Thursday, May 2, 2024

How to Color Gray Hair and Make It Last

how to prevent gray hair

She loves to practice what she preaches in her everyday life with copious amounts of herbal tea, Pilates, and hyaluronic acid. Knight & Wilson hair expert Scott Cornwall says that hair styling products could have a similar effect. As a final step, a drop of hair oil can remedy dry, brittle strands by locking in moisture. Delicately slather on Davines OI Oil to add shine and softness to wet or dry hair without weighing it down, especially if hair is feeling extra coarse. Bread Beauty Supply’s elixir is a solid choice, too, powered by Kakadu plum for unmatched shine and hydration.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Gray Hair

Epidemiological and investigative study of premature graying of hair in higher secondary and pre-university school children. The study involved a small number of people, and the changes in hair color were subtle and only seen with a high-resolution scanner. But they provide evidence that turning gray may not be a fixed process. In the study, researchers were able to analyze how individual hair shafts changed over time.

Ways to Prevent Gray Hair, According to Experts

Green points out that due to the fact that graying is almost always the result of natural aging, there’s no real way to completely prevent it. “However, under not so common circumstances, gray hair may be the result of some illnesses such as a vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, vitiligo, and alopecia areata,” she says. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and yes, dry, thinning, and prematurely gray hair. You can keep your B12 levels topped up by consuming lots of eggs, cheese, milk, and chicken. "We know that stress uses up vitamin B, and some studies have shown that taking large doses of certain B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid) have begun to reverse the process of graying in three months," says trichologist Sara Allison. L-tyrosine, on the other hand, is an amino acid naturally found in the body that's responsible for melanin production.

Get Enough of These Vitamins and Minerals

A small 2020 study in the International Journal of Trichology showed increased oxidative stress markers in those who went prematurely gray (defined as before age 30). Smoking, sun exposure, pollution, and certain chemicals, like those found in some hair dyes (ironic, right?). You can’t exactly trigger or stop grey hair growth based on your diet, but eating certain foods can help mitigate the vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can lead to white hairs. Lentils and chickpeas, for example, are good sources of vitamin B9, or folate. Salmon can provide vitamin D, and tuna, trout, and sardines all offer a healthy dose of vitamin B12. In addition, walnuts are an excellent source of copper, which can aid melanin production in your hair.

how to prevent gray hair

In one study, researchers found that, in mice, the response to stress damages DNA which accumulates over time. Although another mouse study has shown a link, there isn’t any scientific evidence on humans that illustrates a direct correlation between stress and gray hair. There are plenty of hair dyes on the market that cover white hair, but many of these contribute to premature graying and may cause allergic reactions. For starters, you want to use a blue or purple-hued shampoo and conditioner several times a month to keep your color strong. “Clarifying and purple shampoos can keep the gray or white hair brighter and will also help prevent the yellowing that comes from the sun,” says Leppard. Purple shampoo, in particular, color-corrects warm tones in blonde hair.

Quantitative mapping of human hair greying and reversal in relation to life stress. Or you can ditch the hair dye and opt to gray naturally and gracefully. As Sarchet points out, at-home color results vary more than salon-quality results, so start small. And remember, color is often more visible once it dries, so if you need to start with one layer of product, it could be worth it to wait and check in after 24 hours to see if you have to go back in for round two. Whether you'll be using a spray or a brush applicator, it's always worth it to perform a test run of the product to see how it will apply. Test out your ability to target your grays on a paper towel first.

how to prevent gray hair

Pair Hot Tools With a Heat Protectant

For a more graduated, natural look, if only about 20 to 30 percent of your hair is gray, you can also opt for balayage, which works if you don’t have as many grays. "It will camouflage the gray and make it look like highlights," says Hazan. There are so many options out there, it's no wonder you might have color confusion.

"A healthy diet and lifestyle is not only good for your overall well-being but also for your skin and hair health," says Lain. While the genetic aspect of our hair-graying process is out of our hands (thanks, Mom and Dad), a few simple lifestyle shifts can help you hold on to your hued hair longer, experts say. As hair grows from its follicle, melanocytes add pigment via melanin into the hair cells that contain keratin, the protein that makes up hair, nails and skin. According to a 2023 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers believe the body has a "melanogenic clock" that can slow down or halt this melanocyte activity. This "clock" is controlled by our DNA, but it can be adjusted based on what the environment throws your way.

Do not exceed 350 degrees, and never let the tool remain in one place on the hair for more than a few seconds. I rarely even blow-dry my hair, and when I do, I make sure I never leave the heat blowing in one area for too long. I usually air-dry my hair and create an easy beach wave with a simple styling wand ($169) from The Dry Bar. If you must use a hot tool, it is imperative to use a strong heat protectant before styling with hot tools. I know when I have a great cut, I can wear my gray hair both curly and straight — either way, it looks amazing.

One study found that stress induces the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, which depletes the stem cells that give hair its color. Anyone who has white hair resulting from a vitamin deficiency should consume more foods loaded with those vitamins. Hydrogen peroxide, which is in many hair dyes, is one such harmful chemical. Excessive use of products that bleach hair will also eventually cause it to turn white. There are conflicting research studies on real-life stress, such as that caused by injury, leading to premature graying.

"Reducing oxidative stress on the hair by protecting the scalp from the sun...is advisable," according to Farber. This can be done by wearing scalp sunscreen or protective sun hats. First, you should know that the consensus among scientists and medical professionals is that the root cause of gray hair lies in genetics.

Here are some ways to combat the factors that contribute to graying strands. Gray hair is commonly brittle, so choosing the right products is key, especially if you're coloring your grays. Leake recommends combatting wiry grays with moisturizing serums, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, hair masks, and occasional treatments.

14 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair 2024 to Minimize Brassiness - Allure

14 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair 2024 to Minimize Brassiness.

Posted: Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

My favorite gray hair shampoo is by White Hot Hair, a company based in the UK that was founded by Jane Mayled. It's a soft violet-colored shampoo that tones the hair and brightens it. The Glorious Shampoo ($22) is a white shampoo for daily use that detoxifies the hair and restores shine. I follow that up with the Luminous Conditioner ($22), which is a creamy conditioner that adds extra hydration, radiance, and shine. It may even contribute to premature graying, especially before the age of 30. Certain nutrients can ensure that your hair follicles are producing pigmentation as they should, especially in the case of premature graying.

They showed that stress was linked to hairs turning gray, and when that stress was removed, some color was restored in some parts of the hair. A recent study showed that people who experience psychological stress were more likely to develop gray hair. It’s important to know that the study was pretty small, so we need more research to figure out exactly how this happens.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

How to Prevent Gray Hair: Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

how to prevent gray hair

It's a question of how much coverage you want and how long you want it to last. "The type of dye you use depends on the amount of gray you have," says Hazan. "If 40 percent or more of your head is gray, permanent color is the best option. If it's 30 percent or less, you can use semi-permanent or vegetable dye." “A lot of women get discouraged from going gray, but the texture [grays] give you can actually make your hair routine more exciting.

Advice for Women by Women: Salon Owners Speak Up

“They may help in addressing thinning hair, and while there is no good data to support this, I have my own theories that the use of these shampoos may minimize graying hair,” he says. So, while there are no guarantees, it’s another possible option to explore — just proceed with caution if you have color-treated hair, as this ingredient can potentially strip away dye. We can’t escape the aging process, but preventing free radical damage, correcting vitamin deficiencies, and managing stress levels?

Gray Hair Study: What the Recent Findings Mean - Parade Magazine

Gray Hair Study: What the Recent Findings Mean.

Posted: Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

How to Donate Your Hair to Support People With Hair Loss

Any deficiencies of vitamin B9, B12, biotin, or vitamin D can contribute to premature graying. As for styling, if you have finer hair and want it to look bouncy and healthy, stay away from those thick serums or ultra-thick pomades or creams, because they can just make your hair look flat, and who wants that? Instead, try a light anti-frizz shine spray, to keep things locked down and smooth. Speaking from experience, during my brief foray into grayness, I swear by Alterna’s Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist, which gives your hair a silky sheen without weighing it down at all.

Addressing deficiencies

In addition to helping to regulate thyroid function, taking an L-tyrosine supplement is thought to enhance mood and improve cognitive function, which is why James recommends it for addressing premature graying. “Taking an L-tyrosine supplement will reduce any inflammation, help reduce stress, and has been proven to help with hair loss,” she says. She recommends trying this L-tyrosine supplement from Pure Encapsulations. Getting gray hair is part of the normal aging process, and different people will experience it at different ages.

Regular use of natural remedies may slow down and possibly reverse white hair. But everyone’s hair eventually starts to turn white, and the individual has to decide whether they are comfortable with the white or if they prefer to try and hold back what is a natural aging process. SEEN's shampoo ($29) and conditioner ($29) both contain hemisqualane. For more moisturizing options, Leake recommends the Kerastase Blond Absolu Grey Hair Set ($150), which includes shampoo, conditioner, and heat protection designed to hydrate and protect gray hair. "Moisture is so important in protecting against breakage, and this product delivers," he says.

(And it's just about as divisive as liver.) Even its British manufacturers admit that Marmite — typically spread on hot buttered toast at breakfast—is an acquired taste. But if want to fend off the grays, you may want to give it a try. According to the USDA, yeast extract tops all foods in folic acid content. One small schmear of Marmite (about 4 grams) packs a whopping 100 micrograms of folic acid, or 25% of your recommended daily allowance.

This will ensure that color is deposited to the root and that it will be distributed evenly throughout your hair. There's no hard-and-fast rule about when (or if!) you should stop coloring your hair and go gray; it's ultimately a personal choice. When Aral did decide to go fully gray, her experience both personally and professionally — this scientist has tested a whole lot of hair dye in her years at the GH Institute!

The silk is meant to create less friction, protecting the hair from breakage, unwanted frizz, and fly-aways. While some people celebrate gray hair as a sign of maturity and wisdom, many feel that they look older when their hair starts growing gray and would like the gray to go away for a more youthful appearance. You should address any concerns about premature grays or hair loss with a doctor.

The Causes of Grey Hair

Gray Hair May Be Reversible, New Study Says - Popular Mechanics

Gray Hair May Be Reversible, New Study Says.

Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Oxidative stress causes imbalances when antioxidants are not enough to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, contributing to aging and disease. Just like you polish your silver jewelry, you do the same for your hair. "A good haircut is essential. Precision-shaping paired with deep hydration will save the day," says Marris Ambrose, color director at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa Color in New York City. "There are many options, depending on the amount of gray present and the look you're going for. Possibly paint some white streaks around the face for a stronger statement."

Revlon ColorSilk is free of ammonia, and Madison Reed's Radiant Color Kit, while on the pricier side, is made without ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, and gluten. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Just remember that if a supplement or alternative treatment sounds too good to be true, then that’s probably the case.

how to prevent gray hair

Zinc is a mineral that’s responsible for protecting your cells and DNA from invaders, which is why people often tout it as a cold remedy. The good news is that you can get vitamin B-6 from a variety of different foods, including fish, poultry, potatoes, and non-citrus fruits. If you don’t get enough vitamin B-6, you may develop symptoms like dry hair, cracked lips, and fatigue. You can’t eat keratin, per se, but ensuring that you get enough protein in your diet can allow your body to extract amino acids and turn them into keratin. You may have heard about keratin treatments for hair straightening and smoothing, but internal keratin can also affect your overall hair health.

The reality is that going gray, like aging, is natural and inevitable, and for some, it can begin earlier than you might expect. In fact, while most people begin to gray between their mid-30s and 40s, it’s possible for others to start at just 20-years-old. With the right diagnosis and treatments, white hair progression can be stopped and reversed in some instances. You also want to make sure your daily (or go-to, if you’re not a daily washer) shampoo is hydrating and full of antioxidants to keep those grays looking bright and fresh. One of our favorites is the Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo, which zaps brassiness and boosts your silver tones. Or try L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo, which gets rid of any unwanted yellow tones that can pop up in gray hair.

It's basically like an eye shadow (which will also work if you're in a pinch). If you've never lightened your hair before, you could find yourself in the salon for an unexpected length of time during the gray transitioning coloring process. "I spent a total of seven hours in the salon and really saw how intensive the process was," Aral explains.

Since gray hair is also dry, it's best to avoid heat when styling. Before you get too bent out of shape, though, there is a silver lining. Although gray hair can be the consequence of age, genetics, and stress, vitamins, and minerals you're not getting enough of can hasten graying.

If you’ve been grey for many years, reducing stress probably won’t have an impact on your hair color. She recommends the B Hair supplement by Hair Clinic (which can be ordered through her salon), since it also contains folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium in addition to B12 and B6. “All of these will nourish the hair root, increase density in the hair shaft, have a calming effect on your sympathetic nervous system along with boosting growth and preventing loss,” she says. Additionally, she recommends this B-Complex by Pure Encapsulations. Melanin helps protect hair against free radicals such as UV rays.

The daily vitamin B-12 recommendation for most adults is 2.4 mcg. The daily recommendation for most adults is 1.3 milligrams (mg), but older adults and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding require slightly more. However, getting enough vitamin B-5 can ensure that your body is properly converting food into energy. Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are prominent sources of this mineral.

Thinning Hair: Causes, Treatment, Vitamins, and More

women's hair thinning causes

Treatments can help people with certain types of hair loss. For conditions like alopecia areata that may affect children as well as adults, groups can provide emotional support and even help you buy wigs or find other ways to cope. It's typical to lose some hair every day as part of your hair’s usual growth cycle.

Medication

Menopause and hair loss: everything you need to know - Women's Health UK

Menopause and hair loss: everything you need to know.

Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

If you have alopecia, you can help hold onto your tresses by avoiding behaviors that are known to contribute to temporary and permanent hair loss, Mirmirani says. While alopecia doesn’t typically affect your physical health, the emotional and psychological distress it can cause are very real. If thin areas are easy to spot, consider a weave, a hairpiece, a scarf, or a hat. Good-quality wigs are more comfortable than ever -- and they rarely have bad hair days. If hair loss affects your job or social life or makes you not want to leave the house, talk with a counselor. Certainly when those testosterone levels rise, DHT is even more of a problem.

stress

women's hair thinning causes

There are several misconceptions about this type of hair loss, so let’s dig into them more closely here. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. A number of home remedies may improve hair growth, although not all of them have scientific backing. If your hair loss is due to a medical condition, the cost of a wig might be covered by insurance.

Nutrafol Women's Hair Growth Supplement

women's hair thinning causes

Affecting men and women, alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This autoimmune disorder typically causes round, bald patches. In addition, skin disorders, such as psoriasis, can spread to the scalp, affecting hair growth. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medication (the type you apply to your scalp) approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss.

Special Health Reports

While you can take steps to slow this process, the physical changes in your body make it difficult to stop losing hair entirely. The earlier you treat hair loss, the better the outcome. Dietary factors and nutrition can also play a role in male hair loss. For men, deficiencies in zinc, niacin, and protein and excess intake of vitamins A and E have been linked with male pattern baldness and other types of hair loss. As in women, hair loss in men can be a natural result of changes in the body due to aging. Healthcare providers refer to age-related hair loss as "senescent alopecia," which differs from male pattern hair loss.

Diet

The advertisements for the treatment of balding and hair loss in men can’t be missed. These ads might lead one to believe that hair loss is generally an issue affecting men. However, the fact is that as many as two-thirds of all women experience hair loss at some point. During a hair transplant procedure, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon removes hair from a part of the head that has hair and transplants it to a bald spot. Each patch of hair has one to several hairs (micrografts and minigrafts). Sometimes a larger strip of skin containing multiple hair groupings is taken.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with hair loss?

A general practitioner has revealed the eight reasons why your hair may thinning over time as it can be linked to a women's immune system or even your diet. With new techniques, many women benefit from hair transplantation surgery. But there are risks, including infection or shock that can cause hair to fall out of the transplanted areas. It can be helpful to keep a hair diary to track any changes you notice or symptoms you experience and to look for patterns. In addition, a healthcare provider might recommend forms of light therapy like using the HairMax Lasercomb®.

10 habits for good health

If your hair loss is caused by an underlying disease, treatment for that disease will be necessary. If a certain medication is causing the hair loss, your doctor may advise you to stop using it for a few months. Male-pattern baldness typically appears first at the hairline or top of the head. Shampoos for thinning hair or hair loss also contain vitamins and amino acids to promote a healthier scalp.

If you have hair loss due to stress or hormone changes like pregnancy, you may not need treatment. "And then what happens is that density just simply decreases over time. And in extreme form, there can be absence of hair on the crown of the scalp." “Certain chemicals found in shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, and styling products can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in nickel- or quarter-size patches.

Triggers range from medical conditions -- as many as to stress and lifestyle factors, like what you eat. As a starting point, hair loss experts suggest you get tested for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances. Chemotherapy, certain other drugs and radiation treatments can prompt hair loss, mainly in the growth phase. It is typically temporary (unless the follicles are damaged). With some types of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia, the changes to the hair are permanent.

Some treatments and home remedies can help improve the hair’s strength and overall health. In most cases, thinning hair does not result from overall health issues. If a person is concerned about hair loss or if it affects their mental well-being, they may wish to consult a doctor. After 6 months, both the participants applying rosemary oil and those applying topical minoxidil experienced significant hair growth.

And while the signs might not be as obvious as in men, about 55% of women experience some hair loss by the time they're 70. Treatments to prevent or stop it can help many women who are losing their hair. “While not all women experience hair loss during menopause, those who do may find it distressing.

That’s because high hormone levels keep resting hairs from falling out. But after the baby comes, things go back to normal and those strands will fall out quickly. It could take up to 2 years for your locks to return to normal. Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Scientists now believe that it's not the amount of circulating testosterone that's the problem but the level of DHT binding to receptors in scalp follicles. DHT shrinks hair follicles, making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.

Pictures: Thinning Hair & Hair Loss in Women

women's hair thinning causes

Some women may even notice hair growth changes after going off hormonal birth control pills. Hormonal changes of any kind, particularly falling estrogen levels, can temporarily disrupt the hair life cycle. Women may experience hair loss during menopause due to reduced production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55.

Hair Loss Trigger: Thyroid Problems

That's why seeing your hair suddenly becoming thinner (while the amount stray hair left in your hairbrush only builds up) can be alarming for even the calmest of people. A hair transplant is usually not covered by insurance. The cost (often thousands of dollars) is prohibitive for most people. In one study of 166 participants, 42% experienced mild improvement and 31% reported increased hair thickness while taking spironolactone.

Try essential oils

Alopecia areata affects up to 6.8 million people in the U.S. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Omega-6, on the other hand, is important for overall skin health, which might benefit the scalp. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids.

What can I do to slow or reverse thinning hair?

“Your body’s immune system is attacking the hairs,” Brodell says. But consult your doctor before you start to worry; thinning hair is often reversible, Dr. Simpson says. In women, this can be brought on by the physical shock of giving birth, emotional distress, mental illness, surgery, or certain diseases. Yes, treating the thyroid disease can reverse the hair loss.

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Unwanted changes to your appearance can influence your self-esteem and social life. Some people find comfort in talking with a mental health professional if their hair loss causes discomfort. Others may find relief in changing their hairstyle or wearing a wig. See a dermatologist as soon as possible when you notice hair loss. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it’ll be.

women's hair thinning causes

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal: Normal Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss - Women's Health

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal: Normal Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss.

Posted: Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It’s common to lose 50–100 hairs per day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Any more than this could mean you’re shedding more than you should, which could contribute to overall thinning hair. Constantly pulling on the hair follicles will damage them and lead to "thinning or bald patches" - especially where the hair is pulled too tightly, such as the hairline.

women's hair thinning causes

Below, we discuss how hair loss differs in men and women, common causes of female pattern hair loss, and how to stop it. Testosterone levels in some men drop by 10% each decade after age 30. Women's hormone levels decline as menopause approaches and drop sharply during menopause and beyond. The most common cause of male and female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary pattern balding.

Hair Loss

But if you start to lose your hair, it can really freak you out. “Give your doctor a full hair history — when the thinning began, where and how extensive the thinning is, and any relevant symptoms,” she says. Yes, hair tends to regrow when you are no longer exposed to the poison. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. It's most often temporary, but sometimes it can last for months or years.

Can hair loss in women be prevented?

Your hair could thin all over, with the greatest loss along the center of the scalp. For androgenetic alopecia, your healthcare provider may indicate topical medications to help prevent further hair loss. Rogaine (minoxidil) formulations are effective for female and male pattern hair loss. You apply this solution indefinitely, as results go away if you stop.

Linked to the activity of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, up to 50% of male adults experience some form of this by age 50. Certain hairstyles can stress the hair follicles, leading to a form of hair loss called traction alopecia. While anyone can be affected, this issue is common in women who wear braids, tight pony tales, or corn rows. Over time, traction alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss. Losing hair follicles is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. In their final, full-grown phase—the telogen phase—hair follicles stay dormant for up to three months, falling off when new hair starts to grow.

The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss (FPHL). This affects about 30 million people in the United States. “During menopause, hormonal changes, specifically a decrease in oestrogen levels, can affect hair growth cycles. This often leads to thinning of the hair, particularly at the crown and along the parting line.

Hair loss from any cause can be emotionally challenging. Talk to your healthcare provider about what may be causing your hair loss. In many cases, effective treatments exist that can slow hair loss and help spur new hair growth. And many people find ways to thrive and feel great, no matter how much — or how little — hair they have. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.

Genetics is the most common cause, with others including autoimmune diseases, physical or emotional stress, cancer treatments, and medications. Depending on the underlying cause of hair loss, this condition may or may not be reversible. Some medicines can prevent hair loss or spur growth, making proper diagnosis critical. The cause of your particular form of hair loss will point you toward the right treatment.

But hair loss is quite common in females, affecting more than 50% of women at some point in their lives and approximately 80% of women by age 80. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, which affects about 30 million women in the U.S. Both men and women develop this type of hair loss, which is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. Regardless of whether it develops in a man or women, the medical term is androgenic alopecia.

How to Color Gray Hair and Make It Last

Table Of Content Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Gray Hair Ways to Prevent Gray Hair, According to Experts Get Enough of These Vitamins and Min...