Covering Gray Hair - How to Cover Gray Hair

The process of changing the natural color of the hair to complete gray or white, is known as achromotrichia. Apart from aging, gray hair is also caused because of inherited traits and can occur at an early age, or even during infancy. Deficiencies of certain vitamins also causes the hair to turn gray or white. Basically the graying of hair depends on the person's genetics (genetics is the science of heredity or variations in living organisms). There are basically two ways to cover your gray hair; either with colors or hair dyes, or blending them using highlights or lowlights.

Hide Your Grays

There are two methods to color your gray hair; using fashion colors and covering the hair with natural colors. Fashion colors comprise of temporary and permanent effects. The temporary one stays for as long as 5-6 weeks. And, if you want to go for a gray coverage of your hair, that stays for a long time, then the permanent color can be at your disposal. Natural color, as the name suggests, covers your gray hair, matching your natural hair color. Getting a hair cut is one natural way to hide the new growing gray hair.

Highlights and Lowlights Blend

Highlights have a lighting and brightening effect on you hair color, while lowlights can give a darker and deeper look to your hair. This method hides 10-90% of the gray hair. For better vibrant and dynamic results, a hairdo with both highlights and lowlights is preferable. Hues like blonde, gold, etc. are available as highlights, and for lowlights, red, plums, etc. are the options.

Henna, can also prove to be beneficial in covering the gray parts of your hair. The following steps describe the application procedure:

• Mix the henna powdered as per the instructions given on the package.
• Start applying from the roots and ensure that not even a single strand of hair is left uncovered. Allow the henna to settle down and saturate for the recommended amount of time. A plastic cap to cover the hair, would be useful in preventing any droppings.
• After the henna has dried completely, it's time to get your hair washed and rinsed. Blow your hair dry after using a conditioner and carry your usual hair style – without a single gray.

Concentrates made from sage (silvery-green plant) can also be used in getting rid of gray hair. Here's how you can use this herb for covering gray hair. Dried sage leaves can be boiled in water for about 30-35 minutes to form a concentrate. Apply the mixture to your hair, starting from the roots, and give it some time to get completely dry. Thereafter, rinse and dry the hair. A monthly treatment of gray hair with the sage mix, can yield more positive results. A tea made from sage leaves can also be used as a spray before washing your hair. Regular use of this herb, makes hair softer and helps in decreasing the gray color.

If the above methods do not appear appealing to you, or if you feel that it's better not to experiment with your hair, then let the gray hair stay as it is. You may not be aware, but your gray hair may actually suit your personality and go with your image. Gray hair, even if uncovered, can look attractive, if carried with a bit of confidence and 'feel good' spirit. And, you can still maintain your charm with the right kind of attitude; what matters is the way you carry your style with your gray locks!