Is Your Gray Color turning Yellow?

If your gorgeous gray or white locks seem to be looking a little yellow lately, fear not! You are not alone. In fact, it’s actually very common. Gray and white hair hold very little pigment which is why those with gray or white hair may notice their hair picking up colors from the environment – especially yellow hues. 

The good news – there are some things you can do to prevent it once you know a little bit more about the causes behind those yellow tints. 

6 Reasons Your Gray is Turning Yellow and How to Prevent It: 

1.     The Sun – White and gray hair still contain some pigment which can become bleached by the sun after long exposure, just like other hair colors. Solution? Be sure to wear a wide-brim hat and use an SPF hairspray if you know you’ll be spending prolonged time in the sun. 

2.    Hard Water – Minerals in some city water as well as chemicals in swimming pools can attach to the hair shaft, leaving you with unwanted color hues and dull hair. Thankfully, minerals can be removed with a good clarifying shampoo. You can also use a shower head filter to remove unwanted minerals and keep your hair healthy.

3.     Air Pollution - Air quality can influence the deposits of yellow pigment on your gray hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help remove all that unwanted pigment and freshen up your hair.

4.    Smoking – Smoking is known to discolor your hair, skin, nails and clothing because of the toxins and chemicals. Be sure to avoid areas with heavy smoking and deep condition at least once a week!

5.     Silicon-Based Products – Some silicones are known to bind to hair and build up over time – leaving you with dull, flat, and even frizzy hair. That build-up can also appear yellow, or even brown in some lighting. Using a clarifying shampoo at least once a week can minimize the amount of build-up on your hair.

6.     Hot Irons and Dryers - Heat damage can be caused by reactions to the minerals in your water or ingredients in your hair products reacting to the heat. Solution? Lower the temp on your iron or dryer to the lowest setting needed to obtain your styles. Switch products or ditch the heat altogether if you can. And be sure to use heat protectant when you do use irons or dyers. 

If all else fails, book an appointment with us! We’ll take care of that yellow with a clarifying treatment and deep condition – and if you’d like to try something new, we’ll add a little color!