White hair is often associated with aging; But you can have white hair in your early 20s or 30s due to the loss of hair pigment due to some of the factors mentioned above.
Gray hair is one of the obvious signs of aging. This issue also occurs at a young age, which can have reasons beyond aging. Human hair consists of follicles with pigments called melanin, which may lose their optimal function due to some factors. By reducing the amount of melanin produced in the hair follicle, the possibility of white hair and loss of natural hair color will be high. In general, many factors are involved in white hair, some of which are still unknown to doctors. Stay with us in the rest of this article to learn more about the factors and methods of preventing gray hair.
Factors that cause white hair!
There are many reasons for gray hair, the most important of which is aging, and this reason is known to everyone. With increasing age, the amount of melanin produced in the hair roots decreases, which causes white hair over time. Other important and influential factors in hair whitening are as follows.
genetics
One of the most important factors in causing white hair is genetics. This factor even determines the age of hair graying. Due to the fact that genetics has a special effect on hair graying, it can be said that some people get white hair at the age of less than 20 years.
Hormones
According to research, hormonal balance plays a major role in hair health and preventing premature graying and shedding. Hormonal disorder, especially in women, can be an effective factor in white hair.
Stress
Stress is another important factor in gray hair. Two types of stress cause a decrease in melanin in the hair follicle.
Environmental stress: This type of stress is caused by environmental factors and has a negative effect on the optimal performance of hair pigments.
Oxidative stress: In oxidative stress, the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body is lost. An increase in the amount of free radicals causes various diseases such as skin and hair complications such as white hair.
Lack of vitamins and minerals
The lack of some vitamins and minerals in the body is directly related to premature graying of hair. Vitamin D and group B vitamins as well as minerals such as selenium, copper and iron are effective antioxidants in preventing gray hair.
Peroxide
Hair follicles naturally produce amounts of hydrogen peroxide throughout the year. This substance is placed on the hair shaft over the years and causes them to become white and blonde. Today, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine, is produced in a laboratory and is used in the hair dyeing process.
Diseases
Some underlying diseases also have a high effect on hair whitening. Thyroid, anemia and some autoimmune diseases can cause premature aging syndrome that will be accompanied by white hair.
Chemicals
Some hair cosmetics (hair dyes and shampoos) have a chemical base. These substances can have a negative effect on the hair roots and melanocytes that produce hair pigments in long-term use.
Smoking
Smoking, especially smoking, has a negative effect on the function of hair melanocytes. According to research, people who smoke are more prone to premature graying of hair than other people.
Methods of prevention and treatment of white hair
In general, there is no definitive treatment for gray hair. This applies more to hair that has lost its color due to genetic factors. Treatments for white hair caused by other factors may be suggested, but these treatments will not be 100% effective. You can use methods to prevent gray hair. Among the methods of preventing white hair:
Consumption of antioxidants
As mentioned, the lack of vitamins and minerals cause premature graying of hair. Having a diet containing minerals and vitamins useful for hair plays a significant role in preventing graying of hair. These antioxidants also fight against damaging factors such as free radicals that reduce melanin production.
No smoking
By not using cigarettes and other tobacco products, in addition to paying attention to the overall health of the body, you can take an effective step in preventing premature graying of hair.
Avoiding nervous tension and stress management
Relieving nervous tension and staying away from stressful life can be effective in preventing white hair. The nervous system is all related to the organs of the body, and the smallest problem in this system can affect the functioning of other organs of the body. The function of melanocytes is also highly dependent on nerve cells. According to this point, change your lifestyle and try to manage your stress.
Useful foods to prevent gray
• Fruits and vegetables
• Oil Seeds
• Fish
• Legumes and whole grains
• egg
• dairy
Is using shampoo effective in preventing and treating white hair?
Decisively, the use of all kinds of hair detergents such as shampoos will not have a great effect on the treatment of white hair. Some shampoos with the property of coloring the hair shaft can only be a temporary treatment for white hair. It is worth mentioning that there are strengthening shampoos containing vitamins and mineral salts and some vegetable oils that have a small effect in reducing the graying of hair. These types of shampoos can be introduced as a type of hair prevention product, which has not been fully confirmed by dermatologists and hair specialists. Also, shampoos can eliminate pollution that has a negative effect on the follicle and the amount of melanin produced, and in this way, be a preventive method to reduce white hair.
Be careful, shampoo as a hair wash should have standard and non-harmful ingredients. Triclosan, paraben, dimethazone, ammonium lauryl sulfate, retinyl palmitate are among the chemical compounds that are prohibited in the production of hair shampoo. These compounds can cause damage to follicles and hair pigments and lead to white hair when used for a long time.
Final Words
White hair is often associated with aging; But you can have white hair in your early 20s or 30s due to the loss of hair pigment due to some of the factors mentioned above. Although you cannot completely remove gray hair; But you can try some home remedies and change your diet and lifestyle to prevent further graying and slow down the process.