Elsa Kruger

BEAUTY WRITER AND EDITOR OF BEAUTY BLOG WWW. MOO I PR AATJIES.C OM

‘ Ifound my first grey hair 30 years ago, when I was 34 years old. I hoped it was a fluke, but then I found more… It didn’t bother me much though, because I’m blonde, and the white sort of blended in with the blonde. But over the past four years I noticed the white taking over, and I started thinking about giving up the highlights and going grey. I did an article about the “silver foxes” trend and interviewed hairdresser Michael Conlin of Pure Hair in Craighall Park. He told me that when your hair is 70% grey, it’s a good time to go all in.

‘So in 2016, I asked Shelene Shaer of Tanaz Hair what percentage of my hair was grey or silver. She declared it 70% grey, and that was my light-bulb moment. I’m 18 months into the process, and the grey is definitely more flattering. I visit Shelene every six to eight weeks for a metallic/ash rinse, as my hair tends to go brassy orange after years of blonde highlights.

‘The perception of grey as “old” is being turned on its head by mature women like 60-something Italian model Yazemeenah Rossi, who is breathtaking. I also noticed that most men who go silver invariably look more attractive and distinguished, and they embrace it. So why can it not be the same for women?

‘I have one warning, though: grey hair demands a trendy, modern hairstyle. Unless you have stunning bone structure and look like Audrey Hepburn, do not cut your hair very short. It ages you, and the grey is not flattering and hip. Besides, when you get older, your body proportions change. Very short hair makes your head look disproportionate – like an apricot balancing on a pumpkin.

‘Grey hair also demands a fresh look to your wardrobe and makeup. You might need to introduce new colours to complement your grey hair: my mainly black wardrobe needed an injection of red, cobalt blue, French navy and burgundy to prevent me from fading into the background! And I discovered red lipstick, which I felt I could never wear when I was younger and blonde. Now it looks fabulous!

‘If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, start a Pinterest board of grey hair that inspires you, then find a hairstylist who understands colour and will walk the path with you. You have to be patient and willing to spend money and time to get there. But it’s worth it – once your hair is back to shiny virgin condition, you’ll look great, and in the long run you’ll save money.

MAINTAINING THE LOOK ‘My hair is dry, so I use a moisturising hair mask once a week and dry oil every day to make it soft and shiny. I wash it twice a week and for every third wash, I use a purple or blue shampoo and conditioner to neutralise any yellowness and bring out the silver gloss. I love having a specialised salon treatment to deep-condition my hair. My current favourite products and brands are Davines, Kérastase, Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Hair Therapy Fibre Force and Oribe.

‘Grey hair can be dry and wiry, and feel rough if you don’t pamper it with the right products (lots of moisture) and styling tools. Do it all correctly and the compliments on your elegant, shiny silver coiffe will come pouring in, I promise!’

‘My hair is my security blanket: I hide behind it when I feel shy among strangers, and it was my flirting tool when I was young and wild!’