Going Gray Gracefully…or not

Age happens. And hair turns gray.

You have 100,000 tiny hair follicles in your scalp, each with a little pot of melanin at its base to provide color. Your genes determine when and in what pattern those follicles will quit producing color. Don’t bother trying to pull new gray hairs in the hopes dark ones will replace them. When the melanin ship sails, it sails for good; the replacement hairs will be gray.

By the time we’re 50, about half of us will be 50% gray (i.e. 50,000 of our hair follicles have run out of melanin). This is the level of gray at which we start to look gray to the rest of the world.

What to do now?

You can pretend it’s not happening and color or highlight your hair. Or you can go with the flow and embrace your new look. About 20% of Caucasian women were once naturally blonde, but miraculously 50% of Caucasian women are blonde after 40. All it takes to be an older blonde is an expensive monthly visit to the hairdresser and a lot of chemicals.

If instead you decide to let your hair be gray, you’ll save money and time, but you’ll also need to give more thought and attention to the rest of your look. See your hairdresser for a more flattering haircut, and if it’s short, get it cut every 4-5 weeks. Notice how much more authentic and confident this woman looks in her new gray look:

Older skin also loses its youthful glow and gains blotches and splotches, so skillful application of makeup (in softer colors) is essential. A great haircut and outfit that mirrors her hair color makes a huge difference.

And finally, the colors in your wardrobe need to be refreshed. The bright colors you could rock as a younger person may be too harsh. However, you may be able to pull off the grays and silvers as never before.

Help is on the way! Call me for a color consultation. A custom palette of colors that enhance your natural skin tones, hair and eye color is an investment in looking great for the long term. We cover makeup, body type and seasonal style too.

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