Wellhealthorganic – Know the Causes of White Hair and Easy Ways to Prevent It Naturally
If you’re noticing white strands popping up on your hair, there are a few things you need to know the Causes of White Hair and Easy Ways to Prevent It Naturally. Read more wellhealthorganic.com:know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally
Your hair follicles contain pigment cells (melanocytes) that give your hair its color. Over time, these cells can slow down or stop producing melanin completely, causing your hair to become white.
1. Genetics
White hair is a natural part of aging, but there are ways to prevent it and reverse its progress. Genetics is a huge factor in white hair.
The genes in a person’s DNA control the amount of melanin that’s produced. Melanin is responsible for giving hair its color. Large amounts of eumelanin result in black hair, moderately dense pheomelanin produces brown hair and thinly dispersed eumelanin leads to blond or red hair.
In addition to genetics, there are other factors that can cause your hair to turn white prematurely. For example, stress can accelerate the onset of gray hair.
If you’re looking for a way to prevent your hair from turning white, a diet rich in antioxidants is one of the best bets. Antioxidants can help battle free radicals that can damage your hair and cause a number of problems, including thinning hair, graying and even hair loss.
You can get plenty of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and legumes. You can also eat foods that are brimming with copper, iron and zinc to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Another good source of vitamins B12 and zinc is fish, especially salmon. These nutrients are crucial for healthy hair and skin.
A healthy diet that includes lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains will not only benefit your overall health but will also help keep your hair strong. Make sure to eat enough protein, too.
You’ll also want to avoid sunbathing, which can lead to yellowing of your hair. This can be done by using a sunscreen or wearing a hat. You can also try a hair mask, which will help protect your hair from further damage.
2. Oxidative Stress
The human body is filled with millions of hair follicles that are lined by pigment cells. These cells, called melanocytes, generate the color of your hair by generating a substance known as melanin. As you age, the pigment cells can become damaged or die, resulting in white hair.
Stress can also be a contributing factor to premature graying, according to new research from France. Researchers found that individuals with high levels of stress had a higher number of gray hairs.
However, it isn’t just stress that can cause your hair to turn gray; many other factors can lead to premature white strands, such as environmental damage and genetics. For example, chemical hair dyes and other hair products can strip your skin of its pigments, causing your hair to become white.
Another reason for white hair may be a condition like vitiligo or alopecia, which causes the immune system to attack the pigment cells in your scalp. If this is the case, treating the condition can allow your melanin to return and prevent graying.
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of oxidants and the antioxidant defences that your body has in place to counteract those toxins. Increased levels of oxidants can increase your risk for heart disease and cancer.
The oxidative stress that contributes to premature graying can be reduced with a healthy diet and by consuming more foods rich in antioxidants such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and nuts. You can also try taking vitamin supplements to reduce your oxidative stress and improve your overall health.
3. Hair Dye
Hair dye is a chemical mixture that changes your natural hair color. It involves mixing two pigments called eumelanin and pheomelanin to create the desired color. The chemistry behind this process is complex, but it works by breaking the bonds that hold the eumelanin and pheomelanin molecules together, so they can be easily deposited onto your hair to become new colorants.
The chemical compounds used in hair dye are typically ammonia, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Ammonia helps set off the oxidative reaction that causes the colorants to break their bonds and deposit the new colorant on your hair.
When using a dye, make sure you use a good quality product and follow the directions on the label. Some dyes can cause allergic reactions that can damage your skin and hair, so it’s important to do a patch test before you apply the dye on your entire head.
Choosing the right shade of dye for your hair is also important. Look for colors that are closer to your natural hue. You can also try a lighter shade to reduce the risk of fading over time.
Another way to reduce the risk of white hair is by choosing hair care products that are designed to help protect color-treated hair. These products include shampoos, conditioners, and other treatments that can help prevent the damage caused by frequent use of hair dye.
While some people choose to color their hair as they get older, it’s better for your overall health and appearance to stick with the natural color of your locks. While it may take some time for you to achieve a natural look, you’ll be able to keep your color looking fresh for longer.
4. Sun Damage
Sun exposure can cause a variety of cosmetic and medical problems, including dry skin, suntans, sunburns, actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous red spots), brown spots, freckles, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and changes in collagen. Long-term exposure can also lead to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer.
The good news is that most of the damage caused by the sun can be prevented with proper sunscreen and protection. In fact, most dermatologists recommend that people wear a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 whenever they go outdoors for prolonged periods.
If you notice changes in your skin that are unusual or don’t improve over time, talk to your doctor about your condition. They can help you determine the type of damage and what treatment might be most helpful.
White hair can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, oxidative stress, and exposure to the sun. If your hair turns white because of too much exposure to the sun’s rays, you can try to reverse the problem by protecting your hair from further damage and using a good hair care regimen.
A good way to protect your hair from the sun is by wearing a hat or covering it with a bandana. Another option is to use a wide-brimmed hat that’s made of breathable material, like cotton.
Yellowing of the skin from sun damage is a common occurrence among people with lighter colored skin. This happens because the sun’s UVA and UVB rays cause the outside layer of your skin, called the cuticle, to break down. This process causes the cells that make your skin to lose their integrity, leading to a blotchy appearance.
5. Smoking
White hair is a sign of premature graying, which happens when the melanin (pigment cells) in your hair follicles start to break down. As you age, this process is normal and can be slowed down with a healthy diet and good hair care regimen.
Premature graying of the hair can also be a result of medical conditions, such as thyroid issues and autoimmune diseases. If you have any of these conditions, consult your doctor. They can prescribe medication to help restore your hair color.
Smokers often develop premature white hair because of the effects of nicotine on the body. This includes the damage to arteries and other organs, along with bad breath and increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
If you’re a smoker, quit as soon as you can. It’s better for your health and for your hair.
The chemicals in cigarettes can irritate the skin and cause a lot of inflammation, so it’s a good idea to avoid smoking as much as possible. You can also try meditating to reduce baseline stress levels.
Another important thing you can do to prevent the development of white hair is to use a low-sulfate shampoo. This type of shampoo helps protect your hair from the harsh rays of the sun and prevents pigment loss.
Using a hat or scarf while you are out in the sun is another way to protect your hair from sun damage. You can also incorporate a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet to prevent oxidative stress, which is one of the main causes of premature greying of the hair.
While there are some cases where white hair is simply a part of the natural aging process, many others are caused by a variety of underlying conditions or lifestyle choices. If you notice your white hair is causing a lot of anxiety, it might be time to rethink your approach.
