Is gray hair a sign of aging? Not always. Some people develop gray hair as early as their 20s. What causes gray hair, how can gray hair be treated, or, conversely, how can it be turned into a fashion statement?
Chances are, at some point in your life, your hair will start to turn gray. You may already be finding gray hairs in hidden corners of your head. Why does some people start going gray in their 20s, while others only go gray in their 50s? And if your hair started going gray at an early age, is there anything you can do to treat it? Find out all this and more in this article.
White Hair - How Does It Happen?
Hair begins to turn white when the color-producing cells stop producing pigment. Hydrogen peroxide sometimes forms naturally in the hair and oxidizes it. White hair usually first appears in the mid-30s, with only a few white hairs initially. By the age of 50, 50% of the population already has a significant amount of gray hair.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific evidence that stress can cause white hair. Experts aren't sure why some people go white relatively early in life, but what is known is that genetics plays a major role.
There are immune and genetic syndromes associated with premature graying. These include Werner syndrome, vitiligo, and alopecia areata – the latter of which causes only colored hairs to fall out, so it can appear as if the hair has turned white overnight. Also, a deficiency in B12 or thyroid problems can lead to premature graying of hair - but in many cases, this phenomenon is reversible if the gray hair is treated.
Hiding white hair: How do you do it?
There are many ways to hide gray or white hair. What are they?
Semi-permanent (wash-out) hair dye: This color stays on the hair for several weeks and is a good option for people who have started to see signs of gray hair.
Shades: Dyeing some of the ends of the hair a lighter color conceals and hides the appearance of gray hair.
Permanent Hair Dye: When 40-45% of your hair has turned gray/white, you can dye it a permanent color. Some people leave a little gray around their face to create a respectable impression.
Hair Treatment Products: If you don't want to dye your hair but still want to cover up the gray hair somehow, you can use temporary hair dye products (some of which come in spray form) that wash out after washing.
Gray Hair and Hair Styling: The White Look Is a Winner
Today, more and more young women, businesspeople, and even models are choosing to leave their gray or white hair and not hide it. According to hairstylists and fashion industry experts, the myth that gray hair makes people look older is a myth, nothing more. If you felt young, healthy, active, and energetic before your gray hair appeared, there's no reason to stop feeling that way even if you start to gray.
Here are some tips to help you accept and not treat your gray hair, and even turn it into a fashion statement:
If you're used to dyeing your hair, consider stopping and instead opt for a short, sleek haircut. Consult your hairstylist about incorporating colors into your hair that will blur the line between your gray or white hair and the rest of your hair.
Adopt a modern and contemporary hairstyle, such as a bob with prominent ends, or a sleek or curly ponytail.
Take care of your hair. There are shampoos that contain blue pigments that prevent gray hair from developing yellowish tones. Use a hair mask once a month to keep your hair moisturized. Use a hair straightener to make your hair appear smooth and shinier. Gray hair tends to frizz at times, and using a hair straightener helps restore its vitality.
Accept that you don't need to treat your gray hair, and then accept your gray hair with love. It doesn't make you look any less beautiful! Remember that the beauty you display stems largely from how you see yourself, not from your hair color.