I recently read an article about men and women going gray and how, for younger folks, it helps to get respect at work. I beg to differ. There are other ways you can "look" mature. Perhaps acting it would help such as brushing up on your etiquette, body language and double-timing it regarding knowledge about your company, what you do and your competition.

Sorry to say but we still live in a society that doesn't appreciate the wisdom that comes with age. If you look old, people think you have prehistoric ideas. If you have wisdom at your age, that means the company has to pay you for it and they would probably prefer to pay some trainee a pittance of your salary. Fortunately, the law has played in the favor for people in their 40's and more importantly in their 50's. Question for you, though, why do we appreciate leadership of some of the top fortune 500 companies by people in their late 40's, 50's, and even 60's. Someone give me a break here?

Back to whether going gray is the right strategy for you in your career success or for you personally, seek the expertise of a good colorist. A professional hair colorist is someone that will be honest with you about your hair and if "going natural" is right for you. Funny, one of the largest growth areas in cosmetics is in the area of men's hair color products and men's plastic surgery. So the importance of maintaining a youthful appearance is important for both genders. It's not anymore that women as they age just look older and men look more distinguished - both are on equal terms. Here are some tips when dealing with graying hair.

• Unless you gray prematurely, when you find a few strands of gray, don't get worried. If you choose to color your hair maintain your current hair color.
  
  
• When you do start graying realize that it will start mostly at the forehead and temple.
  
  
• When hair growth becomes substantially gray, consider coloring your hair about two shades lighter.
  
  
• If you want to go "natural" remember that it will affect your facial color and it is important to reevaluate your wardrobe colors. For women your make up colors will have to be revised.
  
  
• If you choose to go "natural" consider having the color enhanced with a rinse. Many that have a handsome salt and pepper will want to brighten it, to make it even more becoming.
  
  
• If you are really going gray consider the professional advice of your colorist and go lighter so that when the white/gray comes in that it is less noticeable.
  
  
• Don't think that if you become prematurely gray that it works with your complexion or career success. You may look just as mature with your former hair color. You may not need to look older - it may be just to act wiser.