From avoiding brassiness, to the product tweaks you need to make.

BY ROXANNE ADAMIYATTPUBLISHED: JUN 5, 2019

SAVE ARTICLE

AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN//GETTY IMAGES

There are a number of things that are unavoidable in life (death, taxes, wrinkles, etc.)Another perfect example: going gray. There comes a time for everyone when it is simply unavoidable, whether you're seeing a few strays or you're well on your way to a full head of silver strands. And as your mane changes, so too must your routine.

We reached out to some of the foremost colorists and hairstylists to find out the best way to care for your silver, from the right kinds of products to how you can subtly mask the odd strand—or embrace this phase and transition to fully gray. Read on for how to make sure that your gray hair looks fabulous.

What causes hair to go gray?

It all starts with melanin-producing cells called melanocytes, says Cristina Boatman, stylist and colorist at Takamichi Hair. "These cells are responsible for the pigmentation of the skin and hair. Each hair bulb has a stock of active melanocytes and a stock of dormant melanocytes. When the hair growth phase is complete, the hair follicle reconstitutes and imports dormant melanocytes to replace depleted active melanocytes. But when the stock of dormant melanocytes is also exhausted, the hair can no longer pigment and becomes white. As we age, our hair stops generating melanin, which is what gives our hair color."

Boatman adds that when we go gray and the shade of gray we go is largely determined by genetics. Stress however, seems to be a major factor in your hair going gray according to a number of colorists and hair experts.

Can you reverse graying once it starts?

The simple answer is no, though you can take folic acid to slow down the graying process, or use antioxidant haircare to protect dormant melanocytes. Hairstylist Takamichi Saeki recommends using tsubaki (aka camellia flower) oil, which has been a beauty secret of Japanese women for centuries.

JEFF KRAVITZ//GETTY IMAGES

How do you transition from coloring your hair to going completely gray?

Maddison Cave, colorist at the David Mallett Salon, explains that if you are transitioning to a full head of gray hair, the best approach depends on your natural haircolor. For example: if you are blonde, strategically highlight around your hairline and part so that your "natural highlights" blend with your blond.

If you are brunette, Cave has the fix. "I would suggest coloring your roots with a demi-permanent color that is within 1-2 shades of your natural color. Your don’t get 100% coverage with demi-permanent color, but it keeps your hair’s natural dimension and a more subtle demarcation line," she explains.

Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan also recommends using a root concealer until the dyed color has grown out enough to look more natural.

The quickest way to go totally gray, per Hazan: "Just cut it short and let the hair grow in again."

MELODIE JENG//GETTY IMAGES

Is there a low-maintenance way to cover grays?

Sarah Spratt, colorist at Sally Hershberger in New York City explains that there are two options. You can place soft and subtle highlights throughout the hair with some brighter pops on the ends, which "plays a small trick on the eyes so the gray isn't the lightest color on your head any longer—distracting one's gaze off those pesky hairs."