Helpful Tips for Managing Gray Hair by Briana Lawimore
Helpful Tips for Managing Gray Hair
Hair aging and graying is a naturally occurring process that correlates with chronological age and can vary among individuals. Gray hair is understood to be caused by the loss of melanin in the hair matrix; however, the complete cellular process is not entirely known. Melanin, the substance in the body that controls pigment for hair, skin, and eyes, is produced by cells called melanocytes. As people age, melanocyte activity declines which leads to a decrease in the amount of melanin that is brought to keratinocytes, cells that develop the hair cortex. This ultimately causes the loss of pigmentation in the hair shaft which manifests as gray hair.
Hair aging causes both physical and structural changes to the hair, including graying, and multiple factors can contribute to the occurrence of this process. Other factors such as smoking, UV exposure, and poor diet can also accelerate hair graying. The average age that individuals begin to experience graying is mid to late forties; however, this can vary based on a person’s racial background. For instance, individuals of African ethnicities tend to experience graying in their mid-forties, Asians in their late thirties, and Caucasians in their mid-thirties. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent premature graying. Studies have shown that smokers are 2x more likely to develop gray hair earlier in life than nonsmokers. Along with smoking, diet also plays a huge role in hair health. Eating foods that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, such as fish and leafy green vegetables, can strengthen hair and help restore pigment.
Oftentimes gray hair can be coarser, thinner, and dryer than pigmented hair which can be difficult to manage. Though, there are many ways that can help individuals with gray hair restore moisture and strength. To combat dryness, it is important to use a deep conditioner in your haircare routine as well as moisturizing styling products. It is also suggested to use purple shampoo to prevent gray hairs from developing yellow tones. Individuals with gray hair should also use SPF on their hair since the lack of melanin in gray hair makes it more prone to UV damage.
Hair Product Recommendations for Gray Hair
Deep Conditioners:
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
This deep conditioning treatment by Moroccanoil is filled with natural ingredients that are known to moisturize and nourish the hair such as argan oil, larch tree extract, and baobab extract. This product is also cruelty-free and free of harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
Design Essentials Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque
Design Essentials’ Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque helps hydrate and rejuvenate the hair while also preventing hair breakage. Its key ingredients are almond, avocado, and sunflower oil and they work to provide intense moisture, softness, and shine to the hair.
Purple Shampoos:
Ethique Tone It Down™ Purple Shampoo Bar
This purple shampoo bar by Ethique is amazing for our hair and the environment as it is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and promotes zero waste. Instead of synthetic dyes, this shampoo is made with great natural ingredients such as beetroot powder, ethically sourced mica, and natural mineral pigments to produce its purple color.
Oway’s Silver Steel Hair Bath is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free purple shampoo that leaves the hair feeling soft and moisturized. The formula of the shampoo is packed with amazing moisturizing and strengthening agents such as resurrection plants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, B, and C.
Together Beauty ™ Purple Reign
Together Beauty’s Purple Reign shampoo is natural, vegan, and free from harmful ingredients. It is made with ingredients that provide several benefits ranging from hair growth to UV protection.
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Shampoo
This purple shampoo by Moroccanoil offers a gentle formula that works to prevent yellow and orange tones in your hair while providing strength and moisture. It is free from parabens, sulfates, and phosphates and is color-safe.
SPF:
Ulta Mineral Hair and Scalp Powder SPF 45
This mineral hair and scalp SPF powder by Ulta Beauty is a safe and affordable option to protect your hair from the sun. The active ingredient in this formula, zinc oxide, is a naturally occurring substance that provides UV protection and is better for our bodies and the environment than sunscreens made with artificial ingredients.
COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
COOLA’s Scalp and Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen provides UV protection that you can easily spray on your hair and scalp. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and lightweight.
Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35
Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder by Supergoop is an amazing option for UV protection on the hair and scalp. Similar to the Ulta Beauty powder, the active ingredient in this powder is also zinc oxide. The formula is non-greasy and translucent which causes the product to not be visible on your hair.
Resources
Andrea. "Best Natural and Organic Purple Shampoos 2022 (before and after Photos)." ORGANIC BEAUTY LOVER, 10 July 2022, https://organicbeautylover.com/hair/best-purple-shampoo/.
Fennessy, Lisa. "The Best Natural Purple Shampoos for Gray Hair." This Organic Girl, 20 Apr. 2022.https://thisorganicgirl.com/best-purple-shampoo/.
Maril, Madge. "Finding More Gray Hairs? You're Not Alone." Harper's BAZAAR, 24 Aug.2022. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a33577369/gray-hair-causes/#:-text= %E2%80%9C While%20 gray%20hair &20feels%20 coarse, wiry%20texture %2C%E2%80% 9D%20 she%20explains.
Maymone, Mayra BC, et al. "Hair Aging in Different Races and Ethnicities." The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Matrix Medical Communications, Jan 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7869811/.
Rekstis, Emily. "Going Gray: 15 Facts about Why, How, Genetics, and Hair Care." Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Mar. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/gray-hair-facts#8.-Walnuts,-fish,-and-zinc-could-help-with-gray-hair.
Trüeb, Ralph M. "Pharmacologic Interventions in Aging Hair." Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2006, https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695167/.