It’s thought that genetics play a role in the tragic degeneration of our once-lustrous hair into limp, gray, lifeless strands. In other words, there is nothing that you can do.
Even if it makes us appear more “distinguished,” there are certain things we can do to accelerate the onset of premature gray hair and other steps we can do to halt the process.
Why Does Hair Go Gray?
Typically, hair goes gray due to a loss of melanin pigment synthesis. Individuals with light-colored hair have phaeomelanin pigment, whereas those with dark hair have eumelanin. These pigments prevent gray or white hair by keeping it red, black, brown, or blonde. Melanocytes are specialized pigment cells that make up the melanin.
Hair turns black or brown when eumelanin levels are high. A black scalp with hair is caused by high levels of eumelanin, brown hair is caused by intermediate levels of eumelanin, and blonde hair is caused by minimal eumelanin. Red hair is caused by pheomelanin predominating when eumelanin is scarce.
How does our hair change as we age?
Melanocyte counts drop and melanin production declines with aging. Hair that has reduced melanocytes lacks pigment and appears silvery-gray. Presently, the appearance of silver on the scalp is a deception caused by light being refracted off the scalp; however, the hair itself cannot be genuinely white.
Near the skin’s terrain, these cells, melanocytes settle at the hair follicle. There is a 30% chance that we will produce less of the specialty pigments we need to maintain our hair color as we get older. It’s been referred to as the melanogenic clock. Although it speeds down as we age, premature graying can also be brought on by other circumstances.
Factors Affecting the Pigmentary Ability
An individual’s “pigmentary potential” can be influenced by a variety of factors, including
- Stress
- Food
- Environmental toxins
- Genetics
- Our body’s amount of antioxidants
Researchers have discovered that individuals who age prematurely have malfunctioning melanocyte stem cells, which are unable to generate sufficient melanocytes.
How to Avoid Premature Graying?
Premature graying can be avoided by changing your genetic expression and enhancing your body’s production of melanocyte cells (MCs). Reducing stress and eating a high-antioxidant diet can help your body produce more MCs. Reducing acidity in the body can be achieved by cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, and refined sugar. Eating more green leafy vegetables and fresh, natural fruit can also help, as can juicing lettuce, carrots, capsicum, and Alfalfa grass.
Give Up Certain Hair Products
Lastly, purging shampoo, conditioner, hair liquids, and hairsprays should be removed from your bathroom if they include harmful substances such as:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Synthetic Colors
- Perfumes
- Triclosan
- Sodium Lauryl sulfate
- Toluene
- Propylene glycol
- Formaldehyde
These are a few harmful ingredients that hair care products may include. All of them harm your general health and cause early graying and hair loss.
The Ultimate Line
Finally, to encourage blood flow through your head and replenish the hair follicle, think about scheduling frequent essential oil massages for your scalp. By following these guidelines, you may prevent premature graying and maintain the youthful and bright appearance of your hair.