Ahh! You’ve just spotted a gray. Before you head for the tweezers and a bottle of dye, consider flaunting it. We tip you off on the right sugar to show off your natural spice.
Hair Care
Mellow Yellow
Gray hair can take on a dry and brittle feel and appearance. Thus, conditioning treatments are essential. Keep your hair shiny and soft with clarifying shampoos and conditioners. Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo ($10.50, amazon.com), Phytargent Whitening Shampoo ($20, drugstore.com), or Artec White Violet Color Shampoo ($15, discountbeautycenter.com) all contain bluing tints to prevent the hair from taking on a yellow cast.
Lack Luster
Advanced Research Labs Silver Brights Shampoo and Conditioner and Rene Furterer Okara Mild Silver Shampoo($23, beauty.com) both contain a protein-rich formula to promote moisture, reconstruction and shine to wiry strands. After conditioning, avoid using high heat products, which can turn the hair’s color. Finish hair with a clear cellophane gloss to keep strands soft and shiny.
Beauty
With any new hair color, your makeup palette must also reflect the change. Invest in vibrant colors to complement your new hue.
Salt and Pepper
Avoid browns and nudes that completely wash out your complexion. Play up your mixed tones with a delicious pout. Define your lips with a pencil color similar to your natural lip hue. We love IsaDora Mega Wet Gloss in Riviera Pink ($11, Walgreens), DuWop Elixrstix in Energy ($22, Sephora), or Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Warm Apricot ($21, bobbibrowncosmetics.com).
Silver
Silver strands can suck all the life out of your complexion. Create a smooth and dewy finish using a medium coverage concealer (never dull powder) like CoverGirl Queen Collection Moisturizing Makeup ($6.99, drugstores nationwide).
Gray Streaked
The eyes definitely have it. So widen your gaze with colors that pop like bright shades of pewter. Experiment with your mascara and sweep your lashes with a navy blue tint. And easily create brow depth using a blue-gray pencil like Ulta Mineral Eye Liner in Blue Grey ($8, ulta.com).