Gray hair: causes of early gray hair and how to restore color

Why does gray hair appear?

Gray hair appears when:

• lack of vitamins and nutritional components for hair;
• hereditary predisposition;
• age-related changes in the body (melanin production decreases with age, 74% of people from 45 to 65 years old have gray hair);
• smoking (smokers are 2.5 times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers);
• the use of drugs that suppress melanin production;
• stress, prolonged emotional overstrain.

Why do men and women go gray differently?

- Graying begins differently in men and women - they have different areas that are most susceptible to this process. In men, the temples and beard areas are first affected; gray hair appears earlier and to a greater extent than in women.

In women, graying begins in the parietal-occipital areas and in the hair growth area. Gray hair does not appear in a continuous layer, but sporadically, and subsequently its number increases.

Sometimes in men and some androgynous women, graying as an aging process occurs along with androgenic alopecia, that is, male pattern hair loss.

Does stress cause hair to turn gray?

Hair can turn gray from stress. During nervous overstrain, there is a strong release of adrenaline into the blood, which disrupts the connection of melanin with the protein structure of the hair. As a result, melanin is neutralized or washed away, which leads to the appearance of gray hair.

High levels of stress cause hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's rapid reactions to dangerous events. This leads to accelerated depletion of stem cells, which are responsible for hair color.

Pathogenesis

Hair contains pigments that determine its color. The intensity of hair color depends on their quantity, and their content is individual for each person. Hair pigmentation is determined by melanocytes - special cells. At the hair root, they are located between the cells that form keratin (keratinocytes). Due to chemical reactions, melanocytes produce melanosomes, which contain melanin. Hair color is formed in its roots, and later the natural pigment no longer enters the hair. Thus, regrown hair cannot darken.

The activity of melanocytes decreases with age. Consequently, the hair color also changes. In addition, other mechanisms determine hair graying. Thus, hair follicles produce hydrogen peroxide , which bleaches hair. Provided that the hairs are healthy and strong, the peroxide is destroyed under the influence of an enzyme that is produced in the liver. With age, the production of this enzyme slows down, so hydrogen peroxide acts as a lightener on the hair.

Is it possible to pull out gray hair?

Gray hair should not be pulled out. When pulled out, the follicle (hair root) is damaged, and this disrupts the structure of the new hair. In addition, at the site of the torn hair, a kind of wound is formed, which can become infected. This can lead to dermatological diseases of the scalp.

If you pull out a gray hair, a new one, also gray, will grow in its place. But if there are few gray hairs, they can be carefully cut off at the root. This will quickly and effectively help eliminate the aesthetic defect.

Trichologist: “Gray hair is not a sign of aging”

“A gray hair? Pull him out quickly!” - this is what many people do in the hope of never seeing this unpleasant “surprise” again. The appearance of ashy hair on the temples and in the parting is usually frightening, because gray hair symbolizes old age, and no one wants to grow old... There are often cases when gray hair appears prematurely, and there are reasons for this. Why not only older people, but also young people turn gray, as well as how to stop the process of graying, Cherepovets trichologist Svetlana Vinogradova told the Voice of Cherepovets.

Svetlana Anatolyevna, what is gray hair? Why do ashy hairs appear on my head?

Gray hair is hair that has lost its color. Graying is a physiological factor and usually occurs along with other signs of aging. The process of graying begins from the roots, since the production of coloring substances occurs in the follicle. There are two theories about graying hair.

One of them is associated with a decrease in the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase (tyrosinase catalyzes the synthesis of melanin and other pigments from their precursor tyrosine). As a result, the interaction between melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment, and trichocytes, the direct cells of the hair follicle, is disrupted. This is accompanied by a slowdown in the migration of melanocytes into the hair follicle and a deterioration in microcirculation.

The second theory is related to the accumulation of free radicals and degradation of the antioxidant system of the skin and hair follicle.

At one time there was an autoimmune theory of the appearance of gray hair, which is not without reason. A study has been conducted that has established a link between early graying and certain autoimmune diseases, such as pernicious anemia. In 55% of patients with this disease included in the experimental group, their hair turned gray before the age of 50, while in the control group (people without this disease) this figure was 30%.

Examples of skin diseases of an autoimmune nature are alopecia areata and vitiligo. Gray hair, etc., begins to grow in the affected areas.

What exactly triggers the process of premature graying? There is an opinion that stress is the main cause. Is it so?

If unusually early gray hair is not due to genetics, it is worth looking for the cause within the body. This symptom often indicates:

• kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
• hormonal disorders;
• diseases of the circulatory system;
• metabolic disorders, thyroid dysfunction;
• autoimmune diseases;
• lack of the hormone serotonin.

In addition, graying of hair can be caused by factors such as poor environmental conditions in the region; irrational, unbalanced diet, including extreme diets; prolonged depression, stress; deficiency of vitamins or certain substances (iodine, selenium, iron, zinc); bad habits that provoke hormonal imbalance and early aging of the body; long-term use of certain medications that negatively affect immunity and metabolism (including antibiotics).

Is it true that if you walk in cold or hot weather without a hat, your hair will age and turn gray faster?

According to antioxidant theory, the sun is the main source of UV radiation, even in winter, and the accumulation of free radicals. And this is one of the reasons for the appearance of early gray hair. When exposed to the sun, it is recommended to apply cream with a UV protection factor to your partings and wear hats. During the winter cold, blood circulation worsens. Low temperature, as a stress factor, plays a role in the appearance of gray hair.

Who is more susceptible to gray hair - men or women?

It is difficult to answer this question. But we see gray-haired men more often, since, unlike women, they rarely resort to hair coloring. The earliest thing that happens is the beard and mustache begin to turn grey, which is the “prerogative” of men. And women turn gray later. Dark-haired people begin to go gray earlier, visually it is more noticeable, but fair-haired people turn gray faster.

Many people, when they see a gray hair on their head, immediately pull it out, assuring themselves that gray hair will not appear again. Will this save the situation?

There is no use in pulling out gray hair: it will grow gray again. Moreover, it is harmful. Pulling out gray hair causes a number of unpleasant consequences:

• damage to the hair root (follicle), which disrupts the structure of the new hair;
• ingrown hairs;
• inflammation of the hair follicle and surrounding skin - when pulled out, a wound is formed, which can become infected;
• development of dermatological diseases of the scalp.

Is it possible to return color to gray hair?

Almost impossible, only with the help of coloring. Studies have been conducted with certain chemicals and medications - hair darkens after two to four months of use and turns gray again when treatment is stopped after the same period of time. Paints, toners, and tinted shampoos visually temporarily hide gray hair. They do not solve the problem of silver hair, but only have an aggressive effect on the composition of the hair. Therefore, after dyeing, the hair becomes lifeless and dull. Cosmetic preparations are not a means of restoring pigment.

How to stop early graying?

The quality and adequacy of nutrition is of great importance. Be sure to eat foods rich in calcium, copper, chromium, zinc, iodine, and iron. These are, for example, milk, seaweed, beef, eggs, legumes, mushrooms. Also, beta-carotene (carrots, fish, liver, cabbage), vitamins B (dairy products, walnuts, pork, mackerel), C (bell peppers, citrus fruits, apples, berries), E (found in many nuts), folic acid (broccoli, liver, beans, nuts). Products containing omega acids are also useful: olive oil, salmon, fish oil.

It is believed that a lack of fluid makes it difficult to absorb nutrients, so it can provoke graying of hair. Drink 1.5 - 2 liters of clean water daily. Medical examination and treatment of chronic ailments will help stop gray hair. In addition, you should avoid being in a stressful situation for a long time. To preserve the beauty of your curls and prevent the appearance of gray hair, it is important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits, play sports, and properly care for your hair.

The following will help stop the appearance of gray hair:

* Mesotherapy. Injections using solutions of nutrients (calcium, magnesium, zinc and others).

* Vitamin therapy in the form of taking various vitamin and mineral complexes.

* Physiotherapeutic procedures that stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes of the skin, enhancing the nutrition of hair follicles.

* Darsonvalization (the use of pulsed currents affecting nerve endings, sebaceous glands, small vessels, the nervous system as a whole), laser therapy, ultrasound and other methods.

Diana Bushmanova, newspaper “Voice of Cherepovets”

What are the causes of early graying of hair?

Early gray hair can be caused by:

• genetic characteristics of the body;
• lack of vitamins and nutrients (biotin, vitamins B6, E and D, copper, iron, calcium, zinc, iodine);
• stress.

Premature graying of hair can be one of the signs of diseases:

• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• hypovitaminosis;
• pernicious anemia, which develops with insufficient intake or absorption of vitamin B12 in the body;
• progeria (premature aging);
• albinism (complete or partial absence of melanin pigment in hair, eyes and skin);
• infectious diseases in severe form.

Classification

Depending on the reasons, the following types of graying are distinguished:

• Age-related (physiological) – the process occurs gradually as the body ages.
• Premature (early) – hair changes color early, before age 25.
• Congenital - hereditary absence of pigment, leukotrichia .

Depending on the characteristics of the process, the following forms of graying are determined:

• Focal - only individual skeins or areas turn gray.
• Partial – only individual hairs turn gray.
• Complete – all hair is bleached.

Causes of gray hair in women

The cause of gray hair in women can be hormonal imbalances. In this case, it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist and gynecologist, undergo diagnostics and, if necessary, a course of treatment.

Gray hair in women can appear due to regular use of curls and straightening irons, which cause thermal damage to the hair. Gray hair can also be caused by mechanical damage resulting from constant pinning of hair with hairpins and barrettes, as well as tying it up in a ponytail and braid. Therefore, women are advised to wear their hair loose.

How society's ideas about gray hair are changing

— Recently, there has been a trend towards naturalness in the field of cosmetology and aesthetics: both women and men strive to emphasize natural individuality. As a result, a more tolerant attitude towards gray hair has developed than, for example, in the 20th century, when gray hair was often painted over.

Nowadays, men often do not cover their gray hair at all, and some women consciously choose to wear gray hair. (For example, in 2015, a #grannyhair flash mob was launched on Instagram, in which girls deliberately dyed their hair silver - note from Papers .)

A large number of products for covering gray hair continue to appear on the market - this is a whole industry for cosmetic companies. At the same time, they are improving their products: they began to introduce conditioners that restore masks after dyeing, and add nutrients to the paint composition for a more gentle dyeing process.

Can gray hair go away?

It is impossible to restore the natural color of gray hair. In place of a gray hair, another gray hair always grows. But it is quite possible to prevent further development of gray hair. To do this, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• add foods rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium and protein to your diet;
• avoid mechanical and thermal damage to hair;
• use natural hair care products;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• Avoid stressful situations and nervous tension.

Symptoms

If men or women experience early gray hair, then the hair that loses pigment differs not only in color, but also in structure. They become less elastic and durable, and are more susceptible to negative influences (ultraviolet radiation, etc.).

The structure of gray hair is rough, it is dry, brittle and less vibrant in appearance. Sometimes they get tangled and curled. Very often, early gray hair appears at the temples.

If, at a mature or young age, hair loses most of its pigment, its color becomes ash-gray. If all melanin is lost, they turn completely white. Smokers' gray hair may have a yellowish tint. The darker the initial color of the hair, the more changes occur to it after graying.

What to do if gray hair appears?

Dyeing will help get rid of gray hair. The most harmless paints are those of plant origin (henna, basma). If gray hair appears only in a few places, you can do partial coloring (highlighting, shatush) in ashy tones.

Gray hair can be covered with washable mascara or sprays to disguise gray roots. Tinted shampoo will also help solve the problem of gray hair. If these methods of solving the problem are not enough, chemical paints, the range of which is quite diverse, will come to the rescue.

To prevent the appearance of new gray hair, you can also use folk remedies. An alcohol tincture of red pepper, which can be bought at a pharmacy, helps stop the graying process and strengthen the follicles. It is recommended to rub the tincture into the scalp for a week.

A vitamin mask made from lemon juice and carrot juice will also help prevent the spread of gray hair. To make a mask, you need to mix lemon and carrot juice (1 tablespoon each) and rub the resulting mixture into the scalp. You need to keep the mask for 30 minutes, then you can wash it off. The procedure should be repeated regularly.

To prevent further graying, you can use mesotherapy, which is more effective than paints and folk remedies. During mesotherapy, vitamin cocktails and nutritional components are introduced into the scalp.

The benefits of mesotherapy include:

• long-term effect of the procedure (lasts up to 1.5 years);
• introduction of active substances directly into the affected area (scalp), due to which vitamin cocktails penetrate deep into the skin and intensively nourish hair follicles;
• acceleration of hair growth;
• improving blood circulation in the scalp;
• rapid effectiveness (the results of mesotherapy are noticeable within a month after the start of the course of treatment).

Gray hair can be not only a cosmetic defect, but also a sign of various diseases. Therefore, when gray hair appears, you need to think about the state of your health and consult a doctor who will help identify and neutralize its cause.

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Article rating:

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Author: Kaspruk Elena Aleksandrovna

Dermatovenerologist. Highest category. Work experience 28 years.

Treatment with folk remedies

You can also try to stop active graying using traditional methods. They must be used periodically, but it is better to first consult with your doctor about the advisability of such procedures.

• Product with essential oils . Mix 40 ml thyme oil and 70 ml sesame oil. Leave for 20-30 days. Use for masks - rub into curls, leave for 15 minutes and rinse. Carry out the procedure every other day for a month. It is also recommended to add rosemary oil to shampoo in the proportion of 3 drops of oil per 1 tbsp. l. shampoo.
• Pollen mask . Mix 1 tsp. bee pollen and 4 tbsp. l. jojoba oil and distribute the mixture onto damp hair. Leave for 20 minutes, covered with a plastic bag and a towel on top. Rinse with water. Carry out once every three days for three weeks.
• Red pepper infusion . Pour 6 pods of red pepper into 0.5 liters of vodka and leave for 3-4 days. Rub the solution into the scalp, performing the procedure 2-3 times a week for two weeks.
• Ginseng infusion . To prepare the infusion, pour 1 tsp. ginseng root 0.5 liters of vodka. Leave in a dark place for several weeks. Drink 1 tbsp. l. infusion in the morning on an empty stomach for three weeks.
• Dill tincture . Mix 2 tbsp. l. dill root and 2 tbsp. l. dill seeds, pour 1 liter of water. Boil until half the water has evaporated. After three hours, strain and rub into the scalp. Carry out the procedure every other day for two months.

Diet

Hair diet

• Efficacy: therapeutic effect after a month
• Timeframe: At least 6 months
• Cost of products: 1600-1700 rubles. in Week

To prevent early graying, it is important to eat nutritiously, nutritiously and eat foods high in nutrients. It is very important to prevent deficiency of vitamins B, C, copper, iron, iodine.

It is recommended to include the following products in the menu:

• Meat, eggs, whole grain bread, legumes, fish, carrots contain B vitamins.
• Brown rice, liver, milk - contain vitamin H.
• Seafood, seeds, green vegetables, sea fish - contain Omega-3 .
• Cheese, shrimp, seeds contain zinc.

At the same time, some products can negatively affect the condition of the hair. It is recommended to consume as little of the following foods as possible:

• Salt.
• Sugar.
• Starch.
• Alcohol.
• Fried food.

Prevention

To prevent early graying, you must follow some rules of prevention:

• Eat right, including a sufficient amount of protein foods, foods with fiber and plenty of vitamins in your diet. It is recommended to add iodized salt to your food.
• Undergo periodic examinations with an endocrinologist and trichologist to prevent hormonal disorders.
• Try to avoid stressful situations. Learn to relax. To do this, it is useful to do yoga and learn relaxation techniques.
• Take proper care of your hair. It is important to use high-quality products for this, and make hair masks at least once a week.
• Use a hairdryer less often and wear a hat in hot and cold weather.
• Stop smoking, as this bad habit leads to general intoxication of the body .
• Get enough rest, move more, and do exercises regularly. The more often a person exercises, the more actively the blood will become saturated with oxygen, which will have a positive effect on the state of melanocides.
• Massage your scalp regularly to improve blood flow. You can use a massage comb for this.
• For preventive purposes, carry out cosmetic procedures - mesotherapy, plasma lifting, massage.

How we turn gray

© Science Photo Library

Our body is capable of shutting down certain functions, such as growth, when you have reached a certain maximum that we can handle. This keeps us from growing too tall and our skin from exploding.

It also helps regulate the length of hair on different parts of the body.

Hair turns gray when catalase and hydrogen peroxide produced by hair follicles gradually accumulate. Hair becomes discolored from the inside due to blocking melanin production.

This natural process in the body is associated with both the external environment and your internal state. Your hair may turn gray due to the reasons mentioned above, as well as due to your biological clock and your spiritual awareness.