Graying hair is a natural part of aging, but for some people it can start sooner than they expect. When you notice some gray strands in your 20s or 30s, it may seem like it's time to panic. However, this is not something you should worry about. Some people start appearing gray hair in their 30s or 40s, while others may experience it earlier. Below are the causes and solutions to deal with gray hair.
Why does hair turn grey?
Your hair follicles contain pigment cells called melanin, a chemical that determines the color of your skin, eyes, and hair color. When the pigment-producing cells in the hair shaft die, your hair turns grey.
Causes of gray hair
Genetics play a big role in making your hair gray. If one of your parents had gray hair at an early age, you are likely to develop gray hair at an early age. Oxidative stress and free radicals from within your body or from the external environment also lead to premature hair aging. It is important to follow a healthy diet to combat internal radicals and use high-quality hair care products to deal with external stressors. Nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions, vitamins B, D, and E, and biotin deficiency contribute to the formation of gray hair. Some medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, also increase the risk of melanin deficiency in hair follicles.
How to deal with gray hair
You cannot reverse the process, but you can make an effort not to aggravate the situation and hide the existing gray threads.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants reduces oxidative stress. For example, there is vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant found abundantly in foods such as oranges, cauliflower, and bell peppers. Another antioxidant that you can find in leafy greens is vitamin E. So, avoid processed foods and eat plenty of whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
Control Stress Stress can cause premature graying of hair. Try to reduce unnecessary stressors in your life or try to manage stress in productive ways such as exercise, deep breathing, or meditation.
Quit smoking Quit smoking for the sake of your hair and overall health. Smoking is linked to the appearance of gray hair at an early age. It also triggers a stress response that accelerates the aging process. It reduces melanin production in hair follicles and causes hair to turn gray faster. If your hair is already grey, cigarette smoke can turn your hair yellow and make it look lifeless.
Use an anti-gray shampoo: Anti-gray shampoos are products specially designed to prevent and reverse gray hair. You can try a product like Shiny Black- Anti-Gray Shampoo. It does not contain any dyes and is effective on all hair colors and types. It contains melanin pigment that helps restore the original hair color. Additionally, it does not contain harsh chemicals that will not harm your hair.
Although gray hair cannot be completely reversed, following a healthy diet, managing stress, and using an anti-gray shampoo can help slow the process. Adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain your natural hair color longer.
