Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
The lady who wrote about her gray hair having yellow tones might try Clairol Professional “Shimmer Lights” (original) shampoo. The bottle I have is purple and so is the shampoo. I’ve had great success with highlighting my gray hair and recommend it.

DEAR READER:
I understand there are a number of shampoos available that are directed toward highlighting dull or discolored gray hair. They may be somewhat “high end” in terms of price in comparison to the vast supply of reasonable products on store shelves, but if they do the trick and provide good results, I am sure they are worth the expense. If readers have difficulty finding such products, check with a local hairdresser who might have something for sale from the shop or who can otherwise recommend a good alternative.

Several Causes For Brassy Hair

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have an unusual problem for which I cannot find any help.
I stopped coloring my brunette hair over 15 years ago. As a 76-year-old female, I have a nice head of grey hair that still has some darker roots on the back of my head. I have given up perms for a year and am growing my hair longer, hoping for easier care.

Now my hair is turning a brassy yellow color on the top layer. I worked outside all summer in my garden as I am a farmer, but I wore a hat. I’ve tested our well water at the state office and find no problem there, except for a higher than normal arsenic count, common here near the Snake River in Idaho.

I am not on any new medications, but am at my wit’s end about the brassy color my hair has taken on. I’ve spoken with three beauticians but didn’t get any help there. Can you advise me? [Read more...]