GRAYING GRACEFULLY

By Lauren Mosley

Have you been wanting to break the cycle of never-ending color sessions? Are you tired of grabbing a box from the local drugstore hoping it matches the last shade of “honey blonde” applied while contorting in the bathroom mirror to make sure you didn’t miss a spot? You can’t stop Mother Nature and the gray hair is inevitable, but look at the bright side, you have earned every sparkling silver streak. Depending on how you want to embrace your naturally gray beauty, here are a few tips to help manage those grays.

TIP 1

It is important to do your homework. Look for a reputable salon that has stylists who specialize in color removal and who take the time to consult with you about your hair goals. They should also be able to show you before and after photos of their previous guests they have completed the process on and give you options on how you can go gray. There are many ways to help with the transition of graying hair including adding highlights or lowlights, dying your hair, a new shorter hairstyle, or the easiest one letting your color grow out. Think about what’s best for your lifestyle and how you want to handle those grays.

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Be patient as there is no one-size-fits-all while graying gracefully. Expect several sessions as they may be needed to remove the previous color and add back the natural dimension to give your hair the most natural look. These sessions may be timeconsuming depending on the amount of hair you have and how much your starting color varies from your natural color. The stylist may even ask you to let your hair grow out before you start your journey to better identify your natural hair’s color patterns.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALON BLONDE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALON BLONDE

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Expect an expense. Hair color specialists likely will charge an hourly rate when it comes to corrective color. A stylist who has experience in color removal and correction typically charges around $100 per hour and may take between 6-10 hours over several sessions to get your color exactly where it should be for you to be free from coloring. Your stylist should also recommend conditioning treatments as well as take-home products for you to preserve, soften, and protect your hair while transitioning. Gray hair tends to have a different texture, so be prepared to modify your haircare habits.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALON BLONDE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALON BLONDE

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Embrace the gray hair and rock your new look! Consider a fun new haircut to complete your look. It will also shorten the transition time with fewer locks to change. Lighter hair tones can soften any fine lines on the face and make skin appear brighter and smoother. You may also want to have a new color match for your makeup as cooler tones can require a new shade of blush or lipstick to keep you looking warm and youthful. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to your wardrobe too.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALON BLONDE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALON BLONDE

Every experience is different and we all gray at some point. Whether you want to cover up the grays or accept them, find what works best for you. Work with your hairstylist to come up with a plan and be confident with your newfound silver foxiness.

LAUREN MOSLEY is a Level 5 Stylist at Salon Blonde South. Salon Blonde has locations in Spring Hill and Columbia. Follow them on social media at @salonblondesouth and @salonblondetn.