Silver Lining: How to care for your Grey Hair

Embracing grey hair can be a rite of passage in anyone’s life. Aside from a big change in how your hair looks aesthetically, a new way of caring for silver locks often begins, as the texture, hydration and needs of grey hair are unique and, most often quite different from pigmented hair colours.

Here’s how you can nurture and enhance your grey locks, maintaining its health and lustre.

Trimming and Styling

As grey hair can be more prone to split ends and breakages, regular trims are important to ensure your grey hair looks well maintained, and to prevent breakage. You may wish to experiment with different cuts and styles that complement natural grey hair and its unique texture and features.

Diet plays a role

A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plenty of filtered water is beneficial for overall hair health, especially grey hair. Consider incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as nuts, leafy greens and fruits which will support with essential nutrients, promoting strong and shiny hair. If your hair and skin are especially dry, you may like to ask a heath professional about supplements that can support skin and hair hydration.

Wear a hat

Just like your skin, grey hair is susceptible to sun damage and environmental factors such as pollution. Wearing a hat or scarf, and or tying it back when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can help shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays.

Hydration is Key

Thanks to a reduction in natural oil production in the scalp, grey hair tends to be drier and more brittle than pigmented hair. Using hydrating shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dry, curly or colour-treated hair will help with hydration. Look for products with ingredients such as Argan oil, Macadamia oil or Coconut fatty acids to restore moisture and improve manageability such as Award Winning NueBar Shampoo Bar for Curly or Dry Hair.

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Avoid Sulfates

Harsh chemicals in some regular, store-bought shampoo and conditioners can strip grey hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, dull and unmanageable. Instead, look for sulfate-free shampoos that are gentle on the hair and scalp. You may also consider washing your hair less frequently to maintain its natural oils and prevent excessive drying.

Regular Conditioning

Regular conditioning is essential to keep grey hair soft, smooth and manageable. Using the co-wash method can be especially beneficial. The co-wash method (also known as the no-poo or conditioner only method) involves using conditioner only, every other wash, omitting the shampoo process, which can strip away your hair’s natural oils that are crucial for maintaining moisture. We’ve written more about co-washing here.

Once again, ensuring your conditioner is formulated with nourishing ingredients selected to hydrate your strands and prevent frizz, such as Argan Oil, Olive Oil or Cacao butter, and omitting any artificial silicones which can coat and weigh down your hair. Multi Award Winning, Naturopath Formulated NueBar Super Rich Conditioner can be used for regular conditioning, as a co-wash or even a leave-in conditioner for extra nourishment.

Avoid Heat Styling

Styling tools such as straighteners and curling irons can weaken grey hair and cause it to become more brittle. When heat styling is necessary, try co-washing prior to styling your hair and always use tools on a lower heat setting.

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