Hair Greying and its control
Hair greying is a natural process often associated with aging, but factors like genetics, stress, and lifestyle choices can boost it. Hair gets its color from melanin, and as we age, melanin production decreases, leading to grey or white hair. Environmental factors, such as oxidative stress, UV exposure, and poor diet, can also fasten hair greying by damaging hair follicles and reducing pigment. While there is no definitive way to stop hair greying entirely, several methods may help slow the process. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins B12, D and E, along with minerals like zinc and copper, supports melanin production. Reducing stress through practices like meditation and regular exercise can also benefit hair health. Some research suggests that antioxidants, such as those found in green tea and certain herbs, may protect against oxidative stress and delay hair greying. Additionally, topical treatments containing catalase and other melanin-boosting ingredients may help preserve natural hair color. Although more research is needed, these lifestyle and dietary changes can support overall hair health and potentially control the progression of hair greying.
Causes for Hair fall can come from various reasons including :
- Genetics: Hereditary conditions, such as androgenic alopecia, are a major cause of hair thinning and balding, especially in men.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and protein weakens hair, causing breakage and hair loss.
- Stress and Lifestyle: High stress levels, inadequate sleep, and poor diet impact hair health, as stress hormones can prematurely shift hair follicles into a shedding phase.
- Environmental Factors: Pollution and harmful chemicals in hair products can damage hair follicles, making hair more brittle and susceptible to breakage.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata, scalp infections, and autoimmune disorders can contribute significantly to hair loss.
- Aggressive Hair Treatments: Frequent dyeing, heat styling, and tight hairstyles strain hair, making it more likely to break and fall out.
Implementing a balanced diet, managing stress, and opting for gentle hair care practices can help control hair fall and improve overall hair health.
Going gray is one of my favorite topics and why I started my blog. I decided to go gray (salt and pepper) at 49. It was quite the feat, from my dark brown hair to gray. “My way” was very unconventional in today’s world. At the time, I was a sales executive with large global clients flying each week across the country. I had to color every three weeks to prevent my gray Cruella Deville line from appearing. Gray hair was not the norm nor readily accepted. I knew I could not transition like many do today, with a line of demarcation. You can see my transition below and read here how I did this in a few months. I did sport the color GRONDE for a bit. The excerpt is I cut all my hair off and had it dyed platinum-white blonde. YIKES. It was scary. My pixie cut (which I had not worn since my Dad cut my hair) was trimmed during my grow-out phase every other week. Luckily, my hair grew very fast, and I was again sporting my shoulder-length hair greying
Today, if you make the decide to go gray, I’m confident that it is a much easier task, and a very personal choice. It is not for everyone, as I know many friends that color their hair into their seventies and eighties. Everyone must do what feels right for them. However, stylists today specialize in gray hair transitions, which can make it so much easier. When asked for help on this topic, this is my suggestion.
Once I jumped to gray and moved beyond the YIKES phase, I fell in love with the ease of no more coloring and honestly felt more real. Since I went gray very young, I was covering up who I truly was and in my opinion, felt a bit fake. That is why I use the phrase, sincerely Silver. I am proud to show my actual color.
So since I have had my silvery strands for quite a few years, I thought it would be helpful to learn more about my maintenance and what I avoid to keep my silvers shiny and sleek.
Water, sun, and heat can bring out yellows in silver and gray hair. I am very careful not to use high heat when blow drying and only medium heat or lower. I always wear a hat when in direct sunlight and any hat will do. I also use a heat protector before styling to ATY, aka, Avoid The Yellows. Pool water and ocean water affect my silver strands, so I always rinse afterward if my hair gets wet. Hard water is also a cause of “the yellows.” That is why I use a filter on both showers to remove the chlorine etc., for my hair and skin. This is the one I use below:
My favorite heat protector sprays:
Between home and our beach house, I use various shampoos and conditioners. I have listed them below:
My silver hair is dry, so I only shampoo every four days or so, depending on workouts I often rinse and let dry naturally for a tousled wavy look between shampoos in the summer. I use these products to achieve my beach hair look.
Stay tuned as my daughter recently introduced me to her sleek hair look, currently my favorite for the summer. It’s been effortless to do after my hand and elbow surgery. I will post about it soon.
Gray hair does not take much work as long as you know the ins and outs. Hopefully, my friends and I have helped you with our tips and tricks. And if you are not following these lovely ladies, I highly suggest you do.
I look forward to your comments and remain your Sincere Silver friend.
