How to Care for Natural Gray Hair, From Strengthening to Styling

Table Of Content

• Option 3: Dye hair fully gray.
• Prevention and reversing premature white hair
• What is the average age to get gray hair?
• Can you prevent grey hair? Experts reveal the reality of grey hair
• Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
• Begin Coloring

Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t try to slow down the graying process. Research has found that many young adults with gray hair may also have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. You can ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin B-12 by eating foods like meats, dairy products, and fortified cereals. New research on silver strands suggests they may not be inevitable after all.

Option 3: Dye hair fully gray.

Chemical hair dyes and hair products, even shampoos, can contribute to premature hair graying. Many of these products contain harmful ingredients that decrease melanin. This one is a given not only for hair health but for our general health as well. There's extensive research that shows smoking is correlated with prematurely graying hair in people of all age groups. Whether or not styling tools factor into your hair care routine, a leave-in serves to repair and protect sapped strands. “Because gray hair is more susceptible to damage, making sure we are strengthening and protecting the hair is imperative,” Rubel explains.

Prevention and reversing premature white hair

“Our bodies will naturally go under more oxidative stress as we age,” Green tells TZR. Going gray is commonly explained as a loss of pigment (aka melanin) in the hair shaft. Typically, this hair has a different feel and texture than its pigmented counterparts. It’s been noted that gray hair is coarser, thinner, and “less manageable” — but there are products to help with this! Consider gray a new stage of life, one that you can learn to embrace in your own way.

What is the average age to get gray hair?

She has authored or co-authored 10 books for consumers about nutrition at all stages of life. Hair graying may occur early in life in tuberous sclerosis complex and is distinct from poliosis. Each person is different, and the age at which someone typically turns gray depends on their genetics and ancestry. For example, light-colored hair in children may get darker as they get older. We’re not exactly sure why this happens, but it may have to do with hormonal changes.

Add these foods to your diet, and you could help stall the process. And to make sure you're really keeping up with your healthy-eating goals, try out these 21 Best Healthy Cooking Hacks of All Time. First, stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes your hair to shed about three times faster than it normally would. If your hair follicles are already generating silver or grey strands, this expedited hair loss/growth cycle can lead to the production of more grey hairs. However, premature greying – when hair whitens earlier than expected — can be a result of several different factors. To learn how to prevent hair from turning grey, it’s a good idea to understand why it happens in the first place.

Can you prevent grey hair? Experts reveal the reality of grey hair

"I tell people to get at least two inches of gray growth to begin with," says Nikki Ferrara, a celebrity hair colorist in NYC. Prof Hsu - who worked on the study - said that this was a serious concern, mainly because the damage from the symptoms of stress is permanent. He said, "The detrimental impact of stress that we discovered was beyond what I imagined. "After just a few days, all of the pigment-regenerating stem cells were lost. Once they're gone, you can't regenerate pigment any more - the damage is permanent." For most people, it doesn't happen until our 40s, 50s, or even 60s, but for some getting grey hair can happen quite young.

Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)

Basically, this is a fancy way of saying that it helps reduce brassiness. These cleansers are ideal for light-colored hair especially if you go gray or white. Overuse of a purple-tinted shampoo can turn your hair muddy, reduce its brightness, and make it look darker according to Hazan. "Hair turns gray when pigment-producing cells slow down and ultimately stop depositing color into the hair shafts as they grow," Rubin explains. It’s possible that lifestyle changes — like smoking cessation and lowering your stress levels — could help prevent premature graying. But research shows that these two lifestyle changes improve other aspects of your health, so they may be worth doing anyway.

There are certain health conditions and lifestyle factors (like smoking and stress) that could contribute to going gray earlier. As of now, there are no effective treatments that can reverse or prevent gray hair. New research shows that gray hair may be reversible to a small extent, but more studies are needed to look into this question further.

Whether you decide to embrace the look or cover it up, getting your first few greys can be a bit unsettling. And if you’re not up for wearing silver strands, can you reverse the trend and prevent grey hair altogether?? How you deal with your grays is entirely personal, whether you choose to embrace them full-on or cover them up. But for those, like me, who are looking to at least delay the process a bit, there are some preventative measures you can take. Studies have shown that lowering oxidative stress levels can be beneficial to those dealing with premature graying, and that doing so can help lower the rate at which new streaks crop up.

But, since it is the most permanent option, we get it if you want to try it. Aside from the time investment of a salon session, there's how long it takes to fully transition to gray hair, which is anywhere from six months to a year, Ferrara says. "Some people won't have the patience, so they choose to color their hair again," she notes. Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith explained that, unfortunately, grey hair is impossible to stop, meaning there's no actual way of preventing it before it sets in.

Read on to find out what you should add to your diet, whether supplements can help, and more. Eating the right nutrients and taking other proactive measures may help preserve existing pigmentation, delaying overall graying. However, you may be able to preserve the rest of your color and delay the inevitable for a bit longer by making a few lifestyle changes. Practicing science-backed ways to relieve stress like yoga or going outside often can be a great way to begin to lessen your stress levels. Elizabeth Ward is a registered dietitian and award-winning nutrition communicator and writer.

Longsworth is partial to Mielle’s acclaimed oil, which boasts an impressive cocktail of castor oil, rosemary, peppermint, biotin, and tea tree oils. Then there’s Oribe’s treatment serum enriched with chia seed, bamboo, plant-based protein, and hyaluronic acid to not only fortify strands but protect against heat up to 450 degrees. The researchers believe that hair must reach a threshold before it turns grey. If you are in your 30s and 40s – when hair is near that threshold based on your age and genetics – stress can push your hair over that threshold and cause it to turn grey. If you remove the stressor, you may see your hair transition back to its natural color. However, you likely need to be biologically near that threshold for the science to hold up.

Instant effective DIY hair oils to stop premature gray hair - The Times of India

Instant effective DIY hair oils to stop premature gray hair.

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

Take inventory of your hair care routine and opt for natural, non-damaging products. Plus, by choosing a hair cleanser that protects your hair and keeps it moisturized, you can ensure it looks healthy even when it begins to grey. While there’s no way to change genetics, the ingredients in Not Today, Grey work together to promote cell turnover, protect against free radicals, fuel melanin production, and improve the protein structure of the hair.

Hair Loss in Women Guide: Causes and Treatment for Thinning Hair and Alopecia

Table Of Content

• Risk factors
• Clinical trials
• action: 'healthbeat'
• Find more top doctors on
• How does stress affect hair?

Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. Male-pattern hair loss is what causes a receding hairline and baldness in men. In women, female-pattern hair loss typically affects the crown or top of the head first, Mirmirani says. Women may notice that their part is becoming wider or that their scalp is more visible. Another cause of rapid hair loss in women and men is anagen effluvium from chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer or certain medications. The hair loss, which can affect the entire body, starts two to three weeks after therapy.

Risk factors

It stops the action of male hormones called androgens. When you start to shed more strands — and fewer or none grow back — the condition is considered alopecia (hair loss). There are several types of hair loss, and it can affect adults of any gender and even children. You may lose hair just on your head or from your body as well.

Clinical trials

See your dermatologist if you notice this type of hair loss. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chances for hair regrowth. She also warns that women with androgenetic alopecia should not use testosterone or androgen precursors such as DHEA. Depending on what’s causing your hair loss, it may be temporary or permanent.

action: 'healthbeat'

Doctors sometimes prescribe other treatments off-label to reduce the incidence of hair loss in women. Otherwise known as Aldactone, spironolactone works to treat hair loss by acting on hormones. Specifically, it binds to androgen receptors and decreases the body’s processing of testosterone. Another cause of hair loss is called telogen effluvium (TE), which is typically temporary. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), TE isn’t actually defined as “hair loss,” but rather as excessive hair shedding. Androgenetic alopecia can occur at any age after puberty, but it’s most common in postmenopausal women.

This Is How Much Hair Loss Is Normal—and What's Not, According to Experts - Prevention Magazine

This Is How Much Hair Loss Is Normal—and What's Not, According to Experts.

Posted: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Androgens are sex hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction. Over time, these hormones cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, new hair no longer grows in those areas, leading to the appearance of sparse or thinning hair. Ironically, you may simultaneously develop more hair on other areas of the body, such as the face or chin.

For women who are experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), talk with your doctor about early treatment to avoid significant permanent baldness. Yael Halaas, MD, addresses thinning hair in patients with a couple of today's latest options. Not all researchers agree that spironolactone works, and the FDA has not endorsed it as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, the medication has still been used off-label for years to treat hair loss in women. More research is needed before definitive claims can be made regarding its effectiveness. While men tend to notice balding as a receding hairline and specific bald spots, women’s hair loss appears more as overall thinning or a widening of the part at the top of your head.

What blood tests should I get at my annual physical, and what do they mean?

Let your hair air dry for a while before you use the dryer. Special cosmetics can disguise parts of your scalp that show. If you’re not getting enough of one or more of these, you can have noticeable hair loss.

How does stress affect hair?

Wear a hat, scarf or other head covering when you’re in the sun, and apply sunscreen daily. Losing your hair — whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent — can be emotionally difficult for many people. Some types of hair loss can eventually lead to baldness.

How does female hair loss differ from male hair loss?

Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. Hair usually regrows when your hormones get back to normal. Your hair can regain its usual fullness 6 to 9 months after childbirth. It usually happens when you're in your late 50s or 60s.

Thankfully, Dr Bhavini Shah from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has explained eight potential reasons why your hair may be falling out or thinning over time. TE is typically reversible and often resolves 6–8 months after your body readjusts or the trigger is gone. You can sometimes identify TE by looking at the strand.

You can prevent hair loss caused by chemical hair treatments by not using them. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any form of treatment for hair loss. Some types of treatment aren’t safe to use if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or going through menopause. “Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by prolonged pulling or tension on the hair follicles. This often happens when hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or extensions are worn regularly. It can affect people of any age and may come and go unpredictably.

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

Table Of Content

• Can stress cause gray hair?
• Get enough vitamins
• Allure Daily Beauty Blast
• Keep a Balanced Scalp
• By the time you’re 50, your hair may be 50 percent gray

Your hair might dry much quicker, and you might feel that it is much thicker, holding styles better and longer. That being said, you should also focus on keeping your hair very moisturized from roots to ends. Rubin advises steering clear of sulfates, especially for those with silver hair.

Gray Hair Reversal Serums: Do They Work? - TODAY

Gray Hair Reversal Serums: Do They Work?.

Posted: Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Can stress cause gray hair?

There are two main types of melanin — eumelanin and pheomelanin. Your hair color depends on how much and what types of melanin you have in your hair follicles, which is determined mainly by your genes. Certain illnesses like autoimmune, metabolic, and thyroid disorders can cause premature gray hair, so it's important to check in with your doctor often.

Get enough vitamins

Below are some commonly asked questions about gray or white hair. One study concluded that stress induces the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, which depletes the stem cells that give hair its color. Premature graying in white people can start as early as 20 years old, while a person can be as young as 25 years old among Asian people and 30 years old in African-American populations, according to a 2013 study. Whether you decide to embrace your grays or cover them up, just know you've got options.

Allure Daily Beauty Blast

This damage then stunts the pigment-producing cells, leading to less melanin being produced. "Given the impact of stress, it is possible that stress management may at least delay graying," Farber says. Leake says the most sustainable way to cover gray hair long term is to consider a blending plan. "When my brunette clients start getting gray around the face, instead of coloring the grays I recommend doing a face frame of highlights," she says.

Lack of certain nutrients has been found to play major roles in premature graying. According to one study, low ferritin, calcium, and vitamin D-3 all affect graying, while another study concluded that low copper, zinc, and iron advance premature graying. Smoking, on the other hand, has been found to have a significant relationship with developing gray hair before the age of 30, according to a 2013 study. The following natural remedies may offer an alternative to slow down hair-whitening without harming the body or causing further hair pigment damage. According to a 2017 study, there is a strong family history and genetic component to premature hair graying.

Since they are so new, the experts couldn’t comment on whether or not they think taking these supplements would be an effective approach, but it’s an option worth exploring. Going grey is caused by a lack of melanin, which is what gives your hair its colour. Researchers behind a study, published in Nature, found that stem cells that control skin and hair colour became damaged after intense stress. They tested mice and found that stressed black mice turned white within a few weeks. For cleansing silver hair, clarifying shampoo is your new bestie. “To keep gray hair healthy, only use gentle clarifying shampoos and avoid sulfates which are especially drying for gray and curly hair,” says Longsworth.

Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff: How to Tell the Difference (With Pictures)

Scientists Think They’ve Found a Way To Reverse Gray Hair, but There Are a Few Things Dermatologists Want You To Know - Well+Good

Scientists Think They’ve Found a Way To Reverse Gray Hair, but There Are a Few Things Dermatologists Want You To Know.

Posted: Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Many natural home remedies for gray hair are promoted by advocates of natural healing. Among other negatives, smoking can damage and shrink hair follicles. Research also suggests that biotin deficiency may play a role in premature graying. Talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider before taking any of the following supplements. These professionals can help determine whether you’re truly deficient in these nutrients and advise you on any next steps. You can get vitamin D from moderate sun exposure, and it’s also in foods that include eggs, fatty fish, and fortified products.

For any other styling needs, Living Proof’s spray delivers versatile benefits from instant volume to undone texture. “When gray hair is overworked with hot tools, it can become dull and turn a yellowish tone due to the heat so proper protection is a must,” says Rubel. While some of your chosen hair products may already have heat-protecting qualities, a standalone spray could be useful. Both Kenra and Bumble and Bumble’s formulas safeguard against heat up to 450 degrees.

Four-time Best of Beauty winner eSalon's at-home hair dyes are another great option, especially since they're made custom just for you. Hit their website and fill out a questionnaire asking things about your color history, skin tone, hair texture, and more. The brand will use the information to create your perfect hue at, thankfully, a super-affordable price point and deliver it directly to your door. Just be aware that how fast you'll be back in the chair depends on the color you choose. "The darker your hair, the more maintenance it will require because of the contrast between white and brown shades," says Hazan. "This is usually why a lot of women will want to go blonder when they start going gray, but if you’ve got a good colorist and the right products to maintain it, then you should go for whatever color you want."

Vitamin supplements that are available over the counter can also correct deficiencies. Playing around with highlights or lowlights are also a way to transition to all-over gray. "Highlights or lowlights [in a shade that matches the rest of your color] helps to avoid a two-tone look,” says Leppard. They also help to blend in the dueling hues. We're also big fans of Best of Beauty-winning Christophe Robin's color gel, which is formulated for sensitive scalps. Available in four hues, the "direct dyes" goes on easily and last for about five-to-seven washes.

With that being said, a 2006 study claims that by 50 years old, half of people have up to 50 percent grey hair. In this article, we look at some common causes of prematurely white hair, along with ways to slow down or prevent the graying process. "With your first grays, I don’t think it’s that important to change any of your routines," says Hazan, a sentiment echoed by many professional colorists we've spoken to. If you are someone who isn't ready to go full-on silver fox and wants to cover your grays, Hazan suggests the right time to start dyeing them is once your hair is about 30 percent gray. This results in less melanin and pigmentation in the hair, which then appears to be gray or white. If you’re worried because you’ve spotted a few gray hairs, you can make lifestyle changes that can help you keep your original hair color longer.

A lack of vitamin B12, for example, is one of the most common deficiencies linked with premature greying. Low levels of B12 are often seen alongside deficiencies in folic acid and biotin. You may first notice grey hairs at your temples, and then progressively toward the top of your scalp. However, it’s a gradual process, and it can take years –in some cases, more than a decade – to go completely grey. Just like the reasons for graying, when a person starts to go gray depends on that individual. For instance, Caucasians are more likely to experience gray hair younger than Africans or Asians.

The earlier your parents and grandparents went gray, the earlier you will, too. But that doesn't mean there aren't some preventative measures you can take—and we're not just talking about just preemptively dyeing your hair. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent gray hair from happening in the first place, according to the experts. If you're already gray, it's important to take steps to care for your less-pigmented hair. As we age, the texture of our hair can become dry and brittle so it's vital not to slack on the hair care. And if you're graying prematurely, you might want to take a look at your health to make sure a thyroid problem or certain vitamin deficiencies aren't the cause.

What causes hair loss in women?

Table Of Content

• Sudden or Progressive Hair Loss: Who Is At-Risk?
• Hair Loss in Women
• BONUS! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness
• Can medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® decrease your stroke risk?
• How we vet brands and products
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia

Genetics plays a significant role in hair thinning, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). This type of hair loss is often hereditary and can affect both men and women. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also contribute to hair thinning. Androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss commonly called male or female pattern baldness, was only partially understood until the last few decades. But while testosterone is at the core of the balding process, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is now thought to be the main culprit.

Sudden or Progressive Hair Loss: Who Is At-Risk?

If you have healthy hair on the back or side of your head, a doctor can surgically remove hair strands from those areas and graft them into your scalp in a bare area. It’s another expensive treatment that isn’t generally covered by insurance, but it tends to be a long-lasting solution. Some small, limited studies have found that certain supplements and shampoos could be helpful, dermatologists say.

Hair Loss in Women

It leads to cysts on a woman’s ovaries, along with other signs and symptoms, which can include hair loss. Stopping some types of birth control pills can cause a temporary hormonal imbalance. Women who develop a hormonal imbalance can develop thinning hair (or hair loss) on their scalp. The FDA has approved a few laser treatment devices to treat hair loss at home. But we need more studies into their safety and effectiveness for long-term use.

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"The longer you wait, the more likely those hairs are not going to be able to come back," says Dr. Kobets. If you're still unsure what the cause of your hair loss is, talk with your doctor to go over your symptoms. As you get older, you experience hormonal changes that lead to menopausal symptoms that can lead to hair loss.

Top Health Stories Today

Avoid hairstyles like tight buns and braids that pull on your scalp, potentially causing traction alopecia. Here, dermatologists share what you need to know about alopecia, including possible causes, treatment options and what you can do to prevent more hair loss. This illustration shows how follicles are harvested for a hair transplant to treat baldness in a technique called follicular unit extraction (FUE). Hair is shaved in an area on the head and then 1 to 4 hairs are removed.

Hair loss in men and women: Debunking popular myths - TODAY

Hair loss in men and women: Debunking popular myths.

Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

For stress-related telogen effluvium, time is usually the best solution as hair should grow back six to nine months after the excessive shedding occurs. There are many causes for thinning hair, including genetics, medical conditions, medications, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding these factors is important to getting an effective treatment. Seek medical advice based on your symptoms and causes to address thinning hair effectively and regain hair health. According to Dr Shah, female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is common and can occur at any age.

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Premature hair loss may also be related to inflammation. Lavender oil has been used with success by some people with pattern baldness. It’s also backed by animal research from 2016, though human studies are needed to confirm its effects. Lavender is often combined with other oils, such as those made from rosemary and thyme. Consider the following 12 options, but be sure to talk with your doctor first.

They may also order blood tests to rule out an underlying condition. Proteins, fats, and certain vitamins and minerals are important for hair health. Doctors prescribe this drug for males and females between puberty and menopause who have not seen an improvement after using minoxidil. Minoxidil and finasteride have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat androgenetic alopecia.

How will a healthcare provider diagnose hair loss in women?

Your dermatologist might suggest a hair transplant as an option if you're experiencing thinning or balding in a specific area due to male or female pattern baldness. Many people think that hair loss only affects people assigned male at birth (AMAB). However, studies show that more than 50% of people assigned female at birth will experience noticeable hair loss.

If you think you have age-related hair loss, talk to your doctor about treatment early on. Most healthy people lose up to 100 strands of hair per day. As part of your hair’s growth cycle, new strands grow and take the place of the ones you shed. Sudden hair loss can happen for various reasons, including stress, an underlying condition, and some medical treatments. Anyone who notices sudden, unexpected hair loss should seek medical advice. Hair loss can also result from genetic factors, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and several health conditions.

Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men in 2024 - Healthline

Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men in 2024.

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A lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and vitamin D can contribute to hair loss, particularly if you are experiencing an iron deficiency. A variety of treatments have been developed to help regrow hair and thicken existing hair on patients with alopecia, dermatologists say. Their effectiveness largely depends upon what type of alopecia you have and how quickly you start treatment. When it comes to hair loss, you'll find a lot of misinformation. For instance, do you know the signs of hair loss in women?

If you experience pattern balding, seeing a healthcare provider for care and diagnosis is essential. Treatments depend on the underlying cause, and what’s effective varies from person to person. Everything from starting medications to stopping others and starting therapies for contributing diseases can play a role. In men, hair loss is often caused by reactions to the predominant male reproductive hormone, testosterone. Many factors affect these levels, with other diseases or conditions leading to different types of hair loss. Natural hormonal shifts as you age can bring on hair loss.

Whether thinning hair can grow back depends on various factors, including the cause of the thinning, an individual's genetics, and the treatment approaches. A healthcare provider will do a thorough examination and take a detailed history to understand changes in your hair growth. Your provider will also ask about what medications or supplements you currently take. “Bleaching, perming, and extreme hold hair sprays contain harsh chemicals that can cause hair loss by damaging the hair follicles and strands. 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. “A lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and vitamin D can contribute to hair loss, particularly if you are experiencing an iron deficiency.

To help manage stress, it’s important to take some time for yourself, whether it’s a meditation session or a relaxing hobby you enjoy. You may also consider talking with a therapist if you’re having a difficult time with chronic stress. While you may have heard of the negative effects of smoking throughout the entire body (including your skin), smoking has also been linked to hair loss. Scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the face and neck are possible side effects.