How Can I Prevent Premature Graying?
As pigmentation cells stop producing the pigment, gray hair is the result. It may also be bleached by the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, a chemical naturally produced in the body. In most cases, graying occurs by the time an individual is 30-years-old. Most people have gray hair by the time they reach 50-years-old.
Premature graying of the hair is not a medical condition. There is no proof to show stress as one of the cause for graying. Some experts suggest that problems of the pituitary and thyroid gland, or vitamin B-12 deficiency may lead to early graying of hair. They are of the opinion that correcting the issue may help in controlling premature graying to a certain extent. Many also believe that inadequate intake of nutrients, use of heating equipment and heredity also may lead to premature graying.
Ways to get rid of your gray hair include:
- Semi-permanent hair coloring – This hair coloring method remains for a few weeks and is a convenient way for covering the gray hair. Color can be chosen in such a way that it blends to give a natural look.
- Highlighting – Few random strands of hair are lightened so that the gray hair blends with the rest of hair.
- Permanent coloring – Permanent coloring of hair is usually recommended for more people with more than 40% to 50% of gray hair.
- Other hair products – A number of other hair products are now available in the market, like spray-on airbrush hair makeup, which might be useful in concealing the color of the hair.
If premature graying is caused by any underlying conditions like thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, early menopause, or vitiligo, treating the medical condition is the most ideal way to control premature graying.
Simple tips to manage premature graying include:
- Short haircut and dyeing
- Weaving highlights and using toners to minimize the transition between the colors
- Giving a sleeker and shinier look to the hair
- Getting a fringe or a new haircut
