How to take care of gray hair, for men
Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue Alvarez M.D.
Aging is a natural, unstoppable process, and part of it includes the appearance of gray hair. Nowadays, it is no longer a source of shame; many people are proud to have it, and they are looking to show it off. How can you take care of your gray hair? Well, after my in-depth investigation, here’s how:
First, to take good care of gray hair, you must neutralize any yellow color by using sunscreen when the hair exposed to the sun and applying shampoos containing violet pigments to the hair. Secondly, moisturize your gray hair with masks or oils at least once a week to keep it in good condition.
These are just a couple basic tips. Throughout this article, I will reveal the secrets of caring for gray hair and maintaining its color.
Why does a man's hair turn gray?
Gray hair or “white hair” is hair that has lost its pigment. This discoloration is due to the decrease in melanin (the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, iris of the eye, and body hair)
Types of gray hair
We can differentiate the types of graying with the following details:
Physiological graying
This type of gray hair is associated with natural aging processes. It tends to start at the temples and the back of the head until it covers nearly all one’s hair.
Premature graying
Premature graying usually appears in Caucasians before 20 years of age, and in African peoples before 30 years. It rarely occurs during childhood.
Poliosis
What is poliosis? While it is considered a type of premature graying, some specialists attribute it to hereditary factors. Poliosis usually depigments the hair that is located in the eyebrows and eyelashes.
Annular graying
It is located seemingly randomly all over the scalp. The gray usually appears in groups or tufts.
Why does a man's hair turn gray?
Many factors produce gray hair.
Aging
The passage of time causes cellular degradation. This is a natural bodily process, and we must always keep that in mind. This process can be slowed down by maintaining healthy habits.
The appearance of gray hair also differs depending on ethnic factors:
- Caucasians usually get grey hair earlier, around the age of 30.
- Asian men begin to get gray hairs at 40 years of age.
- Africans start to see grays after age 40.
Heredity
Genetics provides one’s physical traits and their changes. It is possible to predict when we will begin to have gray hair by noticing its appearance in our parents.
Stress
Can stress cause gray hair? The answer is yes. Personal or work problems, general tensions and worries place on our body continuous pressure that affects its metabolism.
As a consequence, this stress causes several hormonal changes that reduce the production of melanin and trigger the appearance of it.
Diet
A poor diet can counteract melanin production. Instead, maintain proper nutrition by consuming foods rich in antioxidants (iron, zinc, copper), and Vitamins B1 and B2.
Diseases
Vitiligo, Waardenburg Syndrome, hypothyroidism, and pernicious anemia related to Vitamin B12 deficiency may all cause gray hair.
Various causes
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, contraindications of some medicines, inadequate hygiene, washing your hair with hot water, and continuous use of permanent dyes can all damage your hair.
How can I make my gray hair look good?
Treat yellow reflexes
One battle that men with gray hair must fight is against unsightly yellow reflexes. To get rid of them, apply a neutralizing shampoo every two weeks to eliminate these reflexes.
Keep in mind that this shampoo does not truly remove them, but rather it helps you create a visual effect like they are gone. Another thing to consider is to avoid using the neutralizer too often, and to avoid excessive exposure time—this can turn the hair blue.
When the first grey hairs appear, you tend to get a different look. Therefore, apply the necessary care to the hair when the gray initially arrives.
Use specific products for gray hair
Applying special products for gray hair is the best way to keep it beautiful and healthy. There are many products for men to take care of their gray hair, including shampoos and deep moisturizing conditioners.
However, avoid products containing red, yellow, and orange pigments. Generally, gray hair treatments have violet or blue shades to counteract the yellow tints of the gray hair.
Give it shine
Gray hair looks better when it is shiny. To highlight it, use specific treatments like a serum, which gives the hair a metallic tone. You can also use styling products that provide a shiny finish.
Hydrate it
Gray hair is hair that has lost its pigmentation. For this reason, apply blisters or masks to make it look and feel silky. I recommend that you use them weekly if your hair is naturally gray.
If your hair is bleached, I suggested you apply it every time you wash your hair.
Opt for argon or coconut oil to moisturize, and these also serve as a balm for the beard and mustache.
You can also apply violet conditioners to help keep your gray hair white. With this care, your hair will stay in good condition.
Wash your hair with two types of shampoo
First, to take care of natural gray hair, use a neutral or volume shampoo. Apply a nourishing and moisturizing shampoo if the hair is bleached.
Secondly, use a shampoo with a purple color to beautify it, and leave it in for a few minutes. It contains a bluish tone that neutralizes the yellow color that appears in gray or bleached hair.
Use sunscreen
The impact of the sun on the gray hair makes the hair take a yellowish color. During sun exposure, use a hair protection product that contains UV filters. Then, wash your hair with an after-sun shampoo and apply a moisturizing mask that regenerates shine.
Use hair toner
These products apply coloring with a violet tone directly on the gray hair, without ammonia or oxidants.
Avoid shampoos or treatments containing red, orange, or yellow pigments to prevent gray hair from absorbing these tones.
Keep the hairdryer’s heat away from your hair
Do not subject your hair to direct heat sources. Instead, dry your hair with a hairdryer on the cool setting, use a towel, or let it air dry.
Use a hair loss treatment
Due to the depigmentation, your hair will be much more sensitive, and you will notice that you are losing more hair. So, apply hair loss treatment, making circular massages on the scalp.
Watch out for swimming pools
Protect your gray hair from direct and prolonged contact with pool water, since it can give the hair a greenish tone.
Use active ingredients
Choose formulas for gray hair that contain active ingredients, like honey, and a high concentration of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and Vitamin E. These active ingredients have an antioxidant effect on the hair.
Cut your hair
To even out the gray shades and achieve a more natural tone, let the hair grow naturally and then cut it short.
Take care of your nutrition
Nutrition is fundamental to maintaining healthy hair. That's why you should consume enough vitamins and proteins; especially Vitamin A and B, which are essential for healthy and strong hair.
Use anti-aging treatments
These treatments are great for graying hair, and protect it from external damage. You can use a spray to make application easier.
You may be interested in "How can I add volume to my hair? What you don't know."
Graying shades to maintain color
Gray hair tends to oxidize due to sun exposure, or nicotine consumption from cigarettes. To avoid this, use shampoos to keep your silver hair very beautiful.
Generally, shampoos can be applied every day to the hair if the shampoo range is low; the direct pigments from the shampoo will disappear from the hair after washing.
Other shampoos effectively tint the hair and are to be used every three days, depending on the brand and specific type of shampoo you choose.
How to correctly shampoo my gray hair
Shampoos are specially formulated to restore natural hair color, protect it, and keep it clean. They are not designed to cover gray hair or give it another color. The way to use them correctly is to:
- Wet your hair with enough warm water.
- Place the necessary amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand and apply it to all the hair, massaging the scalp.
- Let it work for a few minutes and, if necessary, apply it again.
- Rinse thouroughly with water to remove all the product.
For best results, I recommend you to use the gray hair shampoo regularly.
Home remedies for gray hair
To make it look beautiful and shiny, you can use the natural remedies below:
Avocado oil
The active ingredients in avocado oil benefit the scalp, cleanse the hair deeply, prevent impurities and oils from accumulating in the hair follicles, and thus prevent hair damage. Please start applying this oil in your hair care routine.
Aloe Vera
It has a high water content that hydrates and rejuvenates the hair.
- To use it, extract the pulp of the aloe plant.
- Then, place it in the blender until a homogeneous paste is produced.
- Apply it to the hair and let it work for 20 minutes.
- Remove completely with water.
Yogurt
Yogurt is used as a natural, chemical-free hair conditioner, thanks to its Vitamins B6 and B12, minerals, and lactic acid. These components are fundamental to healthy hair and nourish the hair follicles.
Almond oil
Almond oil helps nourish and protect the hair's liquid layer. It has a softening and regenerating effect, and it also contains a sebum regulating impact that can be used on greasy hair.
Hops
This contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that give the hair strength and softness. Its antioxidants rejuvenate the scalp, so that white hair will be brighter and more robust. I recommend you to use the essential oil, a product or extract of hops.
Chamomile
It is an ideal oil to tone up white hair, and it provides a light golden shade to gray hair. It can be used as an infusion, and is applied to the hair after washing it. Or, you can mix the chamomile oil with your shampoo.
Macadamia oil
Ideal for dry hair, especially if you have grays. This oil is used in masks, conditioners and other products to provide superb nutrition and hydration to the hair.
Masks
To hydrate gray hair, liquefy the pulp of an avocado; or use argon, olive or coconut oil. Then, apply to freshly washed hair after a shampoo.
If your hair is greasy, apply half the mask to hair’s ends and leave it on for half an hour. Then, rinse, apply a small amount of conditioner to seal the cuticle, and rinse again.
Vinegar baths to add shine to gray hair
Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 liter of water. Apply it to the hair after washing with shampoo and conditioner, then rinse.
Wheat flour
An ancient remedy to keep gray hair white is to sprinkle the hair with wheat flour.
Massage the flour in, and let it work for a few minutes. Then, gently brush the hair to remove the remains of flour and wash it the next morning. This process should be done twice a week.
Beer
You can use a beer to give your gray hair a natural glow:
- First, expose the beer to the sun for at least one hour. This is done to remove the bubbles.
- After this happens, apply the beer to freshly washed hair.
- Let it work for 20 minutes, and then remove it with cold water. Finally, apply conditioner.
Lemon juice
It will help to give the hair shine and elasticity. Mix the juice of one lemon with one cup of water. Next, apply it to the hair after a wash and let it work for 15 minutes. Then, rinse it out with cold water. Repeat this procedure at least twice a week.
Mayonnaise
It is a natural conditioner that gives an excellent shine to the hair. Apply the mayonnaise to the hair, wear a scarf for 15 minutes, and rinse with abundant water.
Fruits
Fruits such as mangos and bananas contain properties that act as a natural hair softener, providing shine and strength to the hair.
To take advantage of their properties, liquefy either of the two fruits by adding a bit of almond and a spoonful of honey. Apply the blend to wet hair and let it act for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly.
Conclusion
Caring for and protecting gray hair is possible, thanks to the tips that have been outlined throughout this text. By using them, your hair will look healthy, shiny, and make you proud.