Gray hair is a natural process that generally occurs as people age. Still, most individuals are not happy with graying hair, and they attempt to cover it up to obtain a more youthful appearance. Covering gray hair can involve the use of hair dyes, a new hair style, or even medical treatment. Each method carries its own risks, so some people decide to stay gray.
Hair color treatments are perhaps the most common way to cover up gray strands. Some people seek salons for professional color treatments, while others purchase boxes of hair dye specialized for covering gray hair from beauty stores. Color treatments seem the easiest solution because they are designed to give each strand of hair a specific color, and gray hair is also easier to cover than dark hair colors.
At the same time, there is a different set of precautions one should consider when using dyes for covering gray hair. Since gray is partially composed of white, this color of hair tends to soak up dyes easier, but with a more dramatic result. For example, adding black to gray hair can actually turn the color into a darker gray, and red dyes can turn the hair pink. A professional hair stylist can make the appropriate preparations for coloring. When buying boxed dyes from the store, it is important that only gray hair color products are chosen to reduce the risk of undesired results.
Different hairstyles may reduce the appearance of gray hair by giving a person a fresh, youthful look. Long hair may be traded for a short layered look, while growing out gray hair can give a wiser, more feminine appearance. Getting a different hairstyle is a good alternative for someone who does not want to bother with hair dyes, and cutting the hair regularly is less expensive than adding a color treatment every six to eight weeks.
Graying hair is a common occurrence, and the age a person turns gray depends partly on genes. Some people do not get gray hair until they reach their middle ages, while others can start as early as their teens. On average, it can take up to 10 years to turn completely gray. There is still hope for some people that medical research can identify a cure for covering gray hair, especially if the condition is premature. Some studies suggest that stem cells can reduce the effects of graying hair while preventing skin cancer at the same time.
