Stress is one of the common afflictions that is increasing among the current generation. Various factors trigger stress, including peer pressure, nervousness, anxiety, an unhealthy lifestyle, and so on. As a result, the human nervous system of young adults between the ages of 18-35 is slowly and steadily becoming especially vulnerable to stress, and early gray hair is no exception.
In previous generations, gray hair was considered a sign of old age. But today, medical professionals and experts consider premature gray hair as an early sign of stress, which is why there is an immense increase in products and solutions for gray hair treatment; however, very few provide desired results. So, if you are struggling with a gray hair problem and looking for gray hair prevention, this blog will be of benefit to you.
Why Does Our Hair Turn Gray?
Hair follicles have pigment cells that make melanin, the component that gives hair its natural color. With aging, these cells naturally start to die. New hair strands grow lighter without pigment and take on shades of gray and white. However, several other factors may also cause gray hair problems. These include,
1. Heredity
Genes play a key role in the gray hair problem. Premature gray hair can happen because parents or grandparents also experienced graying at an early age. Since it is impossible to fight internal factors, many people with white or premature gray hair often choose to dye it.
2. Chronic Condition
Chronic conditions can also cause premature gray hair. Chronic conditions occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells. Therefore, in the case of alopecia, the immune system can attack hair and affect pigments.
3. Thyroid
Hormonal changes such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism are also responsible for gray hair problems. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located beneath the neck. It helps control bodily functions, such as metabolism. An imbalance in thyroid health can negatively influence hair color. An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause the body to produce less melanin.
4. Unhealthy Lifestyle
Following an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, greatly affects gray hair problems. Smoking has recently emerged as one of the biggest causes of gray hair. Studies have established a connection between premature gray hair and cigarette smoking. Smoking tightens blood vessels, reducing blood flow to hair follicles and causing hair loss. Additionally, the toxic content of cigarettes can damage hair follicles, further causing premature gray hair.
Does Stress Cause Premature Gray Hair?
Stress does, in fact, lead to premature gray hair. Studies have established a strong connection between gray hair problems and stress in recent years. Consider how this process happens:
Melanocytes are stem cells in the hair follicle at the base of the hair strand. Melanocytes are key cells that determine hair color, producing the pigment melanin. With aging, melanocytes gradually disappear. As a result, when hair starts to grow back from follicles that have lost these cells, it has less pigment and remains so permanently. Stress releases norepinephrine into the follicle. Norepinephrine affects the melanocyte stem cells. It causes them to become pigment cells rapidly and move out of the follicles. New hair turns gray or white without stem cells left to create new pigment cells.
See Alos: 17 Ways to Stimulate Hair Growth for Men
Tips for Gray Hair Prevention
There are effective ways to provide gray hair care that can prove beneficial in the long term.
1. Consume Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining overall health and treating damaged hair. Essential vitamins include B-12 and biotin. Besides B vitamins, and vitamins D, E, and A, minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, and copper are important for hair health.
2. Stop Smoking & Drinking Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes or consuming alcohol is the biggest trigger of gray hair problems. Smoking and drinking can damage and shrink hair follicles.
3. Protect Your Hair from Uv Rays
Exposure to extreme sunlight and harmful UV rays can also cause premature gray hair. Therefore, if you struggle with gray hair problems, make sure to wear a hat or cover your head with a scarf before going out.
4. Avoid Using Harmful Products
One of the biggest issues with the increase in premature gray hair is using harmful and chemical-rich hair styling products that severely damage the follicles. Be sure to avoid using chemical products for bleaching and dying. Doing so is advisable and effective in gray hair care.
5. Use a Wide-Toothed Comb
Begin using a wide-toothed comb when combing so that no harm is done to the follicles.
Besides these tips, limit the use of heat applied to the hair (straightening or curling), and avoid using harsh shampoos, soaps, and excessive washing.
See Also: Hair Care Tips You Need to Know before It’s Too Late
What Turns Hair Gray?
Hair gets its natural color from melanin, which is formed before birth. Hair’s natural color depends upon several factors, such as the distribution, type, and amount of melanin.
Human hair has two pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. These pigments blend to make up colors. Melanin consists of specialized pigment cells called melanocytes. They position themselves at the openings on the surface through which hair grows. Each strand of hair grows from a single follicle. As we age, we are left with fewer pigment cells and less melanin, which makes the hair grayer.
Prevent and Reverse Premature Gray Hair
The following are tips on how to reverse premature gray hair.
- Consume antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
- Start taking vitamins and calcium, especially if you have a deficiency.
- Reduce the intake of alcohol and cigarettes.
- Exercise daily.
Gray Hair Treatment Options at New Jersey Hair Restoration Center
The following are options for gray hair treatment at NJHRC:
- FUE Hair Transplant
- FUT Hair Transplant
- Medical Management
- PRP Procedure
- PepFactor
- Laser Cap
Contact New Jersey Hair Restoration Center to Reverse Premature Gray Hair
Just like our bodies, our hair also goes through the aging phase. As follicles age, they produce less natural color, resulting in less melanin and pigmentation, leading to more grays. So, if you want to remove gray medically, consulting with a professional dermatologist is advisable.
Take your first step and connect with New Jersey Hair Restoration Center, one of the best hair restoration clinics in Freehold, NJ. With advanced technology and expert dermatologists, we are the first choice and most trusted center for gray hair treatment. Book your consultation to speak with our experts.
