Grey hair – men of a certain age almost all experience it. But why do we get grey hair, and how bad is it really for a man to have grey hair? Or is it sometimes better to dye or hide it, and how do you do that?
Grey hair as a sign of life
Grey hair is often associated with worry. There are plenty of sayings claiming that stress and anxiety cause grey hair. There is even a rule of thumb that says when people reach the age of 50, 50 per cent of them have 50 per cent grey hair. That would mean that at least half of the people aged 50 have half-grey hair. Only that rule isn’t actually true – especially the last figure, which is about twice as high as reality.
Men are more likely to have grey hair than women, and white men are also more prone to greying than men of African or Asian origin [1].
Grey hair is a sign of ageing, and that can have certain implications. In the 1990s, for example, it was discovered that grey hair correlates with an increased risk of heart attacks [2].
Moreover, discovering your first grey hair is often a life-changing moment, as it reminds you that you’re getting older – and can even motivate you to take more action in your life [3].
Grey hair can also have its advantages. It implies a certain level of experience. In the academic world, for instance, having a few grey hairs is said to be important [4]. Grey hair can therefore influence how others perceive your identity. You might appear more of an expert with some grey around your temples – otherwise, you might just be seen as a young, naïve lad.
So, there’s absolutely no need to be ashamed of grey hair.
Your hair turns grey because it loses pigment. It also changes in texture, meaning it doesn’t always style the same way as before. Grey hair tends to be drier and struggles more to absorb moisture [5].
Caring for grey hair
This affects how you style grey hair, and styling it properly starts with caring for it properly.
It’s important to take good general care of your hair. That might mean washing it with shampoo designed for grey hair, followed by a conditioner made specifically for grey hair.
These products usually add moisture, making your hair easier to style afterwards. They can also brighten grey tones, giving your hair a healthier and more polished appearance instead of dull grey.
American Crew Daily Silver Shampoo
American Crew offers a shampoo developed specifically for men with grey, blonde, or light hair. This silver shampoo hydrates and softens dry hair while preventing yellow or brassy tones thanks to its special purple pigment formula. Slick Gorilla also offers a version called No Yellow Shampoo, and the Bulgarian brand Men’s Master has its Repigmentating Grey Hair Shampoo.
Forte Series Hydrating Argan Oil
Another excellent care product is the Forte Series Argan Oil. It’s specially formulated for dry hair – something many men experience when greying begins. It makes your hair healthier, shinier, and less frizzy without feeling heavy or greasy. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fatty acids that nourish your hair. You only need a few drops of Forte Argan Oil for it to work wonders.
Styling grey hair
When styling grey hair, it’s important to use products that provide hydration, making it easier to manage.
By Vilain Sidekick Zero Spray
You can often keep your usual styling routine by simply adding a pre-styling product. The By Vilain Sidekick Zero Spray is specially made for dry hair. After showering, spray it through your hair from roots to ends, then blow-dry or leave it to air-dry for a more natural look. It’s an ideal pre-styler packed with nourishing and protective ingredients.
American Crew Medium Hold Spray Gel
The American Crew Medium Hold Spray Gel is another great product for pre-styling or general styling. It can be applied to both dry and towel-dried hair. The advantage of this spray is that it also protects your hair from UV radiation, helping prevent further damage or dryness. It conditions the hair, keeps your scalp hydrated, and strengthens the strands. This spray helps retain moisture, keeping your hair hydrated and flexible. The formula is sulphate-free.
Imperial Barber Blacktop Pomade
A pomade can help thicken your grey hair and add structure, enhancing its appearance. The Blacktop Pomade from Imperial Barber has an added bonus: it darkens your hair. Enriched with black iron oxide, it gives your hair a slightly darker look, helping to mask greys. This product works especially well for darker hair types with grey strands — a unique product worth trying!
Conclusion
Grey hair has both advantages and disadvantages for men. The advantage is that it shows life experience and can even enhance your status — even in academic circles, where you might expect people to care less about such superficial things. Apparently, grey hair subconsciously influences how others perceive you.
The downside of grey hair is that it tends to be drier and therefore harder to style. Fortunately, in the Moquer shop you can find products that help you care for and style grey hair properly. There are also plenty of skincare products available if you’re interested in anti-ageing solutions.
