Thursday, May 2, 2024

How to Prevent Gray Hair: Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

how to prevent gray hair

If you're planning on embracing your grays, know that patience is key. You can't just snap your fingers and get incredible results in minutes, according to experts. "Many people sit in my chair after years of coloring their hair and say ‘OK, I’m ready to go gray,'" says colorist Rita Hazan.

Option 2: Consider removing old hair dye from natural gray strands.

Too much oxidative stress can promote the development of diseases, including the skin-pigment condition vitiligo. Vitiligo may also turn the hair white due to melanin cell death or the loss of cell function. "Permanent color will grow out with a very distinct line, semi-permanent will wash out of your hair and not leave a line, but it doesn’t cover gray as well," says Hazan.

Foods to Prevent Gray Hair

Gray gets a bad rep in a world that’s looking to biohack our way to forever, but a reputation is all it is — and that can be changed. You can rock your grays like a rock star, dye them to wait until more arrive, or even take a closer look at your diet for potential nutritional gaps — because the truth is grays aren’t an overnight occurrence. Indeed, older research shows that smokers are two and a half times more likely to start graying before age 30 than non-smokers.

High-Fiber Swaps for Faster Weight Loss

Smoking has adverse effects on the body and contributes to white hair. Therefore, quitting smoking is advised to prevent new white hairs from forming. Researchers have also found a link between the habit and loss of hair pigmentation.

how to prevent gray hair

Practice better stress management

To pluck or not to pluck: How to properly address gray hairs - CBS News

To pluck or not to pluck: How to properly address gray hairs.

Posted: Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This involves getting your roots lightened, which, in turn, makes gray hairs less noticeable. Tresch also suggests using a gloss or toner like John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss or dpHUE Color Boosting GLOSS+ Deep Conditioning Treatment to easily camouflage sparse gray hairs. If you’ve started noticing gray hairs popping up here and there, don’t panic. First, there’s nothing wrong with going gray, and many people are choosing to rock their gray hair—it’s super stylish these days.

how to prevent gray hair

People who begin to experience “premature” graying, which refers to graying before the age of 30, may be particularly keen to try these preventive actions. Unless you’re willing to dye your hair, you can’t restore hair that’s already gone gray to its former color. What you eat and how you handle your stress can bring on the grays—or help prevent them. Here are five lifestyle shifts to make to help keep your locks gray-free.

Stop smoking

This is your chance to adjust if the product comes out too drippy, and you'll be able to gauge the opacity of the color. Sarchet says that there are ways that people can prepare their hair to better absorb color. For example, she has started educating her clients on shower filters since hair is easily affected by the minerals in the water.

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Offers, new product launches, and styling tips—straight to your inbox. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Silvery hair is gorgeous but if you’re just not ready, here’s what you need to know. For example, seafood, eggs, and meats are good sources of vitamin B12, and milk, salmon, and cheese are excellent sources of vitamin D. Other studies indicate that while stress may play a part, it is only a small part of a bigger picture where disease and other factors contribute. In this case, you can hit your local drugstore and get inexpensive kits that also get the job done.

Some may wash out with your next shampoo, while others will stay put through a few washes. It may take some trial and error, but reading the box and instructions can be your best friend in figuring out which one is best for you. Apple cider vinegar can help restore the pH level of the scalp without stripping hair. The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support.

Scientists have long known that genes determine our hair color -- and when that hair turns gray, it's believed that it's partly due to genetics and partly because our cells produce less and less of the pigment, melanin, as we age. But in a breakthrough new study, scientists have identified the specific gene that determines graying hair -- and this might just help them figure out how to prevent it. Harsh hair products, from hair dyes to shampoos, can contain ingredients that decrease the hair’s natural melanin, such as hydrogen peroxide, which can lead to early greying.

For most of us, grey hair is inevitable – up to 23% of people will have half of their hair turn grey by the time they turn 50. ‘This myth is most likely due the fact that when you see one grey hair and you pull it out, you then start searching for others. Usually there will be more lurking about in the area, and when you find them you’re convinced that the action of plucking made it worse,’ says Jane. Jane adds that the reason behind ensuring your diet contains vitamin B is due to the fact various studies have shown that a lack of the vitamin can turn hair white prematurely. While there’s no way of completely stopping our greys (thanks, mum and dad), we wondered whether there was any way to slow down the process. While we love to champion the beauty of grey hair, for some, the appearance of a rogue silver strand is not on their beauty wish list.

While the age and rate you gray comes down to genetics, there are plenty of natural ways to slow the process. In this article, we break down the best tricks to preserving your hair color and debunk common gray hair myths. It's a natural process that goes along with the privilege of getting older, but that doesn't mean you have to embrace your silver strands just yet. Whether you prefer a dye or a powder, or maybe you're looking for something temporary versus permanent, there's a solution that will feel right for you.

And when it comes to that all important question - should we pluck out our grey hairs? “Gray hair needs more moisture than non-gray hair,” says Longsworth. Aside from the conditioners corresponding to your chosen shampoo, a hydrating mask or deep conditioner can be a thoughtful addition.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

How to Color Gray Hair and Make It Last

how to prevent gray hair

Actually, if you have any health or beauty concerns—gray hair or otherwise—it's important to speak with a medical professional. Physicians, such as board-certified dermatologists, can give insight into the matter and make sure it's not a more serious underlying issue. As for a non-permanent color option, you can choose from application methods such as a touch applicator, spray, or powder. If you prefer a more targeted application, Garnier Express Retouch has a cushion applicator that makes blending easier.

Three Easy (and Low-Maintenance) Ways to Cover Gray Hair

This is your excuse to invest in a luxurious silk or satin pillowcase. The way that you sleep truly does have an impact on the health of your gray hair. I always wear my hair in a topknot secured with a silky hair tie to keep my hair from pulling on my pillow. Secondly, I use a silk pillowcase that protects my hair while I sleep.

Caring for your grays

The best thing you can do is to stay healthy, eat a well-rounded diet, and lower your stress levels as much as possible. If you're struggling with embracing your grays and running through hair dye, this could be good news. Pinpointing the gene, they say, could potentially help scientists discover ways to prevent or slow graying hair in the future. While factors like smoking and some vitamin deficiencies could lead to premature graying, researchers now know that genetics play a big part.

Get Enough Vitamins and Nutrients

In the case of Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., she did a little bit of both. "My roots grew about an inch, and I started noticing the salt-and-pepper pattern of my natural hair and toying with the idea of going gray." Read on to discover the essential steps to make sure your natural grays make the sort of statement you want. Some common recommendations for dealing with grey hair can actually be harmful.

Where Does Gray Hair Appear on the Scalp?

Gray Hair: What You Need to Know about Causes and Possible Prevention - Coveteur

Gray Hair: What You Need to Know about Causes and Possible Prevention.

Posted: Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

And, for this crowd, we have a few tips on the best low-maintenance ways to do it. You’ve probably found a range of home remedies that promise to help darken hair that has turned grey on the internet. Most include ingredients that are designed to act as a natural dye, like black tea, henna, coffee, and potato peels. However, DIY remedies can produce mixed or unexpected results, especially if you already have color in your hair. Often, they will result in a warm red or orange hue, rather than the natural tone you were hoping for. While one stressful event won’t immediately shock your hair completely white, research shows that stress can lead to more greys.

how to prevent gray hair

Since gray hair is missing this pigment-making protein, it means it’s also much more susceptible to UV damage. A recent study points out that without this protection, the UV light melts the cortex, making the hair more brittle and damaged. So just like your skin, you need to protect gray hair against the sun. A simple way is by using a protectant spray like Rene Furterer Solaire Protective Summer Fluid. Environmental and nutritional factors may also be credited for graying, especially premature graying. “Stress, smoking, and an unbalanced diet are a number of the reasons why we may start experiencing premature graying,” explains nutritional expert for Maple Holistics, Caleb Backe.

Can gray hair be reversed?

"Since gray hair tends to be drier and wirier, moisture is essential for keeping it smooth and soft," says dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, the founder of SEEN. "I suggest haircare products that provide extra hydration without leaving the hair feeling heavy or looking flat—and without pore-clogging ingredients, especially in those with acne-prone skin." If you are looking to blend or temporarily cover your gray hair, celebrity stylist Bradley Leake recommends Color Wow Root Cover Up ($35). "I love this product to temporarily cover gray. It’s sweat-proof and waterproof and easily comes right out with a shampoo," he says. "[It] allows you to cover or just blend your hair in the most natural way."

Hairstory - Hats and Hair: Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair?

"It is unclear why, but the biological process that affects the color of the hair likely also affects the structure of the hair being produced as well," says Zeichner. That can be a major positive, especially for those of us whose hair can’t hold a curl or a wave to save our lives. SEEN's haircare line is sulfate-free; Byrdie editors have also had shine-boosting luck with sulfate-free shampoos from NatureLab Tokyo, Alterna Caviar, and Leonor Greyl, among other brands. And while there is freedom in having nothing to hide, sometimes we may need a little help with the transition to gray. If you’re ready to quit, talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider. They can advise you on how best to go about this and connect you to helpful resources.

Gray Hair: Everything You Need to Know About Causes and Hair Care - Allure

Gray Hair: Everything You Need to Know About Causes and Hair Care.

Posted: Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Because smoking can lead to prematurely greying hair, ditching the cigarettes can boost your chances of maintaining your natural hair color for longer. If you want to learn how to stop grey hair naturally, your best bet may be to focus on leading a less stressful life. A study by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons found evidence that grey hair caused by stress can turn back to its original color if the stressor is removed. There are many reasons people experience graying, but a lot of times it simply comes down to natural aging and genetics. This means that it just happens because it’s a commonality within your family genes. Check when your relatives or parents went gray and see if it matches with your timeline.

When you spot your first gray hairs, step away from the tweezers. While it may be tempting to pull out a silver strand or two, doing so can actually get in the way of your gray greatness and make your hair appear thinner. "Plucking, in some cases, can cause inflammation of the root of the hair, leading to damage to the follicle, helping the hair look like it's coming in thinner," says Zeichner.

"Additionally, the Epres Bond Repair Treatment ($48) is an incredibly easy and effective solution that treats and repairs damaged hair, leaving you with healthier, stronger hair." Although your genetics will determine the actual start of graying, once you’re 35 years old, your aging hair follicles are likely to produce a white or gray hair to replace the last hair that died. So far, there are no natural remedies that can slow down the hair-graying process.

Go for highlights or a brass break.If you aren’t majorly gray, getting highlights might be the best option for you. “Colorists can go heavier in those areas [where there’s only a few grays] to really make them look like highlights,” says Tresch. ”This is very low maintenance.” Tresch also says it’s also great if you don’t like the idea of lifting your base color. To keep highlights looking fresh, use color-preserving shampoos and conditioners like the Kenra Color Maintenance Shampoo and the RUSK Sensories Brilliance Color Protection Leave-In Conditioner. Another option for barely-there gray hair is to get a brass break.

Touch up your roots and any problem areas, then finish with an all-over gloss to seal. An at-home option for making the switch to full natural silver is dyeing hair gray. "There is now at-home hair color available in silver and gray shades that can dye pigmented hair gray and make the transition faster and easier," says Wizemann. Similarly, a product dedicated to strengthening pigmented and gray hair types, and even bolstering growth, is one worth investing in.

GP on 'distressing' hair loss condition that can strike at any age

women's hair thinning causes

Both oral and ​topical estrogens are prescribed by physicians to treat hair loss in women, although there are no controlled studies to support this use of estrogen. The body needs nutrients to create new hair strands and maintain healthy hair follicles. Malnutrition, low protein levels, and vitamin deficiencies can increase the risk of hair loss. One example is alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks hair follicles, causing thinning hair and sudden hair loss. Depending on the severity, hair loss may be mild or patchy, or more significant. Research suggests it's effective for about 40% of women with this condition.

women's hair thinning causes

Does Estrogen Affect Hair Loss?

In the most common type of permanent hair loss, only the top of the head is affected. Hair transplant, or restoration surgery, can make the most of the hair you have left. This usually isn't noticeable because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair doesn't replace the hair that has fallen out. Before pursuing hair loss treatment, talk with your doctor about the cause of your hair loss and treatment options. Although it’s common to lose hair throughout the day, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’re losing more than 100 hairs per day.

women's hair thinning causes

Diet And Nutrition

“With scarring hair loss, the goal is not for it to grow back, but to stop the progression,” says Dr. Lenzy. Below, are seven different kinds of alopecia —knowing which one you’re suffering from will help determine the proper treatment. But if your follicles become damaged, the hair loss may be permanent.

Causes of Thinning Hair in Men and Women

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your hormones are always out of whack. Your body makes more male hormones, or androgen, than it should. This can cause extra hair to sprout on your face and body while the hair on your head thins out. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.

OTC medications may help reduce hair loss and promote growth. Other types of hair loss may involve treating the underlying cause. Although reducing your stress levels might seem insurmountable, making sure you’re eating the right things will go a long way to setting a good foundation for optimum hair growth.

Female pattern baldness is largely genetic, affecting hair along the top of a woman’s head. When it comes to effluvium—rapid hair shedding due to physical or emotional stress—treatments focus on finding the underlying cause. If a medication or disease is at the root, treatments focus on those. For anagen effluvium, caused by cancer treatment, there’s some evidence that cooling the scalp during chemotherapy may help preserve hair. But with other types, such as telogen and anagen effluvium, hair loss is reversible.

Why You're Losing More Hair and the New Science to Help Regrow It - Oprah Mag

Why You're Losing More Hair and the New Science to Help Regrow It.

Posted: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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For most people, the lost hair grows back, and you maintain a full head of hair. But illness, hormonal changes, stress, aging and inherited conditions can interfere with your hair’s growth cycle. More hair falls out, but new strands don’t always grow back.

Hair Loss Treatments to Avoid

Chemical hair products and treatments can cause permanent hair damage. Women typically see hair loss related to hair products more often than men. If done improperly and with the wrong products, chemical hair curling, bleaching, relaxation treatments, coloring, or perming can cause hair loss. If you notice hair loss, talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Pregnancy, and especially giving birth, can lead to hair loss. You're most likely to see hair loss about 3 months after giving birth.

Correcting the underlying problem is often all that’s needed to help stop hair loss. Shampoos cannot prevent hair loss or bring hair back, but a moisturizing shampoo can help the hair retain moisture, making it look thicker and fuller. It may also help slow thinning by reducing the risk of breakage. Hair growth may take 6–12 months to improve, but if a person stops using the treatment, hair loss will recur. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a low-level laser device as a treatment for hereditary hair loss in men and women. A few small studies have shown that it improves hair density.

Nearly two-thirds of participants experienced some kind of improvement after 1 year. Those who began the trial with more pronounced hair loss saw the most benefit from the medication. Research indicates that this method may serve as a safe and efficient treatment for hair loss. PRP includes extracting a small portion of your blood, processing it in a machine to separate its the plasma, and injecting the plasma portion into the affected scalp area. It is important to know that androgenetic alopecia typically appears differently in women than men.

9 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth, According to Dermatologists 2024 - Glamour

9 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth, According to Dermatologists 2024.

Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

For this test, they gently pull on a chunk of your hair to see how many strands come out. Your doctor may use a lighted microscope to look for any hair shaft disorders. By Tracee CornforthTracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues. A person should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil.

“This often happens when hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or extensions are worn regularly,” Dr Shah explained. Losing a certain amount of hair everyday is considered normal. It is thought we shed around 50 to 100 hairs naturally throughout the day. Hair tends to regrow on its own when the rubbing stops. Some people pull on their hair, often to relieve stress.

Hair regrowth usually begins within a few months after you finish treatment. Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year.

This is because the receptors that bind to androgens are different in distinctive areas of the body. It ranges from normal hair density to a bald crown, which is rare. The scale helps document female pattern baldness, a condition your doctor might call androgenic alopecia. You probably know it as male pattern baldness, but it affects about 30 million American women. Experts think genes and aging play a role, along with the hormonal changes of menopause.

Also, because hair follicles shrink during this time, your hair might be thinner, fall out easier, and grow more slowly. Fortunately, hair loss in women typically does not result in complete baldness, as is often the case with men. Baldness (androgenic alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss. It affects an estimated 80 million individuals in the U.S. Some studies suggest that rosemary oil could improve scalp health by increasing blood flow. However, research into their effectiveness is lacking.

Hair Loss Causes: Reasons It Happens in Women and Men

women's hair thinning causes

Look for daily supplements for males and females that meet these criteria. Some options are OLLY Heavenly Hair Gummies and HUM Hair Strong Gummies. Thinning hair may be caused by lifestyle habits, genetics, or both.

How to Treat and Regrow Thinning Hair

The hormonal process of testosterone converting to DHT, which then harms hair follicles, happens in both men and women. Under normal conditions, women have a minute fraction of the level of testosterone that men have, but even a lower level can cause DHT- triggered hair loss in women. Dramatic changes in the body can cause temporary hair loss. Giving birth, rapid weight loss, surgery and certain illnesses may cause more hair loss than usual, typically in the resting phase.

women's hair thinning causes

Living with hair loss?

By contrast, scarring alopecia, another autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, is often accompanied by itchiness, tenderness and scaling of the scalp. Scarring alopecia is the most devastating type of hair loss, Mirmirani says, because it permanently destroys the hair follicles. When the ringworm fungus affects your scalp, it triggers a distinct hair loss pattern -- itchy, round bald patches. It’s easy to spread by direct contact, so check your family members for symptoms, too.

Special Health Reports

Vitamins are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in hair health and getting the adequate amount is important. Any type of hair thinning can feel particularly worrying, especially if the reason behind it is unknown, therefore it’s important to understand what might be causing the issue. Dr Bhavini Shah from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor explains eight possible causes of thinning hair in women. Chemoand radiation therapy, two of the most widely used therapies, can take a toll on your hair.

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is sometimes prescribed for people who have thinning hair related to aldosterone production (hyperaldosteronism). While technically a diuretic or “water pill,” that may be prescribed for high blood pressure or edema, Aldactone is an anti-androgen, too. If you’re low in several key areas, your doctor might recommend a daily multivitamin. Healthy hair needs iron, folic acid, and zinc to keep growing thick and strong.

When to talk with a doctor about thinning hair

women's hair thinning causes

Hair loss, or alopecia, affects more than 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women, and the risk increases with age. While most men do not have a problem seeking help for hair loss, women tend to keep it to themselves, often leading to feelings of isolation and depression. They might suggest a short cut, a different part, maybe a gentle body wave. Try a styling product for thin hair to hide bare spots. Apply it to the root area then gently blow dry to build volume.

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Another FDA-approved laser product is the Theradome LH80 PRO® helmet and low-light laser helmets and caps. Your shorter hairs — like eyelashes, arm and leg hair, and eyebrows —have a short anagen phase (about one month). Your scalp hair can last up to six years or even longer.

This procedure doesn't require hospitalization, but it is painful so you'll be given a sedation medicine to ease any discomfort. Possible risks include bleeding, bruising, swelling and infection. You may need more than one surgery to get the effect you want. Hereditary hair loss will eventually progress despite surgery.

Hair Thinning Causes In Women - Women's Health

Hair Thinning Causes In Women.

Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Prevention

Certain medical conditions may also lead to thinning hair. Fortunately, if this is something you're dealing with, you're not alone. More than 50 percent of women will experience hair loss, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and this can be for a variety of reasons. Below, WH speaks with top dermatologists about what hair loss looks like, the common causes, and what to do about it. A 2020 study tracked 79 women taking spironolactone daily (doses ranged from 25–200 mg) for a minimum of 6 months.

With this in mind, one expert spoke with Express.co.uk about some of the causes of thinning hair. However, more serious hair loss can be upsetting for the sufferer and even an indication that something is wrong with your health. A review study published in 2022 found that it significantly increases hair diameter and hair count in patients with several types of alopecia. It typically isn’t covered by insurance, and it can be expensive, Mirmirani says. Generally speaking, the sooner you start treatment, the more options you have and the better your results, dermatologists say. Long, short, bouncy, or sleek, for most women hair is way more than a bundle of fibers.

But, as with multivitamins, there isn’t enough evidence that folic acid is guaranteed to help make your hair thicker. Hair thinning can look different depending on your hair type and the reason behind it. Here are a few examples of what to expect when your hair is thinning.

The 10 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested by Real People - PEOPLE

The 10 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested by Real People.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Early treatment of a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia) might help avoid significant permanent baldness. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it primarily affects older women. Iron, folic acid, and zinc help hair grow thick and strong. Having a deficiency in these vitamins may affect your hair growth. Most people can get the amounts of these vitamins they need by following a balanced diet, but in some cases, a doctor may recommend dietary supplements. Corticosteroids are prescription treatments used for conditions linked to underlying inflammation.

How to Prevent Gray Hair: Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

Table Of Content Option 2: Consider removing old hair dye from natural gray strands. Foods to Prevent Gray Hair High-Fiber Swaps for Faster ...