One widespread misconception in the beauty industry is that you have to grow out your hair as you approach middle age. There are several reasons why this misperception emerged. One of them is that when hair turns gray, it becomes much harder to keep long hair. The natural oils in the hair diminish throughout that process, leaving the strands brittle and drier. However, you can maintain your long hair for decades after it loses its color with a few lifestyle and haircare adjustments. Discover the chicest and most fashionable methods for maintaining the health of long gray hair from dermatologists and hair stylists by reading on.
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5 Tips for Keeping Long Gray Hair Healthy, According to Stylists and Dermatologists
1. Opt for Gray Hair-Specific Shampoo and Conditioner
To maintain healthy gray hair, prioritize sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners enriched with moisturizing ingredients, advises Anju Methil. Look for products specifically formulated for gray hair, which often contain hydrating elements like oils and butters to combat dryness and maintain color vibrancy.
2. Embrace Moisturizing Products
Combat dryness by incorporating deep conditioning masks, leave-in conditioners, and weekly hair masks into your routine, recommends Rebecca Hilton. Ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter can provide added protection and shine, ensuring your gray locks stay nourished and hydrated.
3. Consider Vitamin Supplementation
Support healthy hair growth and maintenance by ensuring your body receives essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and zinc, suggests Anju Methil. These vitamins contribute to scalp health, hair strength, and protection against damage, promoting overall hair health.
4. Protect Against Heat Damage
Limit heat styling to prevent damage to fragile gray hair, advises Anju Methil. High temperatures from styling tools can strip moisture from the hair, leading to breakage and split ends. Opt for air-drying whenever possible, and invest in quality heat protectant sprays to minimize damage when using heated tools.
5. Incorporate Face-Framing Layers
Add shape and dimension to long gray hair with face-framing layers, recommended by Cindy Marcus. These layers draw attention to facial features and prevent hair from looking weighed down, especially for wavy or curly hair. Consider adding long curtain bangs to hide forehead wrinkles while maintaining a chic look.
6. Schedule Regular Trims
Maintain the health and appearance of long gray hair by scheduling regular trims every few months, advises Anju Methil. Trimming split ends prevents further breakage and promotes overall hair health, resulting in shiny, vibrant strands.
