PRO TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR GRAY HAIR
Not long ago, a queen in the Naturalicious Nation Facebook group asked a question about taking care of gray hair.
The answer to this question would be helpful to a lot of Claymates, so I thought I’d share it here.
I call Claymates with gray hair “Silver Stunners.” Because listen sweetie, you can rock the gray and absolutely SLAY. Yes, those gray hairs are a reminder that we’re getting older – and no one likes that – but you can still be just as beautiful and confident as ever. For example, check out Tina (who sent this pic in the middle of a recent Repair Your Hair Challenge).
But for many ladies, gray hair comes with some additional challenges. Your curl pattern may change… the strands can get thinner, straighter and drier… and sometimes it just doesn’t want to act right. You may have to change up your normal routine to keep your hair healthy, well-behaved and gorgeous. That’s what we want to talk about today.
Before we get into that, though, it’s helpful to understand…
What’s Going On When Your Hair Starts Going Gray
Did you know that your hair gets its color from melanin? Yes, the same stuff that makes your skin beautiful.
Hair follicles have cells called melanocytes that make melanin and infuse it into your hair. Your unique type of melanin determines the color, shape and strength of your hair.
As we get older, those cells begin to die. That’s when individual strands of hair begin losing color, curl pattern, etc. Sometimes the lack of melanin can even cause strands of hair to develop a hollow core, which can make it even more unruly at times.
Melanin is also a powerful sunscreen. So as hair becomes gray or white, it’s much more vulnerable to UV damage from the sun. This can lead to split ends, frizziness, yellowing and more.
In other words, when you begin graduating to Silver Stunner level, there are some extra steps you need to take to make sure your crown is in good shape.
So, What Do You Do?
Here are 3 tips for keeping your hair healthy, well-behaved and gorgeous when those “wisdom highlights” start coming in.
1. Moisture is EVERYTHING
As a general rule, gray hair needs more moisture than melanated hair. Natural oils and deep conditioning routines can help keep your curls soft, bouncy, and healthy.
2. Fight build-up with the right shampoo
It’s a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep minerals and toxins from building up on your hair and scalp. Those minerals can make gray or white hair turn yellow or other undesirable shades.
3. Carry some extra (heat & UV) protection
Without the protection of melanin, it may be a good idea to minimize its exposure to high temperatures – including straightening your hair – and long stretches in the sun. You can wear a cute hat or scarf if you’re going to be outside all day.
Of course, the right hair products can help with that, too.
For our Silver Stunners, we highly recommend the Hello Gorgeous Hair Care System.
The system includes:
Step 1: Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment, which has all the oils your hair and scalp needs to stay healthy. Rhassoul clay works to remove toxins and bacteria while clarifying hair and scalp. The aloe, cocoa seed oil and grapeseed oils work to quench and nourish your hair.
Step 2: Moisture Infusion Moisture Styling Creme, which lets you moisturize, style & protect from heat all at once. It helps stop split ends, shedding, brittleness & heat damage in their tracks. With sunflower oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, Step 2 protects your grays naturally and keeps them healthier, longer.
Step 3: Divine Shine Moisture Lock & Frizz Fighter, a super light hot oil treatment made from Spanish almond oil to strengthen your hair, extra virgin olive oil for lasting shine, and safflower oil that coats the hair to fight frizz. It’s so good, most ladies only have to use it once a month!
With a little extra care – and the right routine to support it – gray hair can be healthy and beautiful. You can be as fierce as ever… maybe fiercer than ever!
Naturalicious has you covered every step of the way.