gray hair

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Gray Hair
The Challenge: You've decided to let your gray (or silver or white) come in, but it's wiry and tends toward an unpretty yellow tone.

The Best Cut: Go for any length you like, but because gray hair can look severe, get a few softening layers around your face. While you're at the salon, ask for a clear gloss treatment; it keeps your hair smooth and shiny for four to six weeks, says Sharon Dorram, of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York City.

The Best Shampoo and Conditioner: A shampoo with a violet tint (the bottle will usually specify that it's for silver or white hair) brightens gray and removes yellow tones. Always condition, and try to do an intense moisturizing treatment once a week: Comb a deep conditioner through damp hair and leave it in for an hour before you shampoo.

The Best Styling Regimen: While hair is still damp, comb a leave-in conditioner through to control frizz and add shine. Layer a smoothing cream on top, then either air-dry or blow-dry. Before you walk out the door, mist your hair with a shine spray that also offers UV protection to shield your color from the sun, which can turn it yellow or brassy.