Gray Hair: How to Maintain Shiny Steel Gray Strands

From: L’Oréal Paris

The day has finally come: You found your first dreaded gray hair. But instead of freaking out and going into panic mode, why not embrace the color and go full-on gray? In case you haven’t noticed, gray hair is definitely having a moment. In fact, we bet you can’t scroll through any of your social media feeds without seeing someone flaunting their newly-dyed gray hair.  Whether you’ve decided to hop on the silver hair color bandwagon or you already have gray hair and are looking for a way flaunt it to the max, here’s how maintain your shiny gray strands:

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If You…Dye Your Hair Gray

Gray is definitely one of the hottest hair color trends of the year, with many A-listers and street-style stars flaunting this cool, steely shade. If you aren’t ready to commit to such a bold color change just yet, then consider temporary hair color, which washes out after a couple of shampoos. But if you’ve decided to take the plunge and are serious about committing to the color, then give a permanent hair dye a whirl. It’s important to note that gray hair dye usually works best on lighter shades of hair, like strawberry or pale blonde. If your stands are dark brown or black, you won’t be able to get that gray color in one sitting—in fact, it will and should be a gradual process in order to maintain the health and integrity of your strands while you go steel. You might even need to visit a colorist at a salon to go blonde first in order for the hue to really show. Up for the challenge? You can try at-home pastel gray hue for a fresh new look. Done coloring? Follow these tips to keep your newly-dyed hair happy and healthy:

1. Use a shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair.  Now that you’ve achieved the perfect shade of gray, it’s important to make the color last as long as possible (after all, you just spent a lot of time and effort on it). So use hair care products specifically designed for color-treated hair. L’Oréal Paris EverPure: Repair & Defend Shampoo and Conditioner is a sulfate-free color care system specifically designed for color-treated hair. Formulated with acai, goji, and a UV filter, the shampoo helps to keep your hair feeling and looking strong while keeping your color vibrant. The shampoo and conditioner help protect your hair from color aggressors, allowing your color to last longer wash after wash. Apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage gently into a thick lather. After rinsing, follow up with the conditioner. Leave that on for about one to two minutes before washing out.
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2. Slather on a hair mask for color-treated hair. The number of hairstyling products and tools you use on a daily basis can cause your hair to start looking dull and lackluster. Give your locks a much-needed break—and time to rejuvenate—by using a hair mask. L'Oréal Paris Color Vibrancy Intensive Post-Color Repair Mask is just the thing you need to bring your hair back to its former glory. This luxurious hair mask is specifically designed for color-treated, dry, and damaged hair. The mask can help repair visible damage to your locks from processing Use it once or twice a week to maintain results.

3. Fix hair color mistakes. Made a color mistake and don’t know what to do? Try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Color Eraser. It makes semi-permanent color mistakes a thing of the past in one simple step. (Side note: You should only use this product if you have natural blonde or bleached blonde hair.) Simply mix the remover, apply it onto your hair, time it according to the specified product instructions, and rinse away any unwanted hair color. If you used permanent hair dye, try the L'Oréal Paris Colorista Reset Shampoo. This clarifying shampoo is designed to help color fade faster. It helps wash out color, so you can get back on track to getting the shade your heart is really after! 

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If You…Have Naturally Gray Hair:

Thanks to the growing trend of intentionally going gray, steely strands are now cooler than ever. If you’ve noticed a few more strands of silver lately, use the trend as a way to embrace the change! But you might have noticed that gray hair can often seem dull and lackluster at times—which is why it’s time to enhance your silver mane and make it shine even brighter. The trick to keeping your gray locks looking fresh and vibrant lies with the products you use. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Make your gray hair shine to its fullest potential by using the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. Formulated with rosemary, this system of shampoo and conditioner helps deeply replenish dry hair with essential moisture, leaving you with soft, touchable hair. It’s free of harsh sulfates, salts, and surfactants that can strip and damage your hair. Plus, the creamy formula has a fresh aromatic fragrance and gives hair a luminous shine. Apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage gently into a thick lather, then rise. Next, apply conditioner, leaving that on for one to two minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
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2. Try a hair balm. Looking for a way to restore luster to dry, damaged-looking hair? L’Oréal Paris EverPure Remedy Balm is formulated with acai palm and an exclusive antioxidant complex to help repair the appearance of damaged hair. The sulfate-free hair balm protects your hair color. Massage it into strands from roots to ends after shampooing, and leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing. It can also be used pre-shampooing for added detangling and conditioning.

3. Add a pop of color. If you’re looking for a way to add some pizzazz to your locks without completely changing your gorgeous gray hue, opt for a streak of color. Think: pastel purple, smoky pink, or icy blue for a subtle color that is still on-trend. Talk about making a statement!