Everyone will eventually get gray hair. Some people's hair will begin changing in their late twenties and early thirties, but others may not experience any transition until later in life. According to medical professionals, the odds of going gray increase by 10% to 20% every decade after turning 30.
As your follicles change color, you will probably notice a change in texture and fragility. Gray hair is more susceptible to damage, so you will need to change haircare practices to improve the health and quality of your hair. Stylists and dermatologists explain that there are several things you need to do to care for gray or graying hair.
1. Nourish Your Hair
As hair follicles turn gray, they can become thinner with shorter lifespans, meaning graying can cause greater hair loss. Losing pigment cells and melanin can weaken the cuticle layer, weakening the follicles and increasing the risks of loss.
The best way to combat loss is with proper nutrition. Supplementing even a healthy diet with extra vitamins and minerals can help stimulate hair growth and health. Talk to your doctor before starting any vitamin or dietary supplement. Taking over-the-counter supplements may affect medications or aggravate specific medical conditions.
2. Invest in Haircare Products
Gray hair is more porous than hair with pigment. The porousness of the hair means it is susceptible to contaminants. When exposed to too many contaminants, gray hair can take on a yellowish hue. Specialized shampoos can help tone the hair, correcting yellowing and providing a shinier hair finish.
When you have gray hair, it is vital to use shampoos, conditioners, and other products aimed at gray hair care. Specialized products will help moisturize and protect the follicles, reducing the likelihood of extensive loss and damage.
3. Protect Against Sun Damage
Another cause of yellowing gray hair is sun damage. The gray hair follicles can burn easily, and the burning will turn the hair a shade of yellow. The sun is strong enough to burn the follicles; once it does, your hair color can take months to recover.
To protect your hair, dermatologists recommend wearing a hat when outdoors. Cover as much of your hair as possible by braiding it and tucking it up and under the hat.
4. Use Satin Pillowcases
Cotton pillowcases can strip away or absorb natural oils in the hair. Since gray hair needs more moisture, invest in a pillowcase upgrade. Satin pillowcases help maintain moisture levels in the hair. Also, satin or silk creates less friction against the hair, meaning less pulling and rubbing, resulting in less breakage. Dermatologists and stylists also recommend tying your hair in a topknot to decrease pulling.
5. Avoid Heated Styling Tools
Because gray hair is fragile and burns easily, avoid using heated styling tools. If you must use heat to style your hair, do not exceed 350° Fahrenheit. Also, do not hover over a single area for too long. If heat is essential to your styling routine, use a heat protection product beforehand.
Gray hair is nothing to fear, and it can be quite beautiful if you care for it. Caring for graying follicles is tricky, and texture changes are often frustrating; however, with patience and the adoption of a new haircare routine, your gray color can add so much to your style and personality.
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