Leading hair expert shares mistake which ‘makes you look a lot older’

Just like our skin, our hair ages too. In conversation with Cosmopolitan, Trichologist Madeleine Preston explained that “hair turns white when the pigmentation cells responsible for colour (melanin) stop being produced”.

While the average age of going grey varies from person to person, “most women” in their 30s will have a few grey hairs. By the age of 50, “most females would expect to have more than 50 percent of their scalp hairs turn grey”.

But while going grey is a fact of life and a physical sign of ageing, this change does not mean you have to sacrifice your youthful looks. 

Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to Inanch Emir, founder and creative director of award-winning hair salon Inanch London, about how ladies can still look young when their locks go grey.

Inanch said: “There is nothing wrong with growing old ‘greyfully’, however grey hair can obviously put years on your appearance. Here are some tips on embracing the greyvolution whilst still feeling and looking young.”

Inanch firstly pointed out a mistake many older ladies make when it comes to their grey hair. She told female readers of  Express.co.uk that they should “choose a fun, youthful style which looks fashionable and not dated”. 

She said: “Long hair which just hangs with no definition will make you look a lot older. Instead, opt for a shorter/ funky style. Add in depth and layers to compliment your features, rather than straightened tresses.”

Her next tip was to find a balance between experimenting with colour and embracing au natural.

She advised: “Au Natural doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with colour. If your hair is just starting to grey then add in some fresh grey highlights to even out your hair, reduce harsh roots and help with the greying process.”

Inanch continued: “Tone the locks, as grey hair can look dull! If you want to add some gloss and brighten up natural grey then try a purple shampoo or a vibrant toner (something stronger depending on the hair you are working on).

“I really like the Schwarzkopf colour freeze, silver shampoo or for a toner you can use the Schwarzkopf Vibrance in 9,5-1 or Silverwhites Royal.

“They produce wonderful shades, full of shine and will even out unwanted tones whilst creating a platinum / silver look.”

As an extensions specialist, Inanch knows a good set of hair extensions can solve a lot of problems.

She explained that extensions (available at Inanch) can “add some body” to thinning hair, not to mention “certainly make you look younger”.

Whether you are old or young, hair extensions can be a great way to revamp your look – whilst also adding some va va voom. I had my own fitted at Inanch London and I’ve never felt better.