We all know what it feels like to find that first gray hair. At first, you think it must just be a trick of the light. Then, you pluck it and hope that it doesn’t come back—but it does. They always do. Once you find your first gray hair, it seems like only a matter of time before the rest of your mane begins to turn on you.
If you’re not ready to embrace your gray strands just yet, we’ve got you covered. George Papanikolas, Matrix brand ambassador and celebrity stylist, is ready to share his best tips about how to cover gray hair.
Color your gray hair.
If you’re looking to get rid of your grays for good (at least for the next few weeks), Papanikolas recommends a permanent color hair service. Permanent dye is formulated with tiny molecules that can penetrate the hair cuticle and enter the hair cortex. Once the molecules are inside the hair cortex, the bleach and ammonia lift the hair’s natural color, allowing the dye to give your strands a new hue.
Your stylist will help you come up with the perfect hair care schedule to maintain your chosen hair color. However, Papanikolas advises that every client to head back to the salon for a touch-up every four to six weeks to keep your hair looking in tip-top shape—no matter what color you decide on.
Conceal your gray hair.
You try your very best to keep up with the hair care schedule suggested by your stylist, but time inevitably gets the best of you every once in a while. Before you know it, it’s been months since your last salon appointment and your gray roots are looking a little worse for the wear. Then, your salon delivers the crushing news that your stylist is completely booked up and won’t be able to see you weeks!
While it sounds tempting to pick up a DIY color kit from the drug store, you know better than to risk ruining your precious strands. However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. While we don’t advise you color your gray hair at home, you can absolutely conceal it! L’Oréal Professionnel’s Hair Touch Up Root Concealer temporarily covers grays in between salon visits. The easy-to-use spray comes in seven shades that blend with your hair color.
Cover your gray hair.
If you don’t have time to head to the salon for a color service or pick up a root concealer, your next best bet is to cover your gray hair—literally. There are several hair accessories that not only look insanely stylish, but also cover your gray hair without fuss.
If your hair is gray all over, a large hat or intricately tied hair scarf will cover your whole head and can even completely cover long locks. If you’re just trying to cover your grown out roots before you head back to the salon for a touch-up, a perfectly placed headband will elevate your style and cover any demarcation lines.
Now, you’re all set to head into the world—grays not invited.
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