What Are the Causes of Gray Hair as You Age?

average age for grey hair

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the hair on your head grows about six inches a year, meaning each month your hair grows approximately half an inch. Of course, this is an average and everyone will differ slightly. ‘Hair colour is produced by cells known as melanocytes, which migrate into the hair bulb as the hair follicles develop in utero,’ explains Professor Sinclair. Dating while gray is a popular conversation topic in gray hair Facebook groups, but it turns out only a small percentage of my respondents are dating while gray, so the answers to this question were mixed. Other respondents got low lights throughout the transition, while others grew out their gray hair cold turkey but used fun colors (like Overtone) to cover their fading ends.

What Causes Premature Graying

So, that leaves 20 people out of 1159 who answered that they had NEVER dyed their hair. Spotting a wiry silver hair can be a rude awakening for those of us who aren't George Clooney. But if you've spotted a gray strand before your 30th birthday, don't panic.

Shop: GRO AGELESS Collection for Graying Hair

Why Does Hair Turn Gray at a Young Age? (Published 2017) - The New York Times

Why Does Hair Turn Gray at a Young Age? (Published .

Posted: Fri, 09 Jun 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You might have no hair loss issue at all, and simply have a slower rate of hair growth. In experiments on mice, they found such hair-raising experiences activated stem cells. “After just a few days, all of the pigment-regenerating stem cells were lost.

Why Does Gray Hair Turn Yellow?

However, there are some things that you can do to prevent avoidable hair graying. The L’OrĂ©al Paris EverPureSulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant is a must-have for your hair care arsenal because it protects the hair from up to 450 degrees of heat. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play the preventive game if silver strands keep popping up, though.

How Do I Care for Gray Hair?

average age for grey hair

For best practice, put the tweezers down and leave your grays alone. Salt and pepper hair is often revered and thought of as a sign that someone is knowledgeable in their field, while someone with all gray roots and a different color of hair from mid-lengths to ends is seen as sloppy. If you prefer to look vibrant and youthful all of your days, then you may not like yourself with gray hair. Lack of adequate sleep and smoking can also lead to premature aging that will speed up how fast your grays come in. You need to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and you need to avoid unnecessary stress.

So, what causes gray hair, why do some of us start going gray earlier than others, and how should you care for gray hair? With the help of Shari Marchbein, MD, we're answering the most common questions about going gray, along with how to care for naturally gray hair. Heat and light from lamps or the sun can “bleach” gray hair and make it look yellow. A purple-toned shampoo can help keep your tresses a vibrant silver.

Going gray isn’t a one-way trip - University of Alabama at Birmingham

Going gray isn’t a one-way trip.

Posted: Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

There are conflicting research studies on real-life stress, such as that caused by injury, leading to premature graying. Premature graying in white people can start as early as 20 years old, while a person can be as young as 25 years old among Asian people and 30 years old in African-American populations, according to a 2013 study. According to a 2017 study, there is a strong family history and genetic component to premature hair graying. Any deficiencies of vitamin B9, B12, biotin, or vitamin D can contribute to premature graying. Silvery strands are one of the more conspicuous signs of aging. That said, getting gray hair doesn't necessarily mean you're closer to the end of your life span than anyone else your age.

They can order a full blood panel to check for any conditions. As we get older, getting routine blood work is a good idea, as it is often a good indicator of general health and wellness. Pigment cells produce melanin, giving the hair strand a unique color. Melanin also gives our skin its color and is present in freckles. How dark or light the color of our hair ends up is determined by the amount of melanin present in each individual strand. Much like wrinkles, natural hair with gray color is typically a given as an effect of getting older.

average age for grey hair

Whether you’ve just gotten your first gray hair or are a seasoned silver-stranded pro, the data shows you’re not alone. It’s helpful to know your background when it comes to ethnicity, genetics, and any external factors that could come into play regarding gray hair. Following up the shampoo in your new routine is our Second Chance Repairing Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair. Second Chance will nourish the scalp and strands of fragile gray hair needing special care. It will leave your hair looking moisture-rich and with a healthy shine. Another possible source of premature gray hair or grey hair can be medications.

This includes everything from UV light to heat from styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or flat irons, and potential chemical exposure through treatments like coloring, perming, or straightening. In fact, a single hair can live up to roughly four or five years. Of course, your hair is growing during this time – on average, a little less than half an inch per month.

Once a follicle stops making melanin, it won’t make colored strands again. Hair graying is a normal part of aging, but it might be possible to delay or reverse this process. Plus, there are ways to hide gray hair without dying it, especially if you only have a few silver strands.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The 12 Best Blow Dryers, According to Editors and Hair Experts

Rosemary Oil For Hair: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use It

Incredible Is Disney The Best Cruise Line Ideas