There is something undeniably attractive about the distinguished look of a man with silvery locks. Whereas grey hair was once linked to growing old, it’s now a sign of sophistication, maturity and confidence.
A survey of British men found that 75% of men aged between 45-54 are worrying about turning grey. In fact, men in this age group are more likely to report being worried about grey hair than actually losing it (52%).
The process of going grey starts when the hair follicles stop producing melanin, but before you change your lifestyle and diet, take note that it’s actually down to your DNA as opposed to anything else. For some people it may occur rapidly, while in others it occurs slowly over several decades. Read more on is it okay to go grey?…
5 reasons why grey haired men are hot
Before we go on to tell you how to take care of your greying hair, we want to make you feel good about the silver look first. Here are 5 reasons as to why going grey isn’t so bad…
1. Grey can look better than your former hair colour
Think Phillip Schofield or George Clooney, who remembers them before the days that they were grey? We don’t! They both look better than ever with grey hair.
2. It looks unique and edgy on a younger man
Grey hair isn’t limited to the older man and there are few things sexier than a younger man embracing his greying hair. George Lamb started going grey in his mid 20s and he most certainly pulls it off.
3. Grey hair is fashionable
Michael Justin and Laurence Nicotras are just a couple of grey-haired models that feature in high-profile fashion shoots. Successful, gorgeous and grey hair, what’s not to love?
SEE ALSO: Your grooming guide to becoming superman: THE HAIR
4. It shows that men have accepted the ageing process gracefully
Take it like a man and embrace it! There is no need to reach for the Just For Men anymore. The natural look is best.
5. The hot ‘salt and pepper’ phase can be the best part
Embrace the few silver strands with confidence. Think Will Smith and Ben Affleck who have both let their grey hair strands shine through the past couple of years, and they look better for it!
What to avoid when going grey
Pulling out grey hair
If you pull a grey hair out, two grow back in its place. Although it’s never a good idea to pull your hair out by the roots, as this can lead to permanently damaging the hair follicle.
Stress
Some may say this is a myth, but there is actually some truth in it. Stress uses up vitamin B, and some studies have shown that certain B vitamins taken in large doses have begun to reverse the process of greying within three months. It’s important to note that the hairs will revert back to white if you stop taking vitamin B though.
How to look after grey hair
Get a regular haircut
Get a modern cut with clean edges. Ask your barber not to use a razor, because it can cause the ends to fray, making your whole style appear untidy. Whatever style of cut you choose, be sure that you get a trim every 6-8 weeks.
Grey hair can start to look unruly if it’s not trimmed frequently enough.
Deep condition your hair
Grey hair is usually a lot drier than pigmented hairs, so they have a tendency to frizz and can easily look dull if you are not vigilant in looking after your hair.
RECOMMENDED: Intensive Repair Conditioner
Natural remedies to treat greying hair
Natural is always best where possible, especially when it comes to looking after your hair. To keep your hair in top tip condition, try one of these simple, homemade recipes.
If you want to reverse the greying process, these natural ingredients are here to help.
Coconut oil and Lemon Juice
Coconut oil works wonders for your hair. Not only does it intensively moisturise your hair, but also stimulates hair growth, fights infections, and ads luster to your hair. When used for a prolonged time, it can help to reverse grey hair as it is packed full of antioxidants.
Directions:
• Mix 3 teaspoons of lemon juice in some coconut oil (enough for the length of your hair)
• Apply it to your hair and massage it into your scalp
• Leave in for at least an hour before shampooing your hair
• Repeat this treatment on a weekly basis
Black Tea
Black tea helps to darken your hair, as well as softening and adding shine.
Directions:
• Boil two teaspoons of black tea in a cup of water
• Add a teaspoon of salt
• Allow it to cool
• Rinse your hair with this a few times
• The last time, let it sit for 15-20 minutes
• Wash your hair with cold water but do not use shampoo
• Repeat this process once or twice a week to start to see results
Rosemary and Sage
Both of these herbs help to cover the grey by darkening your hair colour naturally.
Directions:
• Boil one-half cup each of dried rosemary and sage in two cups of water
• Let it sit for a couple of hours
• Strain the solution
• Use it as a hair rinse after shampooing
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out
• Repeat this treatment on a weekly basis
