Most men start to go gray in their 30s and 40s but for some, grays come with genetics and hair starts becoming lighter in their 20s. Combatting gray hair is expensive, time-consuming, and can be damaging. No matter what age you start seeing peppering, going gray doesn’t have to be dreaded or high maintenance.  Silver Fox, George Clooney has long paved the road for how sexy gray hair can be on a man. Here are some tips for graying gracefully.

How to go gray without looking old

Embrace a good skincare routine.

Taking care of your youthful skin will prevent your appearance from looking tired or aged. Taking care of your skin is crucial to looking your best as you age, no matter your hair color. Invest in a good eye cream and facial moisturizer. Choose a cleanser with the right formula for your skin type. Start making regular appointments with your dermatologist to check for skin cancer and any other concerning changes.

Visit a credible barber

Most men look their best, and youngest when they have a shorter cut. The classic, short on the sides, long on the top cut, will never go out of style. If you’re still not sure, ask your barber for suggestions. They are trained professionals who know what works best for different hair types and face shapes.

If you’re lucky enough to have silky thick hair, then you might be able to pull off the longer look. Make sure your hair is healthy and regularly trimmed.

Trim your facial hair

Beards and mustaches can actually make you look older if they’re not properly groomed. Trimmed facial hair that is well-groomed can actually make you look younger. Think about a skin-close hot shave or a manicured scruff.

Accessorize

A great way to show off your personality in your look is by adding accessories. A well-chosen hat, scarf, or pair of glasses can really make a difference.

Address Hair Loss

If you’re starting to see more hair in your brush than usual or a receding hairline, be sure to embrace preventative measures if you’re trying to hold on to your hair. While little can be done to reverse hair loss, using a hair loss shampoo or mouse can help slow or pause the process of hair loss

Color

Book an appointment for color. Now, I know what you’re thinking- you’re wanting to embrace your gray hair not fight it. Didn’t we already go over how damaging, expensive and time-consuming color can be? We’re suggesting booking a color appointment with an experienced stylist so that you can help your grays along. By dying your hair a lighter color or introducing even more gray highlights, your natural grays will shine rather than stick out too drastically. So if you’d rather not grow out your roots or wait a painstakingly long time for your grays to mingle more with your darker color, book an appointment for a color consult.

Adjust your haircare routine

Small adjustments to your existing hair care routine can go a long way when you’re trying to make your grays look their best. If your hair is on the dry side, use a deep conditioner once a week or every other week to help keep it hydrated and looking shiny. You might also want to experiment with different shampoos and conditioners until you find a system that works. In general, gray hair tends to need more moisture so look for products that are specifically designed for gray hair or cater towards hydration.

Gray Facial Hair

If you’re rocking a beard, congratulations! Beards are very fashionable right now, and they can be incredibly sexy as peppered or all-gray hair.  That said, they do require a bit more upkeep than other styles. You can use beard oil or balm to keep the hair soft and hydrated. Just like the hair on your head, your gray beard will thank you for the extra hydration.

Finally, remember confidence is the key to looking fabulous at any age. Embrace your gray hair and own it!