Gray Curly Hair: The Ultimate Care Guide
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Embracing your gray curly hair can be both exciting and stylish. As your locks transform into that stunning silver hue, it’s essential to understand that gray hair has different needs compared to your previously pigmented tresses. By learning how to properly care for and style your gray curly hair, you’ll be rocking some show-stopping looks in no time.
Gray hair is known to be more prone to dryness, which makes proper moisturization vital. Luckily, you can keep your curls looking their best by using nourishing hair care products that cater specifically to curly hair. With the right products and styling techniques, your gray curls will maintain their bounce, shine, and overall health.
🤗 Thanks to Lisa Fennessy of The New Knew and Joli Campbell of QuickSilverHair for contributing to this post. These women both rock their gorgeous gray hair and help others do the same.
Understanding Gray and Curly Hair
Melanin and Aging Process
As you age, your hair gradually loses its pigment called melanin, resulting in gray or white hair. The process is natural and occurs due to a decrease in melanin production within the hair follicles. Embracing this change can be a beautiful journey, as gray curly hair can make a unique and stylish statement.
Premature Graying
While graying is often associated with aging, sometimes it can happen prematurely. This could be due to genetics, lifestyle factors like stress and diet, or even certain medical conditions. Understanding the cause of premature graying can help you better care for your hair and manage its texture.
Texture of Curly Hair
Gray hair might appear curlier than your younger hair, as the absence of melanin can affect its structure. This change in texture can be embraced by learning how to care for your gray curly hair. Remember to:
- Use moisturizing products to combat dryness
- Regularly trim your hair to get rid of split ends
- Experiment with different styles to find the perfect look for you
When you look after your gray curly hair, it will reward you with a beautiful and unique appearance.
Caring for Gray Curly Hair
Hydration and Moisturizing
Proper hydration and moisturizing are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your gray curly hair. Gray hair can be dry and delicate, so keeping it moisturized is crucial. Make sure to use nourishing shampoos and conditioners designed for curly hair. Opt for sulfate-free products, as they are less harsh on your hair. Additionally, consider incorporating a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to lock in moisture and add extra shine.
Lisa Fennessy, CEO & founder of The New Knew, recommends shampooing less often, regularly deep conditioning, and using a heat protectant.
Shampooing daily cleanses off the protective layer of sebum that covers the hair, causing the shaft to dry out. Try shampooing your hair less and use a moisturizing shampoo that will clean hair but won’t strip it. I like doubling down and using a moisturizing purple shampoo which also helps cancel out any brassiness at the same time.
Use a hair mask weekly to deep condition hair. Choosing a protein-based treatment (soy, rice, quinoa, or other plant-derived proteins) can help improve strength, shape, volume, color, smoothness, gloss, and moisture.
Use a hair protectant after every wash. Hair exposed to sunlight is more brittle, stiffer and drier and has a reduced water-absorption capacity. And light colored hair (including gray hair) is more susceptible to this.
Lisa Fennessy – The New Knew
Styling Gray Curly Hair
I polled my readers in 2022 about their grey curly hair and 62% said they have some trouble with styling their grays.
When it comes to styling your gray curly hair, it’s essential to work with the changes in texture that can accompany gray hair. Use products like curl-defining creams, gels, or mousses specifically designed for curly hair to enhance your natural curls and maintain the desired style. Don’t forget to be gentle when detangling – use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid causing breakage or damage.
To protect your hair from heat damage, always use a heat protectant spray before applying heat styling tools, such as curling irons or flat irons. Additionally, try to limit the use of heat tools and embrace your natural texture as much as possible.
Maintaining the Natural Color
If you’re embracing your natural gray color, it’s crucial to maintain its vibrancy and prevent yellowing. To keep your gray hair looking its best, use a purple shampoo once or twice a week. This will help neutralize any yellow or brassy tones that may develop over time.
Additionally, consider protecting your hair from environmental factors that can contribute to discoloration, like pollution and sunlight. Wear a hat when spending extended periods outdoors, and try using hair products that contain UV filters to minimize sun damage.
Joli Campbell of QuickSilverHair adds:
The best simple advice I can give for silver hair: always use products that are clear, white, or slightly off-white, and steer clear of products with most any other color to them; this includes green tints from olive oil or avocado oil, which are now in abundance in the curly world.
I always say use heat and UV protection, and use your heat tools on the lowest possible setting. Try to avoid issues before they start because once your hair starts yellowing it can be very difficult to stop it and reverse it.
Joli Campbell – QuickSilverHair
Best Products for Gray Curly Hair
Shampoos and Conditioners
Gray curly hair requires special attention and care, with its unique structure and potential dryness. It is important to use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for gray and curly hair. Look for products that are sulfate-free and deeply moisturizing.
Joli’s go-to products include the SEEN fragrance free shampoo, SEEN fragrance free deeper conditioner, and By The Way Fragrance Free Purple Conditioner.
Here are Lisa’s top product recommendations, which you’ll love if you’re looking for organic products:
👉My top purple shampoo pick for this is BRUNS N°24 SILVERSCHAMPO. This is a very gentle shampoo that is a good fit for gray hair that is on the dryer side and needs more moisture.
👉If you have thicker or more oily gray hair, OWAY Silver Steel Hair Bath will be a better fit for you.
P.S. I’ve tried pretty much every natural purple shampoo on the market. Come see my before and after pics here.
👉I love OM’s Coconut + Pracaxi Deep Conditioning Hair Mask which will have you at hello with it’s coconutty-dreams-really-do-come-true scent. But it’s also a beast at moisturizing and leaving hair feeling super soft and conditioned without feeling weighed down.
👉For a purple hair mask I like the OWAY HMELT MASK in Mysterious Purple which is specifically designed to nourish, strengthen and protect gray hair. Leave this one on a little longer to drive pigment.
Lisa Fennessy – The New Knew
Other products I recommend for gray curly hair include:
Use code HE15 to save at kerotin.com
Use code HE15 to save at kerotin.com
Styling Products
To keep your gray curls looking fresh and defined, it’s essential to choose the right styling products. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or alcohol, which can cause your curls to lose their shape and become frizzy. Instead, opt for curl-enhancing creams, gels, or mousses that contain nourishing ingredients.
I like to keep it simple. My waves get very easily weighed down and my style only lasts a day. I only wash every other day or sometimes I can stretch it one more day depending on what I started with.
I typically only use shampoo, conditioner, a leave-in of some sort, and gel. If I need it I will seal my dry hair with an oil. So most days I only use 3-4 products.
By The Way Life Changing Leave-in, is a great leave-in for straight to curly silvers, really helps fight frizz. Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner with UV and heat protection is another good option.
Loma Firm Hold Gel is the ONLY gel that I have ever found to do the job on my finicky silver waves.
I diffuse with the Laifen Swift Hair Dryer. I love the oscillating temperature setting that autocycles through cool, medium, and hot, that way my hair never gets too hot.
I seal my hair once it is 100% dry with Loma Nourishing Oil. I don’t do this every washday but it really helps with shine and holding the style just a wee bit longer.
Joli Campbell – QuickSilverHair
This is the best serum for smoothing, controlling frizz, and adding shine and definition. It makes a great finishing product for all hair types but helps with humid and dry conditions, and has heat protection. It's pricey but there really is nothing else like this.
Use code HE to save on your first order with EVOLVh.
Lock in moisture and softness with this lightweight leave-in.
I love this ligthweight mousse for defintion, volume, and hold.
Use code holisticenchilada15 to save from TreLuxe's website.
Use code HOLISTICENCHILADA10 to save at LUSbrands.com
Heat Protectants
Gray hair is often more susceptible to damage from heat styling tools, so it’s crucial to protect it from potential harm. Whenever you use a hairdryer, flat iron, or curling wand, be sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand. These products usually come in a spray or serum form that can be easily applied to your hair before styling. Using a heat protectant will not only shield your gray curls from high temperatures but also help prevent breakage and frizz.
👉I adore EVOLVh’s SuperFinish Polishing Balm which defrizzes, adds moisture, softness, shine, strength, prevents breakage, splitting AND provides UV and heat protection.
Lisa Fennessy – The New Knew
Other options include:
Hairstyles for Gray Curly Hair
Embracing your gray curly hair can be both stylish and liberating. There are plenty of options for you to choose from, whether you prefer short, long, or medium-length hairstyles.
Short Grey Curly Hairstyles
The Pixie Cut: If you’re ready for a bold change, consider a pixie cut for your gray curly hair. This style is perfect for a low-maintenance, yet chic look. It’s also a versatile option, as you can play around with different lengths and textures.
The Short Bob: A short bob is a fantastic option for showcasing your gray curls. This timeless style frames your face and gives your hair more volume. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and works well with various face shapes.
- Layered Swing Bob: For those wanting a more dynamic, edgy look, try a layered swing bob. This style adds depth and movement to your curls, making them stand out even more.
Long Grey Curly Hairstyles
Grey Balayage: If you have long curly hair and want to add a touch of elegance, go for a grey balayage. This coloring technique creates a stunning effect by blending your natural gray color with varying shades of grey, resulting in a fairytale-like appearance.
Long Layered Shag: A long layered shag is perfect if you want to keep the length of your hair but still achieve a more structured shape. This style provides volume and dimension to your gray curls while maintaining a free-flowing look.
Hairstyles for Curly Grey Hair Over 50
For women over 60, embracing your naturally gray hair doesn’t have to look outdated. Here are a couple of stylish options:
- The Short Lob: The short lob is a modern take on the traditional bob, combining elegance with a sleek, edgy feel. By keeping the hair slightly longer in the front, the short lob adds face-framing, cascading layers which enhance your gray curls.
- Layered Shag: A layered shag is an excellent option for curly gray-haired women looking for a more youthful and playful style. The layers add definition while giving your curls a flattering shape. To complete this look, consider adding bangs or a curtain fringe for added depth and texture.
Regardless of your hair length or age, there’s a stylish hairstyle just waiting for you to try. So go ahead, show off your gray curls with confidence and make a bold statement!
Common Challenges and Solutions
Gray curly hair has its own unique set of challenges, but don’t worry. There are solutions to help you maintain the health, strength, and shine of your beautiful silver locks.
First, you might find that your gray curls are prone to dryness. As curly hair is naturally drier than other hair types, graying hair can become even more parched, leading to frizz, breakage, and dullness. To combat this, ensure you’re deeply moisturizing with hydrating conditioners and sealing your hair with nourishing oils. This will help keep your gray curls soft, smooth, and manageable.
Brassy tones can be another issue for gray hair. Sometimes gray strands can take on a yellow or brassy hue, which is not always desirable. Regular use of heat protectant and purple shampoo can help counteract this brassiness and restore your hair to a cool, silvery shade. Just be sure not to overdo it, as overusing purple shampoo can cause your hair to become too cool-toned.
When it comes to gray strands, you might find that they have a stubborn mind of their own. Gray hairs tend to be thicker and coarser than pigmented hairs, making them harder to style and manage. Using a gentle heat styling tool can help you create uniform, healthy curls, while a quality hair mask can restore shine and smoothness to your gray curls. Remember to always use a heat protectant when using heat styling tools to prevent damage.
Finally, as you age, your hair might experience some changes that make it harder to look after. With age, your scalp may produce less oil, leading to increased dryness. Additionally, the texture of your hair might change, becoming more fragile and susceptible to breakage. It’s important to tailor your hair care routine to meet your changing needs. You might want to switch to gentler shampoos, use more nourishing conditioning treatments, and avoid harsh styling products or techniques that can damage your curls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to style short curly gray hair?
Short curly gray hair can be styled in various ways to enhance your natural curls and bring out the beauty of your gray color. One option is a simple gray curly hair with bangs. You can also try a pixie cut or a short bob to enhance your curls and keep maintenance minimal.
What are some trendy gray curly haircuts?
Trendy gray curly haircuts include the gray balayage for a fairytale-like look, a layered bob for extra volume, or even a long and wavy style if you prefer more length. The key is to find a cut that complements your face shape and works with your curl pattern.
How to maintain and care for gray curly hair?
To keep your gray curly hair looking its best, it’s essential to have a nourishing hair-care routine. Limit heat exposure, focus on moisturizing products, and avoid those that can coat the hair (like silicones or mineral oil). Additionally, regular trims can help prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of your curls.
What are the best products for gray and curly hair?
It’s crucial to invest in high-quality hair products to keep your gray curls looking vibrant and healthy. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as they are less harsh on your hair. Regularly use a heat protectant if you heat tyle your hair. Additionally, consider using a purple shampoo to neutralize brassiness and maintain your gray color. Leave-in treatments and deep conditioning masques can also provide extra hydration to keep your curls looking their best.
How to keep gray curly hair looking vibrant?
Keeping gray curly hair looking vibrant involves maintaining a proper hair-care routine, and using the right products. As mentioned earlier, a purple shampoo is an excellent option to neutralize brassiness. Deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing styling products can also help maintain the vibrancy of your curls. Ensuring that your hair remains well-hydrated and protected from heat and other environmental factors also contributes to a more vibrant appearance.
Can gray curly hair be highlighted?
Yes, gray curly hair can be highlighted! Highlights can add dimension and depth to your gray, making it look even more stunning. A skilled colorist can help you choose the right shades to complement your natural gray color. However, be cautious of over-processing your hair, as this can damage both your curls and the overall health of your hair.
Conclusion
As you embrace your gray curly hair, it’s important to remember that healthy hair begins with proper care and maintenance.
Gray hair is a natural part of the aging process and can be a stunning style statement when embraced with the right attitude and care regimen. So go ahead, celebrate your gray curly hair and rock your unique look with confidence!
