Beauty: Keep grey hairs at bay with these handy tips

Allowing yourself to go grey can have an ageing affect.

I'm 44 and my hair is greying rapidly and I end up with regrowth within as little as three weeks. It's expensive, annoying and inconvenient maintaining it. Sometimes I let it go because I can't be bothered but then I don't feel good about myself when I do. Should I let myself go naturally grey? What would you do?

Grrrr, regrowth. I can relate, though thankfully I have a little more time between touch ups. I have a few suggestions and thoughts for you.

*Let your hair go grey. You have to be sure it will suit you; it depends on the likes of your skin colouring and other features. Ask your hairstylist.

You're not old, and sometimes allowing yourself to go grey can have an ageing affect. I know a woman who did just that and looked far older than she was and also looked pale and almost sick all the time.

*A further point on going grey: even though you say you have a lot of grey hair, the difference between what you have now and going all grey can take years. That in-between stage can look unkept. Though having said that, your hairstylist can add highlights to blend your natural hair colours together more, so they look in harmony with one another.

*Perhaps your current hair colour is too dark? Highlights, as mentioned above, can complement and blend better with your natural hair colour, so that the regrowth isn't so obvious.

*A good hairstylist can also give you a cut and style that can reduce the appearance of regrowth.

*As you get close to your next appointment, you can zigzag or shift your part, if you have one. And lift the hair a little from the crown, rather than having it flat. This can help.

*For your hair colour appointments, every second appointment, instead of getting your whole hair coloured, you can just get the 'T-section' done - that is, along the parting and front hairline (and around the ears).

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co.nz

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz.