Gray Hair

Genetics of Gray Hair

Hair really doesn’t change color, instead it loses its natural coloration as the hair follicles age. Because each strand changes at a slightly different rate, there are many different hues of gray, including yellowish, silver, white, and salt-and-pepper variations. As pigments are depleted, the hair gradually lightens and eventually will turn completely white when there are no remaining pigments in any strands. Except in extreme cases where graying is caused by mitigating circumstances, there are no cures or vitamins that can slow or prevent gray from appearing. All body hair, including chest and armpit hair eventually will turn gray.

Going Gray

Most people begin to develop gray hair by their 40s, though both genetics and lifestyle play a part in when colors change. Individuals with very light blonde hair may not appear to lose their color until much later because the change is not so noticeable, while brunettes may see signs of gray much sooner. In general, men tend to develop gray tints sooner than women. The pattern of gray hair also varies greatly: some people first develop gray strands around the temples and hairline, while other individuals will have either uniform color changes or even streaks similar to artificial highlights.

While aging is the primary cause of going gray, there are other conditions that can cause premature graying, such as:

• Excessive stress and emotional turmoil that may affect hormone levels.
• Malnutrition that affects pigment characteristics and production.
• Smoking or other ingestion of excessive chemicals.
• Werner Syndrome, a rare disease that accelerates aging.

While the precise causes of premature graying are unknown, the best solution is to understand the changes the hair undergoes and how to care for it to keep it looking fabulous no matter what shade it is.

Caring for Gray Hair

Brunette with gray strands.

As hair follicles age, they generate hair that is not only lower in pigmentation, but also that is drier and coarser than more youthful hair. To counteract those changes, consider using shampoo and conditioner specially formulated to deeply moisturize hair and keep it soft and supple. Avoid excessive heat treatments such as curling irons and dryers that will further strip moisture away from the hair. Try not to pluck gray strands, because the scalp is not as resilient and the strands may not regrow, resulting in thinner, uneven hair.

As hair loses moisture, it also becomes thinner and limper, with greater possibility of hair loss. Volumizing hair products can help keep hair lively, but take care not to use too many harsh chemicals that can damage already fragile strands. Whenever possible, use natural techniques to care for hair and keep it as gorgeous as possible.

When You Choose to Dye

For many people, the prospect of gray hair is unacceptable, and they choose to dye their hair instead. When seeking to cover gray, it is best to start early – the fewer strands there are to dye, the easier they will be to conceal without anyone’s knowledge, and products for simple dye jobs are easier to use than more stringent color applications. Choose a color one or two shades lighter than your natural hair color so it will more easily blend in with your changing complexion, and additional gray strands will be less noticeable. Once your hair is dyed, use color-specific care products to protect the dye as long as possible without fading.

While many people like the distinguished and sophisticated look gray hair can bring, others dread this very visible sign of aging. By knowing what causes graying and how to care for lighter colored locks, it is possible to have vibrant, healthy hair not matter what its final shade.