2024-03-18 17:00:00
Some international celebrities such as Meryl Streep or Carolina de Monaco have extended the trend of not dyeing their gray hair, considering this predisposition a symbol of style and life. In fact, Queen Letizia is a good representative of this fashion in Spain. The reality, however, is that the majority of people prefer to stop the appearance of white or gray in their hair. In this sense, certain foods and small changes in our routine can prevent and delay the appearance of gray hair and maintain the natural hair color.
Why do gray hair appear?
The appearance of gray hair is a natural process that has to do with aging. There is no pattern or exact age when it comes to the appearance of gray hair, each case is individual and genetics has a considerable influence. There are people with gray hair at the age of 20 and others who, after 50, still retain their natural hair color.
Each hair is made up of cells at the base of the hair follicle called melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin, responsible for the color of hair, skin and eyes. The passage of time causes melanocytes to become less active and, therefore, produce less melanin. One of the consequences is the gradual loss of pigmentation in the hair, causing the appearance of gray hair.
Bad habits that promote the appearance of gray hair
1. Stressful situations. It is advisable to avoid stress as much as possible. A recent research has shown that people with a lot of stress in their daily lives are more likely to have gray hair, it was proven that situations of emotional tension cause a pro-inflammatory state in the body, which causes the release of hydrogen peroxide and free radicals, which It causes a considerable drop in melanin production. In addition to the appearance of gray hair, stress causes hair loss.
Stress can be reduced with will and sacrifice, through practices such as yoga or meditation, ensuring a good rest and avoiding, as far as possible, situations or people that cause us emotional discomfort.
2. Exposing your hair to the sun for too long. We all know that the impact of the sun on our unprotected skin can have fatal consequences; it also happens with our hair. Use thermal protectors, hats or visors and anticipate the possible appearance of gray hair.
3. Smoking, tobacco contains chemical substances that, in addition to accelerating the appearance of gray hair due to the capillary deterioration they cause, age the skin and are highly harmful to health.
4. Excessive use of chemical dyes, dryers and other hair products. We must avoid chemical products as much as possible, since they are very aggressive and end up deteriorating hair quality. Instead, we can use natural products that help prevent hair graying.
Woman dyeing her hair in a hair salonOKSKUKURUZA – Archive
Foods and vitamins that delay gray hair
According to an investigation Published in 1986 by the journal Archives of Dermatology, the lack of vitamin B12 and vitamin B in the diet favors the appearance of gray hair. Although each case is individual, as we warned at the beginning, incorporating foods rich in these vitamins into our diet such as salmon, cereals, pork or walnuts can prevent the appearance of gray hair.
On the other hand, zinc reduces hair loss and gray hair, in addition to protecting hair tissue from external factors. Catalase is a substance from vitamin C, it is responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide, important in the prevention of gray hair and baldness. In addition, vitamin C is a great antioxidant, with all the benefits that this entails for hair health. We can acquire it through potatoes, carrots and oranges, among other foods.
Hair care to delay the appearance of gray hair
Nourishing and massaging the hair with natural masks provides a great vitamin contribution to the hair, which in addition to strengthening it and giving it a better appearance, can be an effective remedy against the appearance of gray hair. The coconut mask is perfect in this sense, it contains fatty acids and amino acids. Another good option is the avocado mask, rich in vitamin E and protein. Economical remedies, since these masks can be made at home with natural ingredients.
References
Hyperactivation of sympathetic nerves drives depletion of melanocyte stem cells (2020) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31969699/
Reversible Hyperpigmentation of Skin and Nails With White Hair due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency (1986) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/547429
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