How to: Embrace Your Grey Hair

Grey hair. These two words strike fear in the eyes (and follicles) of most men. But they shouldn’t. Whether you’ve just discovered your first grey hairs, are on the way to a salt-and-pepper top or inching closer to full-on white, rest assured: not only is your grey manageable, it has the potential to be your best look.

Don’t shy away from grey hair, use it to your advantage. After all, grey signifies experience, and it guarantees respect—it’s no coincidence that men (and women) used to powder their hair in the 1700s. And, while we strongly suggest skipping the talcum powder, like all cool ’dos, maintenance is the key to creating your own silver fox look. Your cut and style must be neat and trim, not a bush or shag that constantly runs unkempt. Hair products are also important: switch to a non-chemical rinse and silver-enriching shampoo. And be sure to use a good conditioner—grey hair can be coarser and more brittle.

Many men find the in-between, salt-and-pepper stage uncomfortable, but we say embrace it. The look is inherently multi-dimensional—a mix of your past spiced with a dash of your present and future—and produces a rather distinguished overall image. Keep it short if you’re in need of an easy style that’ll make you look younger; if you choose to go longer, be sure to slick it back on most occasions for a professional appearance.

You can always head over to your local salon for a colouring solution that will subtract some of the pepper, or some of the salt, for the perfect mix. But be sure not to mix with a solid colour; it’s better to blend for short hair or add lowlights to longer hair. We recommend Lock Stock & Barrel grooming products—specifically their Protein Thickening Shampoo ($30/1 L) and Grooming Crème ($13/60 ml).

Remember, grey hair no longer represents old age—it’s a fashion statement. And said statement needs to be backed up with style: sharper lines, bolder colours and proper fit will give you the appearance of an elegant, smart man.