Howard Hamilton, chairman of the National AIDS Committee with his radiant wife, Talia. Hamilton has no issues with his salt-and-pepper look, and it did not prevent him from attracting a much younger wife. - file

Women have botox and various other cosmetic procedures, while men, well, men dye their hair. All in a bid to cling to their youth. An increasing number of middle-aged Jamaican men (many of whom are well-known), have resorted to dying their hair, while others have been doing it for years with no end in sight. The list includes politicians, musicians and businessmen. Ethnicity does not matter because Caucasian men are also salon customers; they get blonde or auburn touch-ups to hide their greys.

One stylist went as far as to say that men would rather talk publicly about Viagra use than reveal that they colour their hair. And the practice always seems to coincide with mid-life crisis (andropause). These are the men who want to be seen with women half their age on their arms.

Top priority

Marcia Tain of Weaving and Hair Care, notes that she has a number of male clients who are very secretive about their weekly 'touch ups'. "When they meet at the clubs they don't want even their best friends to know," she told Flair while careful not to divulge the identity of her clients. For these men, keeping their secret is a top priority. Even while at the salon, they don't want to be exposed, opting to make appointments very early or very late without being seen by other customers. These men she says are more vain than some of her female clients, and will be in for a touch-up at the first hint of a grey strand.

But how about the after-effects on their pillow, "It's not a problem if it's done properly," notes Tain. She explained that if the colour is washed out properly, the men won't have to worry about leaving residue behind and divulging their secret appointments at the salons.

High maintenance

Sandra Samuels of Totally Male notes that she has a few clients but they are mainly, "men who want to remain young and hot." Though her clients are all male, like Tain, she has clients who would love if she had a private room. However, she notes that it's not something that can hide and once you are doing it, people will know. Another reason she highlighted that it's hard to conceal is that unlike women, men get a haircut every two to three weeks and while some will do their own 'touch ups' at home with Just For Men, it is extremely high maintenance.

Brad Pitt and Will Smith do it; so is it OK to cover up the greys, or do women like a sprinkling of grey for that distinguished look?

Weigh in at lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.Weaving and Hair Care Shop #20 Savannah Plaza 35-41 Constant Spring Road Tel: 926-4428, 877-6382.Totally Male Unit 15 1D-1E Braemar Avenue. Telephone: 946-9970.

Care tips

A permanent colour is used to dye the hair while a semi-permanent (fades with each wash) is used for the beard.

1. While some men wash their hair with each shower, for a man who dyes, it is recommended he wash every three days and use a shampoo that is colour-safe (contains certain formula to maintain the colour).

2. The beard is done weekly (because the face is washed multiple times each day). Depending on the length of hair, it can be done every four to six weeks.

3. Men who dye their beard should use a natural-base face cream.

4. There are many products for men to colour at home, but it is best that they talk with their stylist to decide what is best for the coverage they desire.

5. If you decide to dye your hair at home, it is advisable to apply petroleum jelly along the hairline to protect your skin.

Some women like a sprinkling of grey. They think it makes the man look distinguished, like actor Danny Glover.