How to Make Your Gray Hair Look and Feel Fantastic

You’ve won the silver medal. Here’s an expert’s guide to help you keep it shiny, well-kept, and regal. Gray hair is just something that most of us have to deal with at some point in our lives. According to a 2018 paper by the International Journal of Trichology, 50% of the population will have about 50% gray hair by the age of 50. This is known as the 50-50-50 rule (for very obvious reasons).
Historically, the idea of going gray has always touched a nerve for older guys. But thanks to very cool dudes like Patrick Dempsey and Pierce Brosnan, we’ve slowly come to realize that it can (and does) look great.
So we know all the reasons why you go gray. But if you’re ready to find out how to take care of it and what products to use, London barber TJ Hunt of Time Shoreditch for has advice.
How do you take care of gray hair?
1) Rethink your style
You might notice that the color isn’t the only thing that’s changing up top. Sometimes, gray hair can have a different texture to your previous follicles thanks to a lack of pigment (also known as melanin).
“It could be that your trademark style may be less suited to your new frostier thatch, and a fresh look that’s more flattering and practical could be in order,” says Hunt. “Don’t panic though, often a restyle can be invigorating and revitalizing. Plus, you don’t see George Clooney trying to mask those silvery strands, do you?”
2) Pick the right shampoo
So, now that you’ve fully embraced the new, grayer you, it’s time to invest in one of the best men’s shampoos. If you’ve ever bleached your hair, then you’ll know how thirsty and brittle it feels when the follicles are stripped of color. Well, it’s the same story when it comes to grays.
“For that reason, it’s best to use a shampoo where the main aim is to add moisture and strength,” says Hunt. “Check out ones that contain argan oil and red algae to boost hydration. You should also look into silver and purple shampoos. These were the new kids on the block a few years back, and they claimed that they could enhance blondes and grays by removing dull undertones. Well, it turns out that they actually do work.”
3) Get the best products
Now that you’ve chosen a shampoo that actually works for you, it’s time to give your styling products a bit of a refresh. Products that are too thick or contain too much oil can make your gray hair look dull, dingy, or brassy (or all three).
“You need a great hair cream that you can use everyday without feeling like there’s a block of cement on top of your head,” says Hunt. “I’d also recommend totally ditching the pomades and gels and opting for something lighter, more natural, but still hydrating. It can take a bit of trial and error, but I’ve listed some of my favorites down below.”
4) Turn down the heat
Blow drying your hair can give a decent amount of volume and movement that can be hard to achieve with just air drying alone. That’s why hair dryers are on the go non-stop in barbershops. However, constant heat styling can make it turn dry and brittle, which is an issue for most hair types, but particularly gray hair.
“Try to find a style that works without having to reach for any tools,” says Hunt. “Sometimes adding products when the hair is still slightly damp can work well. However, if you really can’t live without your hair dryer, then make sure that you always apply a protective product on it first. This is essential to keep your bonce bouncy.”
5) Protect your lid
It might seem counterproductive that we’re asking you to cover up your silver, but it’s worth remembering that, not only do the sun’s UV rays affect your skin, it can also do some proper damage to your hair too.
“It can severely dry and damage anyone’s hair follicles, causing frizzing and breakage,” says Hunt. “But as mentioned before, gray hair is drier and more porous to begin with, so the sun can only exacerbate the problem. The solution could be something as simple as popping on a baseball cap before you leave the house, or sitting in the shade.”
What should you use to care for gray hair?
“If you have coarse hair then you need to make sure that you are using a decent conditioner to really get some moisture in there and to help it feel smoother.” says Hunt. “The Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Rinse will help the light bounce off of the hair and will give it a really good sheen.”
“The Hydrating Shampoo by Moroccanoil contains argan oil and red algae to boost hydration.” says Hunt. “It’s gentle enough to use on the daily, and it has no nasty parabens or sulfates. Oh, and it also smells banging to boot.”
“There’s no need to use this all the time, but if your gray locks start to look a bit meh, then reach for something like Sachajuan’s excellent Silver Shampoo every couple of weeks.” says Hunt. “Oh, and don’t freak out on the first use. It’s meant to look like radioactive, melted Parma Violets.”
What should you use to style gray hair?
“So nice they’re recommended twice.” says Hunt. “If you just have to style your hair with a hair dryer, be sure apply a protective product first such as Heated Defense from Kevin Murphy. It’s a lightweight foam that creates a barrier to protect hair up to 232°c. So hot.”
“Le Labo’s Styling Concrete is a solid alternative to traditional gels.” says Hunt. “The name would lead you to believe that it’ll leave your gray hair rock solid, but it actually results in a lovely natural, matte finish. Le Labo also sell fragrances, so it shouldn’t be that surprising that this smells damn good too.”
“The All Soft Argan-6 Oil from Redken is a great product for those with mid to long length gray hair.” says Hunt. “Not only is it almost weightless, it also manages to fight dry, brittle, and frizzy strands, and it leaves your lid with a nice, silky finish.”
This story originally appeared in British GQ.