Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps

Table Of Content

• Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline
• Can hair loss in women be prevented?
• Factors affecting female hair loss:
• What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
• Different types of hair loss
• Products & Services
• Addressing shortfalls through diet and supplements: Does it help hair growth?

With some types of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia, the changes to the hair are permanent. While you can take steps to slow this process, the physical changes in your body make it difficult to stop losing hair entirely. As in women, hair loss in men can be a natural result of changes in the body due to aging. Healthcare providers refer to age-related hair loss as "senescent alopecia," which differs from male pattern hair loss.

Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline

According to WebMD, “Typically, each time a normal hair follicle is shed, it is replaced by hair that is equal in size. You should visit your doctor or dermatologist, if you think you may be experiencing this type of hair loss, as they can help determine a treatment regimen. For androgenetic alopecia, your healthcare provider may indicate topical medications to help prevent further hair loss. Rogaine (minoxidil) formulations are effective for female and male pattern hair loss. You apply this solution indefinitely, as results go away if you stop. An excessive amount of hair fallout is known as telogen effluvium.

Can hair loss in women be prevented?

Studies indicate that laser therapy is safe and painless but requires many treatment sessions. To see a bit of hair growth, you may need several treatments a week for many months. This is considered the most effective treatment for people who have a few patches of alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss. In one study of 127 patients with patchy alopecia areata, more than 80% who were treated with these injections had at least half of their hair regrow within 12 weeks. Hair usually starts to regrow within months of finishing chemotherapy or radiation treatments to the head or neck. Dermatologists can offer medication to help hair grow back more quickly.

Factors affecting female hair loss:

If you often wear a hairstyle like braids or a tight bun that puts prolonged strain or stress on the hair follicle, that can cause a type of permanent hair loss called traction alopecia. Regular pulling on your hair via tight ponytails, braids, extensions, or weaves can cause traction alopecia—shedding caused by persistent tension, per the AAD. “The most common treatment for telogen effluvium is removing the trigger if it can be identified—and also time,” Dr. Lo Sicco says. If you experience pattern balding, seeing a healthcare provider for care and diagnosis is essential.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Most start to notice it in their 50s or 60s, but it can happen at any age and for a variety of reasons. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any form of treatment for hair loss. Some types of treatment aren’t safe to use if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or going through menopause. How many of you love a good hot oil treatment for your hair?

Otherwise known as Aldactone, spironolactone works to treat hair loss by acting on hormones. Specifically, it binds to androgen receptors and decreases the body’s processing of testosterone. Alopecia means “hair loss.” There are many different types of alopecia, in addition to androgenetic alopecia. This is a procedure in which your doctor removes hair from a part of your scalp where hair growth is full and implants it into an area where hair is thinning.

Former Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

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This type of hair loss occurs slowly, over the course of several months or years. Although it’s more common in men, hair loss regularly affects women and people of other genders. You may experience any one of several types of hair loss, such as hair thinning, a widening part, or patchy hair loss. Anyone can have androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

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Products & Services

Nutritionists have found the most influential nutrients which can be linked to healthy hair are Vitamin B12, Biotin, Folate, and Riboflavin. Many of these can be found in the food we eat, as well as in well-rounded multi vitamins. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and vitamin D can contribute to hair loss, particularly if you are experiencing an iron deficiency. With this in mind, one expert spoke with Express.co.uk about some of the causes of thinning hair.

Addressing shortfalls through diet and supplements: Does it help hair growth?

Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth. Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, but there are many other potential causes. Another cause of rapid hair loss in women and men is anagen effluvium from chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer or certain medications. The hair loss, which can affect the entire body, starts two to three weeks after therapy.

If you’re currently losing hair, use a gentle baby shampoo to wash your hair. Unless you have extremely oily hair, consider washing your hair only every other day or less. Hair transplant surgery involves moving small plugs of skin, each with a few hairs, to bald parts of your scalp. It can be helpful to keep a hair diary to track any changes you notice or symptoms you experience and to look for patterns. It's most often temporary, but sometimes it can last for months or years. But you may start to notice it as early as your late teens -- and the earlier it starts, the more serious it tends to be.

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you. Monica Christmas, MD, offers comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care from a patient’s initial exam through her childbearing years and menopause. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. If you decide to style your hair with heated tools, only do so when your hair is dry and use the lowest settings possible.

It's also important to address the psychological impact of hair loss. If you've lost your hair, even temporarily, life will be easier if you can accept what's happened and learn to live with your altered appearance. Dozens of over-the-counter supplements and products purport to reverse hair loss, making it tough for patients to know which ones work and which don’t. Generally speaking, the sooner you start treatment, the more options you have and the better your results, dermatologists say. “Give your doctor a full hair history — when the thinning began, where and how extensive the thinning is, and any relevant symptoms,” she says. This article looks at what happens when hair falls out excessively, why this can occur, and where to seek treatment.

Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Table Of Content

• GENETIC HAIR LOSS IN FEMALES:
• Laser therapy
• Risk Factors for Progressive Hair Loss
• The Hair Growth Cycle
• Causes of temporary hair loss
• Steps to Take to Initiate Treatment

However, more serious hair loss can be upsetting for the sufferer and even an indication that something is wrong with your health. Losing a certain amount of hair everyday is considered normal. It is thought we shed around 50 to 100 hairs naturally throughout the day.

GENETIC HAIR LOSS IN FEMALES:

Although reducing your stress levels might seem insurmountable, making sure you’re eating the right things will go a long way to setting a good foundation for optimum hair growth. A healthy balanced diet is also important in stress reduction too as it can support a healthy immune system, repair damaged cells and even reduce elevated cortisol levels. Getting enough protein in your diet is essential as it provides the building blocks for proper hair growth; meat, tofu, eggs, beans, grains, nuts, and fish are all good protein sources.

Laser therapy

Let them know how you feel about it and what kind of support you need. It's not easy, but try to come to terms with your hair loss. One way to do this is to make a list of all your good qualities and focus your energy on celebrating these attributes. Losing your hair as a woman, especially if you're young or at a vulnerable time in your life, can badly affect your confidence. Below are some frequently asked questions about hair loss.

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Risk Factors for Progressive Hair Loss

Women may notice that their part is becoming wider or that their scalp is more visible. Affecting men and women, alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This autoimmune disorder typically causes round, bald patches. In addition, skin disorders, such as psoriasis, can spread to the scalp, affecting hair growth. Menopause, when the menstrual cycle stops, causes changes in estrogen and testosterone—hormones involved in regulating the hair cycle. Typically setting on when women are between 45 and 55, these fluctuations can trigger female pattern hair loss.

Thanfully, most causes of hair loss in women are temporary and reversible. “While not all women experience hair loss during menopause, those who do may find it distressing. This April marks Stress Awareness month in the US, a calendar moment designed to raise awareness of the pervasive and damaging nature of stress. It can help to address the physical aspects of hair loss.

“As soon as you notice hair loss is happening, you should come in,” says Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, South Carolina. Hair loss, or alopecia, affects more than 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women, and the risk increases with age. When these flakes mix with the oil that’s produced by the scalp, they can clog your follicles and impair the hair’s nutrient supply, which ultimately weakens its structure. Telogen effluvium is common, seen more frequently in women, and usually happens two to three months after a triggering event. It typically doesn't last more than six months, but if it does, it's considered chronic.

Chemotherapy, certain other drugs and radiation treatments can prompt hair loss, mainly in the growth phase. It is typically temporary (unless the follicles are damaged). Dramatic changes in the body can cause temporary hair loss. Giving birth, rapid weight loss, surgery and certain illnesses may cause more hair loss than usual, typically in the resting phase. That said, there are a number of possible medications and treatments for hair loss caused by female-pattern baldness and other alopecias. But if your follicles become damaged, the hair loss may be permanent.

Friction-induced folliculitis might require nothing more than laying off the hairstyling practice that triggered it until you’re fully healed. And no matter the underlying cause, “corticosteroids may be recommended to alleviate inflammation in more severe cases,” Dr. Mitchell says. Spironolactone is another blood pressure drug that’s been shown to have anti-androgen effects (which is why it’s commonly prescribed as an off-label treatment for hormonal acne). It prevents androgen receptors from activating, which reduces the influence these hormones can have on your hair follicles.

10 habits for good health

Incorporating gentle, hydrating products into your hair care routine can also help strengthen your strands and improve texture. In addition, too much vitamin A and certain medications can also cause telogen effluvium. Of the latter are beta-blockers (e.g., Inderal), retinoids, anticoagulants (Warfarin and others), and Carbatrol (carbamazepine). But consult your doctor before you start to worry; thinning hair is often reversible, Dr. Simpson says. Advanced treatments are available for more serious hair loss. Hormonal imbalances before, during and after menopause can lead to more permanent hair loss, Dr. Simpson says.

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For example, a woman may have had a baby a few months ago, and this may be causing obvious hair shedding. She may also have early hereditary loss, which isn’t so obvious. Once your dermatologist has this information, it’s often possible to tell you what’s causing your hair loss.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), TE isn’t actually defined as “hair loss,” but rather as excessive hair shedding. While many women may experience increased hair loss when going through menopause, experts say this may be more an effect of aging than the actual menopausal process. For many of the reasons above, as women get older, they experience changes in their hair follicles around the ages of 50 to 60. This could be due to hormone changes, stress, diet or other health conditions. After pregnancy, however, some women will notice a much more sudden shedding. This is due to a rapid change in hormones, pushing more of the hair than usual into the telogen (shedding) phase2.

You can look into disguising and covering up your hair loss with things like wigs, hair extensions, scarves and make-up. Persevere until you find a product and style that suits you. Discuss your hair loss with your friends, family and loved ones, preferably early on.

Most people can regrow their hair after stopping treatment. Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hairs becoming progressively less dense. Many women first experience hair thinning and hair loss where they part their hair and on the top-central portion of the head. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medication (the type you apply to your scalp) approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss.

Once your dermatologist finds the cause(s), your dermatologist will tell you whether treatment is recommended. Sometimes, your hair will regrow on its own, making treatment unnecessary. Poisons that can cause hair loss include arsenic, thallium, mercury, and lithium. If you ingest a large amount of warfarin, which is found in rat poisons, it can also cause hair loss. Taking large amounts of vitamin A or selenium is also toxic and can cause hair loss.

12 Best Gray Hair Dyes of 2023 At-Home Gray Hair Dye

Table Of Content

• Foxy shades
• Bluish gray and blonde
• Best Gray Hair Color Ideas to Make You Feel Like a Natural Woman
• Pearly White
• Hints of Blonde

To maintain a healthy scalp and hair, gray hair should not be colored more than every four weeks. Dyeing too often can cause your hair to become brittle, dull, and damage your hairline. Ash gray is a wonderful hair color for girls who are tired of regular blond. It looks quite natural and doesn’t cause a grandma appearance. Ash brown and silver create a soft gray color which doesn’t have a grandma effect. Gray hair can look soft, appealing, extravagant, and respectable.

Foxy shades

The mix of pavement gray, black and white makes a stunning impression that you will appreciate. Pavement gray shade is close to silver and looks really smooth. It looks well on any hair length and will suit girls with dark or olive skin tones.

Bluish gray and blonde

Of course, we also want to see how long each dye lasts, so we put them through 20 wash and dry cycles and 10 hours of UVA light exposure. When choosing a color, go a shade lighter than your natural color. Remember, you don't want a new color, you just want to get rid of the gray you have and look totally natural. You should simply tone down the gray, not totally obliterate it. Choosing a color one shade lighter will help achieve this goal.

Best Gray Hair Color Ideas to Make You Feel Like a Natural Woman

To put it bluntly, British jockey Victoria Pendleton's super straight bob looks fantastic! Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers subdued solid gray shade is proof of that. Singer Anne-Marie's sleek silver lob makes quite the statement. Contrasting dark roots add to the appeal of this edgy look.

Pearly White

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This hairstyle can be achieved if you use gray hair color as part of a black and gray ombre. This is a great idea for women of all ages since the roots are black and the gray is obviously not a sign of aging. The bright color looks gorgeous, especially on a textured bob like this one. Here are the tips you need to know about the stages of transitioning to gray hair both in the salon and naturally, including the best products, pictures of the process and gorgeous gray hairstyles.

"There are a few things that make a good home hair dye," says Zeitoun. Yes, it can be hard to maintain if you do not have natural grays or naturally blonde hair. Gray hair color lasts as long as any other permanent color. Permanent color lasts 6-8 weeks without a touch-up.The timeline is likely true for gray hair color, but it can vary based on your washing and styling habits. Avoid washing your hair with scalding hot water because it causes the color to fade quicker. If you are going gray naturally and want to cover it with color, be prepared to have to go lighter than you think or add silver tones to complement the natural gray.

Moroccanoil Platinum Color-Depositing Mask

To get the look, chat with your colorist about how to blend a gorgeous violet hue with either your natural gray or color-treated gray hair. Get the look at home by weaving the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Cool Amethyst throughout your gray hair. Leake says the most sustainable way to cover gray hair long term is to consider a blending plan.

It used to be achieved by mixing raven back and bleached white hair color. You can add some uniqueness to the picture by making a few gray highlights. The burnished steel gray hair color mixed with soft ash gray are a wonderful choice for an ombre. Make the top as dark as possible in order not to go through the frequent touch-up hassle. When you grow out your gray hair gracefully, you can sport this stunning salt and pepper hair. After all, wearing your gray hair color with pride is the ultimate power move for women over 50’s.

It lasts the longest but instead of washing out, gray roots will start to show. And you cannot change the color or bail out of the whole business without letting it all grow out. Just because you’re on the offramp of the Hair Dye Highway, you can still give your locks some well-deserved care at your favorite salon.

Whether you're looking for quick touch-ups between trips to the salon or prefer coloring your hair at home, she has kindly provided product recommendations to give salon-hair-flipping results. If you have textured hair with different curl patterns that might be resistant to color, Dark and Lovely has something for you. A trusted choice for women of color, this permanent non-drip hair color provides 100% gray coverage.

It works for all hair textures — from coily and curly to wavy and straight. You can use this floral-scented shampoo and matching conditioner up to twice a week, according to the brand. Herbatint Gel Color is not tested on animals and is suitable for vegans, and even the packaging is made of totally recyclable uncoated paper. In order to reduce plastic waste, the box doesn’t include disposable cups, brushes, or capes. When you’re in need of a quick fix, reach for the KISS Root Touch Up 2-in-1 Cover & Conceal Kit, equipped with both a touch-up wand and stick for fast application that gets you out the door looking fabulous. For additional protection, use a barrier like Vaseline on the skin to avoid staining, and use towels or clothing you're comfortable getting dirty and/or ruined, he adds.

On a medium or shoulder-length hairstyle, in addition to a heavy side part, ask your stylist for white hair. If you are already considering more than three colors for highlighting, add gray into the picture. Young girls can take full advantage of such highlights without being afraid to look older.

"If you're going for complete coverage, I recommend a simple root touch-up every four weeks," says Leake. "On the other hand, if you have more of a blended look with your grays existing among your highlights, then you'll likely be able to stretch the time between appointments." If your hair is naturally black, add white or grey as an almost all over hair color. Your black will still peek through and on a long straight grey hairstyle with bangs, you’ll love the new style.

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Emma is a New York-based writer focused on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion. When she’s not scribbling novel ideas (pun intended), she’s off performing on Broadway and recording movie scores as a Juilliard-trained violinist. Her bylines have appeared in Rolling Stone, Parents, InStyle, Oprah Daily, and well, you get the idea.

“You should always visit with your favorite colorist to talk it through,” says Baadsgaard. If after discussing with a professional, you decide you're ready to take the plunge, it's time to pick a hair dye option. Below, we've compiled the best permanent, semi-permanent and temporary at-home gray and silver hair dyes based on GH Lab testing and online favorites with rave reviews. Before you shop, make sure you know the basics of dyeing hair at home and consider keeping a bottle of purple shampoo on hand to take care of your newly gray hair.

When we think of gray hair, we often fail to recognize that there are many different shades. According to Leake, toner isn't one size fits all, but when used properly, it can help add dimension. For example, a light pale gray has a limited capacity to reflect light, so it can appear duller and more muted. "A [silver] toner in this scenario would provide a more silver tone with the illusion of many dimensions and a soft finish," he says. It's tough to predict how your hair will take to the formula, and thus, results can vary.

Silver Hair Trend: 51 Cool Grey Hair Colors to Try in 2022

Table Of Content

• Natural Gray on Brunette Hair
• Gray and White Hair Color Ideas in Half-Up Style
• White Gray
• When to see a professional colorist, and when to DIY
• Herringbone Highlights
• How to Find Infallible Foundation Shades That Match Your Skin Tone

On this page, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best men’s hair dyes. Some of what you’ll learn may strike you as common sense. More and more, men are using hair dyes and other coloring products to help them achieve a more youthful look. This is particularly true for guys who are on the job-hunt or trying to advance their careers. I’m here to bust the stigma and empower guys to boost their confidence by embracing the best hair dyes for men’s gray hair. But these dyes had to jump through a lot of hoops to earn a spot on my list.

Natural Gray on Brunette Hair

If you’re looking for a gray hair dye without harsh chemicals that can harm your strands, reach for Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel. With 41 color options to choose from and a gentle, ammonia-free formulation, this box hair dye is everything you need to keep your hair looking naturally beautiful. Lady Gaga's white-gray hair with retro waves evokes old Hollywood glamour. If your skin's undertones fall under the olive, yellow, or orange category, consider opting for more neutral gray hair colors rather than white or silver tones.

Gray and White Hair Color Ideas in Half-Up Style

This gloss has more than 1,500 reviews and, although it comes in many shades, the deep brown ones will really make your darker hair pop and give it some added luster. The formula is infused with babassu oil to give your mane some added softness, and your gorgeous head of hair will look like straight-up glass after using this top-rated gloss. Do you want to send gray hairs to the sin bin permanently? Then, you need a permanent dye that will completely cover grays for at least several weeks. My permanent go-tos for a lasting look are Just For Men Easy Comb-In Color and L’oreal One-Twist Hair Color. American Crew Daily Silver Shampoo minimizes brassy tones and leaves silver hair looking shiny, bright, and healthy.

White Gray

Use the darkest shade of gray coupled with any dark color and your overall appearance will be amazing and impressive. This is a smart way to go for girls who have graying hair. You can cover the gray up by creating differently colored highlights, where one of the colors is silver. Give it a try and you’ll be surprised at how amazing it looks. Ash brown and silver create a soft gray color which doesn’t have a grandma effect. Adding a little purple into your gray locks will make them look special and take the age out.

If your silver strands are coming in coarse, apply a softening balm like this one before blow drying. While the old rule of thumb used to be that women over a certain age should cut their hair short, that so-called rule is actually completely arbitrary. There's absolutely no reason for you to chop off your hair as you're going gray—unless you prefer short hair. "Often, gray patches are most prominent on your hair line and where you part, so moving your part is an easy way to disguise your patch," says celebrity hairstylist Adam Campbell. Glenn Close's sleek, layered bob has a side part that brings it body and bounce. The silvery-blonde hue of her 'do pairs beautifully with her glittering earrings and frosted-pink lip.

When to see a professional colorist, and when to DIY

No hair dye is needed, just a ton of toner and bleach, and a skilled hand, to achieve this bright shade of platinum silver, and to blend it into the roots seamlessly. Hand painting techniques make a great way of interjecting some color into silver hair. In this grey balayage hairstyle, the blue nearly blends in because its undertone is similar to the silver’s. Casually side-swept bangs lend a casually fashionable twist to any long bob, and make silver hair colors seem a little less wild.

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The subtle tint will make medium brown, bronze, and caramel hair really stand out. Coat this cream on your post-shampoo wet hair, have it sit for five minutes, and let the magic happen. When you rinse it out, your hair will have an extra boost of UV protection, moisture, and satisfying softness thanks to hydrating guava butter. Be sure to test a small patch of hair with any dyes before proceeding with large or full coverage. It contains lead acetate, which gets darker when it is exposed to the air.

Youthful Bob

This silver hair is so bright it’s nearly white, which makes it look extra angelic and silvery when styled into feathery waves in this long bob. If you want to go for a pixie haircut, you can try some pastel peekaboos as well. This lovely lady, for example, went for lavender as her color of choice. The two shades create a wonderful mixture of natural and whimsical.

How to Find Infallible Foundation Shades That Match Your Skin Tone

Actress Zosia Mamet's grayish-brown hair is balanced out with a bouncy cut to keep her look young and fresh. Take a cue from author Margaret Atwood and embrace your grays and your curls. A look like this will really make you feel like a natural woman.

It comes in eight natural-looking shades (ranging from jet black to dark blonde) that are suitable for all hair types and textures, making it a top pick for all guys. There's never been a better time to make the transition naturally and oh-so-stylishly to gray hair, and these gray hair color ideas prove it. With hair color trends now fully embracing cool ash gray and platinum silver strands, covering those gray roots is no longer mandatory. It's all about wearing it with confidence and investing in a spankin' new hair routine. Check out our three ultimate tricks to going gray gracefully, and it'll save you half the hassle.

Tie it with a black and white long scarf for a touch of elegance. Minimal makeup is a must as is very simple and demure jewelry. Everything that this gorgeous lady has to offer simply screams grunge and punk rock.

Combining a very dark shade of brunette with striking gray ombres might just be the best thing you decide to do in winter. However, make sure to go for the tye dye version, so that you don’t end up looking like Cruella DeVil. If you feel you can’t commit to a full gray mane or that it is too much of a change all of a sudden, you can always try the dark gray hair ombre style. Use your curling iron to highlight the gray and make it stand out. However, if you still want a few silver stands, no one can stop you.

It looks especially appealing on long and wavy tresses with a touch of purple. These extracts also enhance the vibrance of the color, preserve color intensity and help provide long-lasting coverage for gray hair. Sharon Stone's grown-in grays are subtle yet effective in naturally highlighting her complexion. Dirty blonde hair is the perfect base color for transitioning to gray, as it doesn't create a stark contrast in color.

The other benefit is that they can add color without using ammonia, and they’re typically demi-permanent. This means they’ll last longer than semi-permanent colors, but they’re also not fully permanent if you don’t want to commit to anything too drastic. To cover your roots and hide away grays, we've consulted master colorist Madison Garrett from Spoke & Weal to guide us on our journey. "Choose the lighter shade if you're between two colors because a lighter band is much easier to fix in the hair than a darker one," Madison explains. This bright silvery white take on gray hair colors is on the edgy side thanks to pin straight styling, and dark roots that add a sense of mystery. It’s a pearlescent shade of gray and a seamless blend of platinum blonde and gray laced with shining and shimmering silver tones.

If you want to take the age out of the silver hair, you can add some white hues to your locks. The mix of pavement gray, black and white makes a stunning impression that you will appreciate. If you have the right hair length and hair type, you can take advantage of the full-blown gray hair color regardless of your age. Make sure your locks are thick, long, and in the best case wavy. Instead, add more highlights, but make sure they are as cool as possible to mimic white hair, says celebrity colorist Matt Rez. "Gray is an illusion, so a good colorist can create that with high and low lights."