Can You Slow Down Grey Hair? 3 Experts Share Their Advice On Embracing Silver Tresses
Bazaar asks a dermatologist, trichologist and hairstylist some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to gracefully going grey…
Let’s face it: some of us are much better at embracing going grey than others. And while noticing more (and more, and more) silver strands in your hair is a completely natural part of aging, there’s a large percentage of people who would rather not see their tresses change colour as they get older. And can you really slow down grey hairs from growing in?
While it isn’t looking likely there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to hiding grey hairs or, if you prefer to embrace them, ways of caring for your silver tresses.
Bazaar spoke to three different experts in order to get you the best advice on how to navigate going grey, each of these experts shared their input on some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic…
- Dr. Shadan Naji; dermatologist and skin specialist with more than 15 years of experience in her field. Currently at Dr. Kayle Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai, UAE.
- Mike Ryan (also known as the Dubai Hair Doctor); clinical trichologist with more than 20 years of experience in his field, and the only qualified trichologist in the MENA region, currently practicing at Bloom Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai, UAE.
- Karl Warner; award-winning hairstylist and artistic director at Pastels Salon Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai UAE.
See four of the most commonly asked questions below when it comes to going grey, and how to best care for your hair regardless of its colour.
What causes the growth of grey hairs?
When a strand turns grey it means the hair stops producing melanin, which is the pigment that gives our hair its colour, explains hairstylist Karl Warner. And why exactly does this happen? While aging is often the key factor, premature genetic greying also plays a role. This means if you have a family member who started going grey at a young age, you have a higher chance of spotting your first silver strand sooner rather than later in life.
“If you think you are going grey early-on (before the age of 25) and there is no family history of premature greying, it’s worth having a simple blood test to make sure that your vitamin and mineral levels are at an optimal level for good melanocyte (colour) production,” says Mike Ryan.
Damaging your hair follicle can also play a role in affecting the pigmentation of your hair.
“There are few things that can trigger the onset of greying hair and make it happen more quickly,” notes Dr. Shadan. “One example of this can be if you damage the hair follicle to the point where it cannot maintain optimum health. This can happen if you apply harsh chemicals such as bleach…”
Can you slow down grey hair from growing in? Is it possible to stop is entirely?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. “The point at which one starts to go grey is dependent on each person’s individual genetics and cannot be slowed down in any way,” says Dr. Shadan.
While there isn’t much one can you to stop, slow down or prevent grey hair, there are a number of products on the market that can help you care for your silver hair.
“Grey hair tends to be on the drier side and it can be very wiry, so using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner is key for hydration,” recommends Karl. “However, all hydrating products are not the same. Avoid dimethicone; a type of silicone that’s commonly used in all types of hair products. Consider switching to a silver shampoo such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Silver Shampoo which can neutralise any yellow tones in grey hair. It’s an industry favorite.”
What’s the best way to hide grey hairs?
Colouring one’s hair is one of the most common ways to hide silver strands and there are a variety of options to choose from.
According to Dubai Hair Doctor Mike Ryan natural dyes, such as Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), false daisy (Eclipta alba), lotus tree (Zizyphus spina-christi) and Henna (Lawsonia alba), are becoming more popular, offering a hypoallergenic and nontoxic option.
Hair stylist Karl recommends choosing an ammonia-free permanent colour such as INOA by L’Oreal, as it is oil-based and will minimise drying of the hair. If you’re going for the full grey look and considering dyeing your hair with grey shades, he recommends also opting for a gloss treatment.
“It will tone down any unwanted brassiness and ensure you have the most flattering colour to suit your skin,” he says.
What’s the best way to embrace going grey without the help of hair dye?
“If you do choose to go grey, then ensure you still invest in caring for your hair, especially to prevent it having a wiry and brassy appearance,” recommends Karl.
He suggests using regular treatments to hydrate the hair (“I love Kerastase Fusio Dose – it’s a customised mix of super concentrated, blended active ingredients for personalised care designed to instantly and lastingly transform your hair”), as well as a professional-grade moisturising shampoo, conditioner, and serum. “Also, invest in vitamins and supplements to keep hair healthy as it grows,” he notes.
Dr. Shadan also shed light on the importance of supplements to keep your hair follicles, scalp, and hair itself at optimum health, “having good vitamins and minerals in your diet ensures a better environment for hair growth. These can include Zinc, Biotin, Iron and Vitamins E and B12.”
In addition to prioritising supplements and quality hair products, Dubai Hair Doctor Mike Ryan suggests eating a balanced diet full of protein and complex carbs as another key method to ensure healthy hair growth.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that grey hair is a completely natural part of life; but whether you choose to colour your tresse or embrace the silver, proper hair care is paramount.
For more information and to seek more advice directly from the experts themselves, visit drkayleclinic.com, dubaihairdoctor.com or pastels-salon.com.
Lead image courtesy of Jason Lloyd-Evans (Moschino Autumn/Winter 2020)