Q. I am 60 and have fine, very grey hair. I am happy with the colour, I have it cut regularly and keep it short. I read recently that I should be using a shampoo which is specifically targeted at grey/white hair. I have been unable to find anything locally, but there are several on the internet; the trouble is I am confused as to which, if any, would be a good buy?
A. The suggestion we’d like to make is Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo was created by a renowned trichologist who really knows his stuff; many products have gone on to become ‘cult’ favourites, and with justification – including these creations designed to remove any brassiness from grey hair. To be honest, that used to be more of a problem at a time when women washed their hair less frequently and smoky rooms were more prevalent, but if your grey hair tends to dullness or a yellow tone, this will solve the problem. The products aren’t cheap but they’re very high quality, and worth the investment, we’d say – not least because you must be saving a small fortune on haircolouring! (And good on you: we love silver foxes. Or fox-ettes.) They will boost shine and hair health – and we’d love to hear how you get on with them, so do send us some feedback.
• Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo, £14.75 for 250 ml, at www.johnlewis.com – buy here
• Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Conditioner, £17.90 for 250 ml, also available at www.johnlewis.com – buy here
Q. Is there a way to touch-up grey hair between colouring?
A. The new colour-enhancing shampoos – by everyone from Nicky Clarke to John Frieda via Jo Hansford and Bumble & Bumble – can work wonders at keeping hair colour fresher by washing in just a hint of colour each time. (And by sealing the cuticle, ‘locking’ the existing colour in place.) But in an emergency, brunettes could try this trick from Bobbi Brown: ‘between salon appointments, if I need to touch up a few grey hairs, I’ll use a brown mascara to cover the grey. It washes right out again.’
In addition, we’re very impressed by some of the new specific hair touch-up products, notably the Michael diCesare Root Kit, which Jo watched being demo-ed while she was in the QVC studios, and was frankly blown away. It comes in four shades, featuring crayons, a double-ended applicator for precise application, and a Preserving Spray. Just brilliant.
• Michael diCesare Root Kit, £25.25 at www.qvc.co.uk – buy here