Gray Hair Tops the List of Grooming Concerns Among Men It makes sense that many men are concerned about their hair graying. I do know a few who want the salt and pepper look, but sadly you never know if that's the result you're with which you're going to be graced.

I started going gray as a sophomore in high school which caused me grief thanks to a classmate, Trisha, who sat diagonally behind me in chemistry. She alerted me to the fact that I was going gray almost daily. So let's just say I have had plenty of time to dwell on graying hair and how to battle it.

First off, there is nothing wrong with going gray. It's just not something I am ready to do and if you're like me, here are some do's and don'ts in the battle against gray hair.

• DO NOT get suckered into the ease-of-use and naturalness of henna. Henna hair coloring stinks (seriously) and for gray hair coverage it just doesn't work, plus henna gives your hair a steel wool look which will only draw negative attention to your head.
• DO see a pro. This may be the first time you have thought about coloring your hair and you do not want to have a bad experience. Depending on the salon and the type of service, a man's color can range from $45 to $145 - and it is well worth it to get it done right the first time. When making the appointment, be upfront and tell them you are unhappy with your gray. This is not a new concept for them and they will know what to do.
• DO NOT get entranced with hair color from the drugstore that boasts about shine. Some of these load your hair with metallic ingredients that may wreak havoc on your hair. The new foam colors are really easy to use and have great coverage. Just be sure to read the instructions from start to finish before you begin any at-home hair color process. And always do the sensitivity patch test as recommended in the instructions. If you've never colored your hair before, you do not know what you may react to.
• DO NOT go too dark if you are covering grays. Why? As your hair grows you will have part of it colored and the other part au naturel which is called the "growth". The darker the color, the more noticeable the growth will be. Pick a shade that will blend well between your natural hair color and the amount of gray you have.
• DO think about highlights. They tend to fade less than traditional all-over coloring and work really well with blending the gray. But DO NOT attempt them on your own. I have tried many times and failed miserably. If you have a friend that wants to have a go, just say NO. Unless they went to school to do hair, they have no business doing yours.
• DO conditioner your hair afterwards with consistency. Hair color is not a benign activity. You open the hair follicle up to allow the color to absorb. This is a very aggressive process so take care of your hair afterwords with hydrating shampoos and deep-treatment conditioners.
• DO have fun with it and take a risk. Remember, it will grow out and you can try something else.