New research suggests that graying hair isn’t solely the result of stress; it depends on your genes and melanocytes – stem cells responsible for producing pigmented cells – which ultimately determine when your locks will start turning gray.
Instead of coloring your head with dye, highlighting and lowlighting techniques can create an eye-catching gray transition. This technique seamlessly integrates the grey strands into darker locks for a striking contrast that gives a salt-and-pepper appearance.
The Cause
New research suggests that one type of stem cell could be responsible for hair pigmentation loss that leads to gray hairs, with grey transition occurring as skin and eyesight decline. Activating stem cells to counter this condition could offer an effective means of staving off gray hair growth.
Chemical dyes, hair products, and bleaching treatments can contribute to premature graying by decreasing follicle melanin production. Stress has also been linked with premature graying by diminishing its ability to regenerate cells.
Covering grey hair requires more precision than simply applying color to cover stubborn roots and streaks, which is why professional salon coloring services may be best. If you decide to color yourself, opt for permanent dye rather than semi-permanent or demi-permanent hues to achieve natural-looking results, and select shades one or two lighter than your natural hue. Hence, they blend better with grey strands.
The Symptoms
At 30 years old, many individuals begin noticing gray strands appearing. Individuals of various ethnic backgrounds experience this differently; whites usually experience this change around the mid-30s, while Asians and African Americans may begin going gray earlier.
Chemical hair dyes and bleaching products can accelerate graying by decreasing melanin production. Unfortunately, many of these chemical-laden products also contain ingredients that may cause allergic and adverse reactions; instead, use natural henna dyes, which come in shades for every hair texture and surface type.
Genetics aside, other causes of premature graying include nutritional deficiencies. Studies indicate that vitamins B-6, B-12, biotin, and vitamin D-3 all can help prevent or reverse graying effects. Furthermore, inflammation-induced oxidative stress may accelerate graying; chronic and acute stress management techniques may effectively mitigate its negative impact.
The Treatment
No matter whether or not you embrace your silver strands or want to cover them up, there are various treatments available for either. hair color can often help disguise gray hair.
There are various colors to choose from, so you should find something to match your natural hue. Evidence also points toward medications that can repigment grey hairs, such as those that inhibit inflammation and increase melanogenesis (e.g., fo-ti and clofazimine).
One option for disguising gray strands is using highlights that blend your grays. This will make it less obvious when your grays begin growing out and can be achieved using techniques such as ombre, babylights, and balayage. Or try something unique, such as this multi-tone balayage look, which combines warm and cool hues for a seamless soft transition that hides them perfectly!
The Final Words
Whether your goal is a complete transition to natural silver hair or simply adding lowlights, there is no wrong way of approaching this process. Be patient as you journey along, and remember, only you can define your beauty!
Last but not least: Wait until you are ready. This may come about gradually or suddenly through one or more factors – someone giving a rude glance, growing frustrated with your hair colorist, or seeing another beautiful woman sporting gray roots could all serve as triggers – you will know when the time has come!
For motivation and support, check out some full-transition silver hair models, such as Katie Goes Platinum or Manon Crespi’s blog, to gain inspiration for your silver journey. Additionally, Facebook support groups exist that can offer additional assistance during this journey – Best wishes on your silver journey!
