Shades of gray

Meet Hilary, or @silverstorm53 as I know her (we met on Instagram!), a thoroughly modern woman who’s sexy silver mane is redefining the way we look at dyeing our hair. Personally, I love it and I think it adds rather than detracts from her charm. She is also super fit and dresses in a modern youthful way that isn’t dictated by any rules about dressing for your age. If 40 is the new 20 than 50 is definitely the new 30!

I asked Hilary about what made her decide to let her hair go gray. She told me at the beginning not everyone was very supportive, especially other women. They didn’t understand why she wouldn’t dye it. Luckily she stuck to her decision and now has a successful modeling career.

Here are a few of Hilary’s tips to keep the color of her silver hair bright and shiny (no blue haired old lady looks please!)

How long did it take to grow the gray in?

My first gray hairs started showing up in my early 20s. It was really noticeable as I had naturally very dark, very long hair. In my 30’s it came in very rapidly and by 40, I was salt/pepper. Contrary to what people think IF you don’t dye your hair, the gray comes in like “tinsel”- in strands not the “skunk stripe”. I believe it’s a natural progression if you let it happen.

Why did you decide not to dye it?

I have always remained true to “me”. The long silver hair, perhaps my trademark, is one of the obvious signs of independence/rebellion I always chose over typical beauty norms. I like to defy conventional standards 😉
I prefer being unique despite enormous societal pressure on all things “young” and  I never conformed to the concept of “Gray equals Old”.

What products do you use to maintain the color?

My Gray hair is very, very fragile, fine and wavy. My goal is maintaining the color and overall healthiness of it. I’m not loyal to any one product…
I use a purple toned shampoo twice a week (Clairol shimmer lights/ Jhirmack silver) to keep it from looking brassy. I always use conditioner (any brand for dry hair).  Hot tools (especially irons) must be used on the lowest setting possible as it will burn my hair quickly and turns it very Yellow! Heat protectant spray helps, I use Tresemme.  I don’t use hair oils (moroccan/argan) much, as I find most are yellow based and again you always want to keep your hair white/gray/black.

For her makeup I kept a cooler color palette even though her skin tone is warm/olive. The cool tones bring out the silver of her hair. For silver-haired women it’s better to stay away from warm colors, make sure the brow powder or pencil is ash colored so as not to look fake with the hair. Bright lips in a cool tone bring light to the face.

On her eyes: Urban Decay eyeshadow primer
Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Stonewash on eyelid
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Saddle and along Upper and lower lash line
Armani Eye Tine in #8 on center of lids ( a silvery mauve)
L’Oreal Voluminous black mascara

Brows: Laura Mercier Brow powder in medium ash brown mixed with gray eyeshadow.

Cheeks: Charlotte Tilbury Bronze& Glow, darker shade to contour under cheek bones
NARS powder blush in Deep Throat on apples of cheeks

Lips: Rouge Dior lipstick in 766 Fuchsia Star

What do you think? Will you let your hair grow in naturally Silver?

Model: Hilary Bitar

Photography: Allana Wesley-White

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