousins rocking their silver crowns!

On the plus side, embracing your silver strands is easier (and cheaper) than trying to keep up with dying your hair consistently. Just think about it, all that time spent between salon appointments and at home touch-ups can be mentally and financially exhausting, so why not embrace your inner silver crown and take the leap of faith?

If you’re ready to take that leap, here are a tips and tricks to ease the transition:

A Fresh Cut

A TWA, bob or  pixie cut can help reduce the competing color contrast between your gray and natural hair strands. You can go shorter than your than your normal look or try something completely different. 

If you want to keep your length, then start slow and gradually trim your ends over time.

A Splash of Color

Adding highlights and lowlights can help to smoothly blend in any incoming grays. If you decide to go this route, it’s highly recommended to see a stylist or color specialist beforehand. This will help you choose the best shades that blend and match your new incoming gray strands.

Caring for Silver Hair

As we get older, we produce less oil on our skin and hair. Although it may look and feel like gray hair is dry and coarse, they are just simply less lubricated than before. So whether you decide to cover them or embrace them, silver stands will be thirsty for moisture!

First things first, SHAMPOO!

Product buildup and environmental factors can discolor and dull gray hair, so it’s important to wash your hair. Try using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to help remove any build-up that way your silver stands will glow without stripping any oils and nutrients. 

You Silver Crown + Conditioner = Best Friends

Guess what? Water and conditioner will be your gray’s best friends! Literally. Using a good, hydrating conditioner will give thirsty grays the hydration they need. Also, bring in a deep conditioner every now and then to your routine for extra moisture.

New Textures! Yes!

Don’t be alarmed when your grays come in and they look and feel different than before.That’s completely okay! It’s normal for grays to grow in with a completely different hair texture. This happens because the slowed oil and less melanin production affects the chemical structure of your hair. As your silver strands grow in, whether you decide to fully embrace them or color them, you may need to switch up your styling routine by using styling products that provide more moisture. You can also use Donna’s Strength Hair Oil to provide that extra nourishment for your scalp.

How do I Fix Discolored Gray Strands?

A good clarifying shampoo can remove product build-up on your scalp, but it can also help prevent hair discoloration. Even an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse every now and then will remove any brassiness or yellow discoloration in gray hair. 

Embrace your Silver Crown!

Going gray is an inevitable part of life. While we encourage you to embrace your silver crown, it's understandable that some are just not ready or want to, and guess what? THAT’S OKAY!

If you think about it, gray hair is a part of your healthy hair journey, and learning to care for them is simply the next chapter. Exploring new and exciting ways to learn how to love and care for your new shade can be a freeing experience. When you’re ready to, embrace the silver strands and show the world what you’re made of!