Gray's Anatomy

From CNN star anchor Anderson Cooper to social media hunk Eric Rutherford (above), silver foxes are finally wearing their salt-and-pepper with pride. "It's easier for women to dye their hair, because they can alter their skin tone with makeup," says John Barrett, owner of an eponymous American chain of luxury hair salons (JohnBarrett.com). "But when a man does it, it looks so obvious, simply because we all lose color from our skin as we age." Here, Barrett shares his favorite tips on how to pull off the gray.

GO GRAY, NOT BLUE

"I love blue shampoos," Barrett says, "but if used too frequently, they'll make your hair a purplish shade that's neither good nor sexy. Try Sachajuan Silver Shampoo (8.5 oz., $31, available at Barneys.com), but use it only once a month."

SHAMPOO SPARINGLY

"There's an epidemic of over-washing, so I recommend no more than one or two shampoos a week. Instead, use a conditioner daily, such as John Barrett Be Conditioned Daily Re-Conditioner (6 oz., $28, JohnBarrettStore.com). Apply, rinse, and you'll see your hair improve."

THE SLICK ESSENTIALS

"Gray hair grows in slightly wiry, so adding a bit of essential oil can help. After towel-drying your hair, apply a pea-sized amount of Shu Uemura Essential Drops (1 oz., $48, ShuUemuraArtofHair-USA.com). It makes hair much more touchable."

SOFTEN YOUR STYLING

"Don't put any hard gel on your hair -- ever," Barrett adds. "To keep things neat, use a light pomade, like Baxter of California Soft Water Pomade (2 oz., $20, BaxterofCalifornia.com). Sea salt sprays, such as Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion (1.5 oz., $16, BumbleandBumble.com), also work well for a natural finish. But the most crucial thing is simply getting a great haircut, and ensuring your neck and ears are clean to show off that sharp, silver coif."

Photography by Scott Teitler.