I am writing this because a specific client of mine, Dianne, insists on letting her hair go gray. We had a very detailed conversation about the pros and cons, so I thought I would share them here.

Of course, I am totally “pro dye ’til you die.”

I need to pay my bills, so there’s that. But there are other valid reasons to continue coloring or highlighting your gray or white hair.

The No. 1 positive is that getting rid of the emerging white hair makes you look younger. (Isn’t that enough?)

All salt and even salt and pepper hair is void of all warmth. The lack of warm tones washes out the skin, which results in more visible age spots and wrinkles.

Gray hair also has a different coarseness and texture, which makes the hair more difficult to style. Its wiry cuticles also cause hair to frizz or look frizzy.

You need to pay attention to your appearance and treat yourself. It will definitely make you feel better to look in the mirror and see that your hair is warmer and more youthful.

When we look better, we feel better. As we age, anything that makes us feel better is a plus.

The appropriate cut and color for you will make you look 10 years younger and 10 pounds thinner. This is the least expensive way to feel great and spend little.

(The bonding time with me is also a huge plus. Just saying. It’s a fun time away from the house.)

Now for Dianne’s side. The cons of continuing to color are less obvious to me but are equally valid.

She’s been with the same man for 40-plus years. She is comfortable letting her hair go gray because her husband went gray and is balding. (To which I countered that I can add some “pepper” to his hair without being obvious.)

Another point is that she feels that she doesn’t need to or, in her words, “feel like” she should spend the time and or money on a vanity issue when others have bigger health issues as they age.

I still think you need to treat yourself in your mature years.

Obviously fixed income could be a deterrent. That, I can so identify with; however, the correct highlights and lowlights between the new growth can be a very cost effective way to not see the line of gray as it comes in. Thus, maintaining it is much less frequent and more graceful.

Just remember, both women and men, if you are thinking of letting your hair go gray, having some “pepper” color blended throughout the “salt” of new gray adds life.

It’s the best way to not look like you’re coloring your hair, yet not looking your age. You can’t argue with that.

Joy Ross is owner of Style It Salon in Old Town Bluffton. styleitsalon.com