Many people cover up their gray hair with color, but gray can be gorgeous -- it just needs a little special care. Because gray hair is naturally thicker and coarser than other shades of hair, it may need more intensive or longer-lasting treatment to get the same results you got from products in your pre-gray days. Whether your gray hairs are silver, white or salt-and-pepper, you can keep them looking and feeling silky soft.
Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo, and bypass daily shampoos in favor of shampooing every other day. Look for a shampoo that lists water as its first ingredient, or one described as "moisturizing" or "hydrating."
Ask your stylist about highlights or lowlights, which smooth the outer cuticle of your hair, making it soft and shiny.
Use a lightweight conditioner every time you wash your hair and an intensive hair conditioner once a week. Gray hair absorbs more moisture than other hair, and it can look brittle and wiry. Regular conditioning restores your hair's softness.
Apply a clear gloss or glaze to smooth the outer layer of your hair, making it softer and shinier. If you're doing the glaze at home, look for one that contains fruit or seed oil to smooth strands. Or ask your stylist to give you a glaze that will promote shine.
Try a permanent wave solution, which can penetrate and soften gray hair.