The appearance of gray hair does not have to be linked to aging. There are a whole host of factors that can lead to canities. But then what are the causes and how to slow down the early bleaching of the hair?
The appearance of gray hair, also called canities, can be related to aging. However, it is possible to see your hair going gray at any age. Some people see their hair turn white in their twenties and even in their teens. Canities is due to the inactivity of the melanocytes contained in the hair bulb. Hair follicles, where hair is born, hold pigment cells known as melanin. These cells give the hair its color. However, sometimes these hair follicles lose pigment. The cells that synthesize the melanin contained in the hair bulb, the melanocytes, no longer receive enough pigments and this results in white hair. Canities can have several causes that are not necessarily related to aging. This is why it is quite possible to have white hair when you are young.
What are the causes of gray hair?
One of the main causes of canities is heredity. Genes are the predominant factor in determining at what age hair will begin to lose its pigment. In some people, it can start as early as their teenage years, while others will see their very first gray hairs appear much later.
A melanin deficiency is responsible for canities. The production of melanin is linked to nutrition. Thus, the lack of certain nutrients can drop the level of melanin and therefore lead to gray hair. A deficiency in iron, vitamin D, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and selenium can also cause canities.
A hormonal imbalance may also trigger or increase premature hair bleaching. Likewise, certain diseases can cause loss of pigment in the hair, including autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, pernicious anemia, thyroid disease or premature aging syndromes.
Gray hair can be linked to stress. The oxidative load caused by psychological stress can trigger premature bleaching of the hair.
Smoking is believed to be one of the main factors leading to premature hair bleaching. The melanocytes of the hair follicles are damaged by smoking, which leads to canities.
Finally, the use of certain chemicals such as shampoos, soaps and hair dyes can cause hair to bleach.
Can we treat gray hair?
White hair is not inevitable. Sometimes it is even possible to limit their occurrence and reverse the trend. It depends on the cause of your gray hair. If genetics are responsible for canities, it will be difficult to reverse the trend. However, if your gray hair is caused by a health problem, a doctor may refer you to a solution to restore the pigments to the hair. There is also a hormone therapy which consists of restoring the pigmentation of the hair with the help of vitamin B12 injections. There are also natural solutions to limit the appearance of gray hair.
What natural products to limit the appearance of gray hair?
One of the best remedies for slowing down the early bleaching process of hair is coconut oil (organic coconut oil Waam Cosmetics). We apply it pure on the scalp every evening and we cleanse his hair the next morning. Coconut oil is rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, and is widely used in beauty products. It nourishes the hair deeply and thus prevents premature bleaching of the hair.
Unlike other oils, coconut oil penetrates deep into the scalp and binds proteins to the hair. It repairs the hair and makes it healthier, which delays canities.
Coconut oil can be mixed with other natural ingredients to limit or even reverse the hair whitening process. It works wonderfully when combined with lavender or rosemary essential oil (Lavender essential oil A.O.P L'Occitane en Provence) that prevent the early onset of gray hair, while maintaining healthy hair and scalp.
Castor oil (organic castor oil Melvita) contains omega-6 essential fatty acids which improve hair health and promote the creation of pigments in the hair while stimulating blood circulation in the hair follicles. Sesame seed oil (organic virgin sesame vegetable oil Centifolia) restores the activity of melanocytes, which re-boosts the creation of pigments and darkens hair color with regular use.
The amla that we call "Nepalese or Indian currant" (Ayurvedic powder of organic Amla Aroma-zone), which is found in powder form, has regenerating properties and is rich in vitamin C. This antioxidant fights against free radicals, responsible for the signs of aging, and revitalizes the pigment in the hair follicles.
Curry leaves, fenugreek or sage leaves preserve the natural color of the hair and are known to prevent premature bleaching of the hair.
How to cover white hair?
The black tea is very rich in antioxidants, which prevents free radical damage to the hair and therefore its premature bleaching. In addition, it helps to darken the color of the hair while giving it more shine.
The coffee is a dye for the hair that helps to give it a darker shade. As henna (henna coloring Lush) which covers gray hair while sheathing and strengthening the hair.
You can also go to a hairdressing salon to achieve a color that will completely cover the hair and therefore white hair. You can also opt for highlights or a blond sweep to blend the white hair with the rest of the hair by reducing the contrast.
There are also mascaras to hide white hair (tone-on-tone hair mascara to cover white hair K for Shea available on laboutiqueducoiffeur.com) for use on the roots or on white strands.
We can quite naturally assume your white hair by choosing a cut that will highlight your hair and your face. We can even allow ourselves a radical change by betting on a gray or white color. White gray, silver gray or polar blonde or white blonde are particularly trendy today and will brighten your face.