Anti-aging for your hair
Can gray hair wrinkle? No, but it can weather, crinkle, and dry out. That’s why haircare products are becoming a lot like skincare. Tell us what you use when your gray feels “old.”
Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/06 at 03:36 PM
The first thing I noticed (and my hairdresser did, too) was that the gray hair was a different texture. I have thick, heavy, almost straight hair. The gray hair was silkier and wavier. We’re not talking curls, just a noticable wave - and not uniformly over my head.
I did not change my routine. I still used a color-treated shampoo and conditioner. And, I used a teeny bit of product before blow drying on the theory that I was protecting my hair from further damage. I have no idea if this is true or not.
Posted by peony on 01/03 at 02:32 PM
Hi Peony—Welcome to the Café! You’re right—gray hair does have a different texture. Take a look at the Gray Today section, where you’ll find FAQs. Questions 2 & 3 talk to this point. It’s funny, some women say their gray hair gets coarser, others, like yourself and Chris (blogging in under Best & Worst of Gray), have noticed a softness and a silkiness. The point is, a gray hair does have a different composition, both internally and at the cuticle. You’re very wise to use a product (I assume you mean a thermal-protective product?) before you blow dry. The overlapping cuticle scales can “weather” and rise, letting moisture out. This makes the hair very vulnerable to heat, sun, and chemical treatments. Sure, non-gray hair can dry out, too. It’s just that gray hair is a lot weaker, deep down inside. D.
Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/03 at 02:57 PM
Hi Diana, I have a quick question about summer hair care. Have you heard if the sunshine turns our hair whiter or does it yellow it? I am wondering if I should get in the habit of covering my hair when I am out in the sun this summer.
Posted by elizabeth on 03/27 at 06:04 AM
Ooops, Elizabeth, sorry I didn’t get back to you with a quick answer! But here’s the quickest one—go to the Care & Treatment section, click on Targeted Care, then hit the last bar—Off Color Hair. You’ll find out ALL. Of course, I could be really quick about it and just say YUP, sun turns gray/silver/white hair yellow. But if you want to know why. . . go to the above. It’s really kind of fascinating. 
Posted by Diana Jewell on 03/28 at 03:15 PM
Diana,
Thank you for the tip!! I actually just purchased the “Ojon” products and I can’t wait to get them in the mail! The Care and Treatment section was sooo helpful!! I guess it’s time to be on the look out for some “cool” hats
Posted by elizabeth on 03/28 at 09:21 PM
Diana,
First i want to thank you for writing an awesome book. I was tired of coloring my hair and have decided to go gray. Since i used a semi-color in brown (same as my natural color) i have very little color change. My question is I have a wedding in may and it’s been 4 months since i last colored my hair so the white hairs are right now primarily at the top of my head. What can i do so my hair doesn’t look like i’m growing out the color.
zoe 46 years young
Posted by zoe on 04/01 at 01:49 PM
Hi Zoe—Well, thanks for the nice words about the book! You made my day. Now, you’re not using your semi anymore, are you? Hope not. As you know, they stain the hair. Sounds like you’ve been letting it “be” and now you’ve got those little white “sprouts.” The first thing I’d do is look at our special ColorMark offer. You can select a root hider close to your natural color, and for Members (which you are), it’s free. It’s great for special occasions, and it washes right out. I’d also check out all the good advice in Playing the Waiting Game? right here at the Café. Our Members have some very clever tips. There’s a temporary shampoo-in product, called Roux Fanciful. It’s not just root camouflage, it’s a whole-head deal. But one of our gals actually applies it only to the roots with a cotton swab. I’d select a shade one or two lighter than your normal color, so it won’t affect your natural color, but will blend the bright whites in, so they’re not quite so shocking. If you want to do something more permanent, let me know. Have fun at the wedding! D.
Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/01 at 03:05 PM
I have a very interesting question. If women (non-dyers)look at gray hair as a negative in this dog eat dog world why does it bother them, i mean shouldn’t they be happy if other women go gray and they don’t?. More for them attitude.
Posted by zoe on 04/01 at 07:51 PM
Heheheh. Oh who knows? I’ll tell ya—they won’t think “more for them” if we all continue to prove that gray/white/silver hair is sexy! It really shouldn’t bother anybody, though—any more than it bothers us if women continue to dye or bleach their hair. Hey, whatever floats your boat! 
Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/01 at 08:01 PM
Yahoo!! Sexy,sensual,sassy...yep! I’m all about that! I think what some non-dyers find so threatening is that we OWN our color! We wear it with confidence...a lot of women have a really hard time finding the courage to “go for it”! Some of us are forced into the deal (PPD), had I not had the PPD reaction I know I’d still be attached to the bottle! Confidence can be such a huge intimidator! Silve/gray/salt and pepper...it’s all so STRIKING and beautiful! Love what cha’ got! 
Posted by elizabeth on 04/02 at 05:12 AM
Thanks Elizabeth. I agree that makes alot of sense. I can hardly wait to get more gray.
Posted by zoe on 04/02 at 09:48 AM
Diana-
I looked in your book for this, but still am uncertain. (I tend to go to your book with a question, then end up getting distracted when I find something else of interest. It’s not until later I remember what I was looking for in the first place. I love the book!)
Okay, my question… Is gray hair with NO dye on it more fragile than gray hair WITH dye on it? I keep reading that gray hair is fragile and tends to dry out more easily, yet my gray hairs were already there, but just hiding beneath dye. My main concern is if I will still be able to blow dry and use a flat iron almost daily. (I tend to have frizzy hair.) I haven’t had damage doing this on dyed hair, but will the effects be different on the naked gray hair?
Thanks!!!
Posted by greeneyes on 04/07 at 07:23 AM
Eeek - your “naked” gray hairs stand a better chance of survival. Yes, they are weaker, because they’re missing some vital protein bundles, and they are less able to stand up to chemical treatments (like color). Color can add “body,” meaning it feels a bit thicker, but it’s still the same old weakling deep inside. Worse, when you subject fragile grays to, say, two processes—like coloring and straightening (chemically), the cuticle can become permanently damaged.
Using a flat iron is just heat-straightening, not chemical. But you’ve still got to handle those grays with tender loving care, or you’ll be building-in more frizz than you’re taking out. Use products that are formulated to give it some strength and protect it from heat. Look for protein-based conditioning masks that you can leave in for a few minutes before washing out, or try an occasional serum treatment. Always use a conditioner that has moisture-binding ingredients (like hyaluronic acid), and use a little leave-in conditioner on the ends, especially if you’re going to flat iron. If you’re going to blow-dry your hair, always use the lowest settings. Heat really is the enemy.
The opposite side of this coin is—color-treated hair is fragile, too, and you usually have to follow many of the same precautions. So you’ve got color-treated gray hair! Yup. Baby it. Give it lots of moisture. It’ll be fine.
I love it that you get “lost” in the book—but I’ll point you to two different chapters that will answer your questions in even more depth. Go to “It’s Easy Being Gray,” and “Crazy, Wavy, Hazy Gray.” And, of course, the Product Finder—I’d look under Limp, Fine Hair (even if yours isn’t) and Frizzy, Unruly Hair. Hope this helps, D.
Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/07 at 08:57 AM
Thanks for the reply, Diana. Glad to hear my naked grays are healthier than dyed ones. Somehow, I was confused into thinking dyed hair was healthier.
“Building-in more frizz than you’re taking out.” Hmmmm. Now that you mention it, possibly the coloring and then the styling has actually been causing my hair to frizz more. Funny...now that I think about it, my hair was not frizzy before I started all the coloring, which was a mighty long time ago. What a coincidence! ha ha! I’m hoping to find my gray hair is naturally going to be more manageable than my dyed hair ever was.
I’ll go read those chapters, and also make notes on your advice above, on conditioners, products, etc…
I’m getting more excited as my gray is becoming more noticeable. There is absolutely no temptation to turn back anymore, and what people say and think is no longer a major issue. And anytime the transition feels too slow, I just pick up your book or visit this site and remember I am not alone. Nice feeling. :o)
Thanks again!
Posted by greeneyes on 04/07 at 10:04 AM
Aw, thanks. That makes me feel good. All I can tell you is that when I was a “bleachie” my hair would frizz at the merest hint of moisture in the air. Now that it’s gray, sorry, pewter/ice, it doesn’t. But, of course, I keep feeding it with good moisture products. So you’re on to something—and there’s hope at the end of the transitioning tunnel! I’m so happy that you’ve reached the “no going back” stage! D.
Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/07 at 10:33 AM
Hi Greeneyes,
When I used to get my hair “high lighted” and “low lighted” the stylist always said to me, “it would help with texture” But what I realize now, is that the “texture” was from it being crispy. Now that it is free from chemicals, my hair has never been healthier! When I was in grade school and up the big thing was perms and to top it off, I was a swimmer! The chlorine...perms...and lets not forget “sun in” my hair glowed in the dark 
You’ll love how your hair feels when it is free from the chemical warfare! At night I sometimes put in organic coconut oil or sweet almond oil on the ends...it’s super soft in the morning and washes out with ease.
Have fun
Posted by elizabeth on 04/07 at 11:59 AM
Hey Elizabeth.
How funny! Chemical warfare! :o)
That reminds me of a stylist I know who says she is glad to dye her hair for “damage control.” Damage = control. What abuse we have put our hair through, thinking it was beautiful. :o)
Thanks for the coconut and almond oil ideas. Sounds like they would both smell great, too...are you going to bed feeling hungry? :o) I’ll see if I can find at least one or the other.
I’m still a major fan of your hair and amazed at how healthy it looks. Sometimes longer hair begins to get the dry end look (which yours doesn’t) so you obviously know what you are talking about!
My gray is only about 2 inches, with colored ends yet to be trimmed away. (sigh)
It’s funny how I’ve abused my hair for years, but then when I go natural, I’m a “healthy hair” fanatic. :o)
Thanks for your input!
Posted by greeneyes on 04/07 at 12:22 PM
Boy do I remember those days!!! I wanted it to grow so I could “really see” what it was supposed to look like au natural! I tell ya...it’s a lesson in patience! Not my favorite subject 
I really have had good luck with the coconut oil, just put on a pillowcase that you don’t care about. The other night I washed my hair and then spent about 5-10 minutes massaging it into my scalp and working it down to the ends. I use less on the scalp and more on the hair itself. There really isn’t a smell...you’d think it would smell like tanning oil or a pina colada...no such luck 
This is by far the longest I have ever had my hair my whole life! It’s been fun! I was going to “cut it” when I turned 40...I think I’m going to put that thought on hold a few more years! I do get it trimmed every 10 weeks or so, that seems to help it stay healthy too.
So...have fun! Remember, there are great hair pieces out there to play with if you want a little more sass to your transition time...I loved using them!
Posted by elizabeth on 04/07 at 12:40 PM
Hi Elizabeth,
Browsing through the site on a break at work and saw this post...I was wondering if you thought your hair grew faster because you were pregnant when you started growing it. My hair grew like a weed when I was pregnant (16 years ago...) and that was when I got it to its longest ever state (maybe an inch or two shorter than yours is now). I have given up hopes of ever having it that long again, especially given the big chop coming later today. Not sure I’ll necessarily want it that long again but it’d be nice to have the option.
L.
Posted by newbie2 on 04/18 at 08:13 AM
Hi Lisa,
I’ve been thinking about you these past few days!!! I’m excited to see your “new do”.
Well...that’s a good question about hair growth and pregnancy. I have been on a crazy hormone rollercoaster since the spring of 1991! Pregnant or nursing for almost...well, too long to mention
I used to have a lot of hair loss and breakage while I was coloring and being pregnant/nursing. I think the growth has come more from it being healthy and free from chemical warfare than hormonal for me personally. I could never get my hair past a certain length w/o it “snapping” and “splitting”. I know of friends who’s hair and nails grew like they’d been eating “miracle grow”! I was never one of those lucky ones!
I can’t wait to see your pics! Don’t rule out the “hippy” look! You’re hair might grow like its on steriods now that it’s free from being harrassed 
Posted by elizabeth on 04/18 at 08:35 AM
Hi Elizabeth,
I know all about the hormonal roller coaster...currently on one myself but not for the good reasons…
Glad to hear I may still have a shot at long and lovely hair, but for now, short and chic (hopefully) shall be my look! Hopefully I’ll have a new pic posted next week.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Lisa
Posted by newbie2 on 04/18 at 09:26 AM
Hi Lisa,
Had I not made the “promise” NOT to cut my hair till I was 40, I think I would have kept up the “short and sassy” cut! It was so easy and so much fun! It could look sophisticated, sexy, spunky and wild! I would style it according to what mood I was in.
I know that you are going to have sooo much fun with your “new style”.
But hey...if your hair cries out for the “hippy” look...you’ve got a “gray hippy” friend campin’ out on the wild side, just a waitin’!
Have a great weekend!!
Posted by elizabeth on 04/18 at 05:01 PM
Where would I buy the organic coconut oil or sweet almond oil?
Posted by grayme on 07/22 at 06:35 PM
Hi grayme,
I purchase both at our local Wholefoods store, another place I have gone to get the sweet almond oil is GNC. Any “natural” or “organic” type store will have both.
Happy shopping
Posted by elizabeth on 07/22 at 06:45 PM
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