Grey hair – The reason why our hair turns grey?

We may all know that grey hairs, like wrinkles, are a visible sign of aging – and be sure to be clear, there is zero, zilch, nada, nothing, wrong with that. It’s just a part of life and also a beautiful part at that. But if you’ve ever wondered just what actually causes hair to change color over time and become grey, you’re not alone… Trichologist Madeleine Preston explained the science reason why your hair turns grey hair, from what triggers it, to whether it can be delayed (should we actually wish to). Here’s all what you need to know.

When do most women hair go grey then?

Many researches have indicated that most women who are in 30 years old should see a few grey hairs, but by the time they get into their 50 most women would expect that more than 50% of their scalp hairs turn grey.

Why do we get grey hair in the first place?

Grey hair is the combination of normally pigmented hairs interspersed with white ones. Hair turns white when the pigmentation cells that is responsible for color (melanin) stop being produced.

Is it possible to slow the rate of grey human hair?

Hair color can be affected by nutritional and hormonal factors as well as stress but, in general, the predisposition to go grey hair earlier or later in life is genetic.

Is grey hair more common in certain people?

Science researches have indicated that grey hair is an inherited trait – if your parents went grey early there is a possibility no doubt that you will too. Caucasians hair seems to go grey earlier and some health conditions also may cause premature greying such as diabetes, pernicious anemia or thyroid problems.

What should we eat to maintain healthy hair?

Our hair consists of protein (keratin) so using rich-protein foods is very important for strong and healthy hair. As we know, foods like eggs and fish are all good sources of first class protein. Proteins consist of amino acids (some essential and some non-essential for us). Essential amino acids are more abundant in animal protein and more easily absorbed, too. The deficiency of iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, B12 and B6 can be a common problem so it’s important to eat foods that contain these vitamins or, if you’re vegetarian, it may be necessary to add them in supplemental form.

If we’re worried, what we should take to combat going grey?

Our suggestion is a multivitamin supplement such as Seven Seas Perfect7. It contains Omega-3s, which prevent your hair from being dry and lifeless as they have a moisturizing effect which can also help reduce itching and flaking dandruff. The supplement also contains copper, which is known for preventing the onset of greying hair by boosting the production of melanin (the pigment that gives hair color).

So can changing our lifestyle improve hair health?

Nowadays hair is really a barometer of our health, any improvements we make to our general wellbeing will be a bonus for our hair. A well-balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates – which contain key essential such as vitamins and minerals – are very great for our hair growth. Because hair is recognized as a non-essential tissue by the body we need to top up our energy levels with proteins and carbohydrates every 4-5 hours. Researches have indicated that the energy available to non-essential tissue such as hair follicles may be reduced after this time. Remember that certain diseases can have an impact on the immune system and may possibly cause deficiencies so it is wise to have blood tests at least once a year through your own GP or private practitioner.

Does ‘massaging your scalp’ actually do any good?

Do you regularly do exercise? Yes, our body needs it and so does our head. Shampooing your hair daily means we are massaging our scalps, which in turn results in a clean, fresh and healthier scalp. Massaging our scalps through needing action means we are adding vital nutrients to the scalp via the blood supply and feeding our follicles.

Here is all the information we want to share with you about grey human hair. If you are interested in the article, follow our website for more beauty tips, news and how-to guides.