If this is the year you’ve decided to embrace your greys, know that a little planning will go a long way. “A lot of people find growing out their grey [hair] very overwhelming,” says Nicole Pidherny, a hairstylist who owns Pomme Salon in Kelowna, B.C., and co-runs the Toronto location. “My number one tip is to book a consultation with your stylist and talk about your long-term goals, expectations and budget,” she says. “There are so many different approaches, and there’s a path for everybody.”
You can naturally go grey, or go with a colourist who can help you make the transition by blending natural grey with highlights or low lights to create dimension. Similar to any other hair colour, a variation of tones will add depth and vitality to the appearance of your strands that can enhance hair through a transition period or become part of a maintenance plan. Using demi-permanent dye (which fades through washing over time) to create a blended effect can also eliminate harsh root regrowth.
Whatever route you take, whether with a pro or at home, Pidherny recommends a healthy hair-care routine to maximize shine. “You want to avoid grey hair that looks dull,” she says, calling a lack of radiance the top complaint that can lead to people not feeling their best or like their former selves.
Proper scalp care is the first step to combatting dullness and dryness. “A change in hair texture is a common challenge, greys are often wiry and coarse,” says Pidherny. “If the scalp and the hair follicle are moisturized and healthy, then the hair is going to be softer and easier to manage.”
Try a hydrating scalp serum three times a week after cleansing with a moisturizing shampoo. “Niacinamide is a really good ingredient because it will strengthen the microbiome on the scalp as well as nourish the bulb of the hair,” says Pidherny. Use a scalp massager or your fingers to really massage the serum through. “You want to stimulate the skin and get the blood flowing.”
The pro also looks for formulas that contain hyaluronic acid, a hero ingredient in skin care that helps retain moisture and is increasingly found in hair care. She predicts peptides will gain popularity in the next year or two. “Peptides are definitely the new thing we’re seeing in a lot of products that really repair the hair from the inside out.”
Incorporating a weekly rinse-out treatment, like a hair mask or liquid gloss, will provide a boost of conditioning and radiance. However, applying a leave-in cream or hair oil regularly will help lead to the shiniest strands. “Every single day, you want to be adding some sort of nourishment into your hair,” says Pidherny, who is a fan of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil. “If you focus more on keeping grey hair really hydrated, then you’re also going to see less yellowing.”
Six buys to try
Key steps in a routine designed to keep grey hair soft and shiny.
A blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf juice and Tsubaki seed oil, made to hydrate and soothe your roots. Apply to freshly shampooed hair up to three times a week. Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum, $78.50, buy at crownaffair.com
Gently cleanses a dry scalp and hair with amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants that deeply moisturize and control frizz. Garnier Whole Blends Honey Water Moisturizing Shampoo, $7.29, buy at Shoppers Drug Mart
Used in place of conditioner to help treat dryness, split ends and breakage, this strengthening cream can be used differently depending on hair type. Leave it on if you have thick hair, or rinse it out if you have a finer texture. Fenty Hair by Rihanna The Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment, $49, buy at Sephora
A lightweight and long-lasting finishing styler, this easy-to-use spray formula adds radiance to every strand. TRESemmé Lamellar Gloss Shine Spray, $7, buy at Walmart
For daily use on dry or towel-dried hair, a protective cream with glycine (an amino acid) leaves grey hair smoother, softer and stronger. L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox High Protection Cream, $45.50, buy at Chatters
A mix of humectants and polymers are designed to deliver glossy shine fast in this lightweight in-shower weekly treatment suitable for all hair types and textures. Leave it on for up to 60 seconds before rinsing. Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment, $80, buy at ca.oribe.com
