Premature graying of hair: finding out the causes and taking action

Causes of premature graying

The mechanism for the appearance of age-related and early gray hair is the same. In both cases, this is due to the pigment melanin. It is synthesized in melanocyte cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis and in the hair follicles, and then enters the growing hair shafts. Activation of melanin synthesis occurs under the influence of pituitary hormones (melanocyte-stimulating hormone, ACTH and β-lipotropin), thyroid gland, sex hormones, and mediators of the sympathetic nervous system.

Physiological graying is associated with aging of pigment-producing cells; Early gray hair can be caused by a decrease in the activity of melanocytes or their death. As a result, the hair structure, devoid of pigment, becomes porous, acquiring a silvery-white color.

However, early graying can also be a symptom of certain diseases. For example, these:

• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• vitiligo;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis);
• gastritis with low acidity;
• atherosclerosis.

In addition, premature graying can occur with Werner syndrome and Wardenburg syndrome. Poliosis (local graying of hair) occurs with herpes zoster or X-ray exposure.

Other causes of gray hair:

• Stress. With a strong nervous shock, a large amount of adrenaline enters the blood, disrupting the connection of melanin with the protein structure of the hair, as a result of which the pigment is neutralized. In addition, vascular spasm that nourishes the hair follicles leads to atrophy or death of melanocytes and, consequently, the cessation of the formation of hair coloring pigment.
• Drug therapy. We are talking about treatment methods that affect the regulation of melanin production (chemotherapy, taking medications for Parkinson's disease, etc.).
• Lack of vitamins and microelements. Impaired melanocyte function and premature graying can cause a deficiency of vitamins A, B, C; zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium.
• Heredity. Premature graying may have genetic reasons: if representatives of the older generation in the family have their first colorless strands at a young age, then it is quite possible that children will also inherit this feature.
• Smoking. This is one of the unfavorable factors that can prematurely discolor hair strands.

Anti-aging medicine doctors believe that early gray hair is a direct consequence of the body's inability to cope with oxidative stress.

“Gray hair is clearly associated with oxidative stress, which triggers many pathological processes not only in the hair follicle, but throughout the body. Thus, a change in hair color is the first sign that something is wrong in the body. This is an indicator that antioxidant systems are already working at their limit.

Gray hair is the first sign of aging. And when we see it in young people, it means that they are actively experiencing oxidative stress, and we need to urgently treat it, even if the person feels fine.”

Lela Khutsishvili, dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist, nutritionist and anti-aging medicine doctor.

What affects hair color

Hair grows from the hair root or "follicle". The root is located in the hair follicle in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. The shape of the follicle determines whether the hair will be straight or curly. In addition, it contains cells that are responsible for hair growth and color.

The cells associated with hair color are called melanocytes. They produce the coloring pigment melanin, the type and amount of which determines hair color.

Melanin in hair is divided into two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The number and combination of pigments determine a wide range of hair color. Eumelanin is a dark pigment that is responsible for brown and black hair. Pheomelanin is a reddish pigment that gives ginger and strawberry tones to blonde hair.

Melanocytes pump pigment into the hair shaft, coloring it along its entire length. When the number of cells decreases, melanin production decreases and the hair takes on a silver or white hue.

Eyelashes and eyebrows usually turn gray later than the hair on the scalp.

Characteristics of gray hair

Natural hair color depends on the type of melanin pigment. Blondes have a low concentration of pigments, so their hair appears light. Hair that has lost most of its pigment becomes ash-gray; having lost all melanin - white. Gray hair with a yellowish tint occurs in smokers.

With the disappearance of pigment from the hair, its structure and properties also change. At the same time, the darker the hair was, the more noticeable changes occur when it turns gray. Melanin not only gives the hair a particular shade, but also ensures the strength and elasticity of the hair, protects against ultraviolet radiation and adverse environmental influences.

Gray hair loses its vitality and shine and becomes more vulnerable to external influences. Gray strands have a coarser structure - they become hard, dry, fragile, unruly, and sometimes begin to curl and tangle.

For many women, gray hair is a sign of approaching old age and the fading of their former beauty. Therefore, most of them begin to desperately pull out gray hair, hoping to get rid of the hated strands. You should not do this, as such actions can cause damage to the hair follicle or the development of dermatitis.

When early gray hair appears, it is necessary to determine the causes of its occurrence. A trichologist, as well as a therapist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist or anti-aging medicine doctor can help you figure this out.

After a comprehensive examination (spectral analysis of hair for minerals, examination of the level of B vitamins in the blood, thyroid hormones), appropriate medication correction is prescribed.

Is there any benefit from Melan+

This product can be found in the pharmacy in different versions: for men and women separately. Each option is aimed at replenishing the deficiency of important substances, based on the hormonal characteristics of each sex. This allows for maximum absorption of minerals and vitamins in the required proportions.

Effectiveness is noticeable 3-3.5 months after the start of use. Every day you need to take 2 tablets. After completing the course prescribed by your doctor, you can take a break for 2-3 weeks, after which you can return Melan+ to your diet. Hair growth noticeably improves, shine and color saturation return.

Treatment and prevention of early gray hair

Start by reviewing your diet and lifestyle. The following recommendations will help you maintain your natural hair color:

1. Balance your diet according to the content of vitamins and microelements. Make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need (B, D, E, A copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc). Micronutrients play an important role in cellular metabolism, and their deficiency is associated with hair brittleness, hair loss and graying.
2. Quit smoking. Each puff is an additional toxic chemical entering your body. This causes stress at the cellular level, releases harmful reactive oxygen species and increases the risk of many serious health problems, gray hair being the least of them.
3. Get tested. Certain health conditions can affect your hair, contributing to premature greying, hair loss and hair breakage. For example, problems with the thyroid gland.
4. Eat enough “the right proteins and fats.” They help restore cell membranes.
5. Avoid trans fats, which harden cell membranes.
6. Get enough sleep. This is necessary for the normal production of the night hormone melatonin, so that it can neutralize cortisol, a stress hormone that has a destructive effect on the cells of our body, including hair pigment.
7. Control and minimize stress. Practice yoga and other relaxation techniques.
8. Be physically active. This will speed up biochemical processes and cause the growth of new mitochondria, which supply energy to our cells. But activity should not be excessive, depleting the body.
9. Maintain normal gastrointestinal tract function. Without this condition, the uninterrupted functioning of the body and, in particular, the immune system is impossible.
10. Take in deficient nutrients. However, this should not be done intuitively or on the recommendation of a friend, but after a medical examination and tests.

In addition, experts in the field of anti-aging recommend PRP plasma therapy, a local treatment procedure, to prevent and treat gray hair. Together with compliance with the so-called hygiene of life, it gives a noticeable effect.

Is it possible to prevent gray hair?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely prevent the appearance of gray hair, as well as restore the natural color of your curls. In place of the gray hair, the same gray hair will grow, nothing can be done about it. However, you can slow down the process of graying by following a few useful tips.

If the cause of gray hair is diseases, you will have to visit a doctor who will prescribe an examination and appropriate treatment that can slow down the graying process.

You can also adjust your lifestyle:

1. Minimize stress.
   You won’t be able to get rid of it completely, but you can learn not to take everything to heart and let go of problems (especially if they are not yours).
2. Balance your diet
   by including foods rich in vitamins and microelements. Eat more seafood, fish, meat, nuts, mushrooms, dairy products, greens, carrots, radishes, cauliflower, zucchini, apples, plums, pears, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, tangerines, eggs, dark chocolate, oatmeal, legumes, wheat bran.
3. Normalize your rest and get enough sleep.
   The body works smoothly and does not age prematurely only when it is well rested.
4. Give up bad habits
   and make your life more active, try to be outdoors more often.
5. Protect your hair
   from negative environmental factors: be sure to wear hats depending on the time of year.
6. Do a scalp massage
   while washing and combing - this procedure activates nutrition, blood circulation and saturation of the hair follicles with oxygen, which somewhat delays the process of graying, and also improves the appearance and condition of the curls.
7. Take vitamin B complexes.
   They will help preserve melanin in the hair structure for a long time and prevent it from disappearing.

Brief conclusions

• Physiological graying is associated with aging of pigment-producing cells; Early gray hair can be caused by a decrease in the activity of melanocytes or their death.
• However, early graying can also be a symptom of certain diseases.
• Anti-aging medicine doctors believe that early gray hair is a direct consequence of the body's inability to cope with oxidative stress.
• When early gray hair appears, it is necessary to determine the causes of its occurrence. After a comprehensive examination, appropriate medication correction is prescribed.
• And in some cases, lifestyle adjustments can help.

What dye covers gray hair?

Coloring is considered the best remedy for gray hair. Natural paints are less durable than chemical ones and you will have to renew the color more often, but they have several significant advantages. Naturally based dyes do not damage hair; on the contrary, they take care of them, restoring their natural beauty, shine and obedience.

Natural dyes are offered by numerous brands, but we have identified several manufacturers that you can trust with your hair without fear.

Lady Henna

An Indian brand that is one of the leaders in the production of natural hair dyes, which are highly durable and carefully care for curls. Lady Henna has a fairly wide range of shades, so you can choose the right color for yourself: dark brown, light brown, natural, copper, black, chocolate, golden brown, chestnut, burgundy, black indigo. The dye adheres gently to the original color, does not damage the hair, and does not cause brittleness or dryness. The paints are based on natural ingredients, in particular lawsonia non-prickly, bhringaraj, amla, shikakai and others.

After using Lady Henna dye, the hair becomes dense and shiny, and the effect intensifies with each use. Buyers who have tried the dye on their hair are satisfied with the results obtained and note a clear improvement in the structure of their curls. Many of them are no longer ready to return to chemical analogs because their hair looks healthy and beautiful.