Why does white hair come out? How do we fight our whites?

If you’re reading this article right now, you’ve probably noticed your first strands of white hair. While we don’t like to hear it, graying hair is a natural and visible sign of the aging process, just like wrinkles. If we accept this as a beautiful part of the life cycle and learn not to treat our graying hair as unwanted guests; instead of trying to camouflage or destroy them, we let them unwind. Let’s not forget that it is also a sign of self-confidence. We can turn the whitening process, which starts with the transformation of the hair from its natural color to a silver gray color, into a visual advantage. Before moving on to tips on how to use our white hair in the best way, why the hair color changes over time, the factors that trigger graying,Let’s take a look at whether the process can be delayed and how hair care should be after whitening.

Why does white occur?

Everything that exists in nature gets its color from pigment. Whether the hair is blond, black, scarlet or red, it owes its original color to pigments. When the pigment that gives the hair its natural color starts to decrease, the hair enters the whitening process. As the capacity of the cells producing the pigment decreases, the hair first turns gray, and when the pigment production stops, it turns completely white. Therefore, the only thing that makes white hair and natural hair color different from each other is the presence or absence of pigment.

If you have dark hair, you will notice your whites more quickly. This is because gray or silver contrasts more with dark colors. Hair strands that have turned gray or white may not attract much attention among blonde or red hair.

Why is the hair white?

In order to understand exactly why the hair turns white, it is necessary to talk about the pigment-producing cells first. While pigments play a role in the coloring of the hair, melanocyte cells take the stage as the main protagonists that manage the whitening process. Melanocyte cells have the effect of supporting the formation of melanin pigment. Therefore, melanocytes, called melanin; pigment-producing cells. With aging, melanocytes weaken and stop producing melanin. Without stable melanin support, hair loses its natural color and turns gray, silver or white. This process starts with a few strands of hair and ends when all the hair loses its color.

Is the structure of white hair different?

Contrary to popular belief, white hair is not thicker or fuller than pigmented strands. In fact, white hair is typically finer. However, as we age, the scalp produces less oil. This condition, which causes the hair to dry out, causes the hair with pigment loss to appear coarser. With the right moisture therapy, white hair can be just as soft as pigmented hair.

Can pigment production be reactivated in graying hair?

Unfortunately, once the melanocytes wear off and stop producing melanin, graying of hair cannot be prevented. Contrary to the claims of some sources, there is no way for hair to become pigmented again once it starts to turn gray. There is only one exception, which is the graying of the hair due to health problems. However, this is also a rare occurrence.

Q When will begin whitening hungry?

According to studies conducted around the world, hair starts to turn white between the ages of 34 and 44. However, it is said that some people may experience whitening before the age of 34. This does not mean that you are unhealthy or that something is wrong.

Does everyone have white hair?

Everyone’s hair starts to turn white after a while. As I said before, this is a natural part of the aging process. However, while we see that some people maintain their natural hair color even in their sixties, we witness that some people meet their first white hair strands when they are still in high school. So what is the reason for this? According to the results of the studies, experts say that the thing that determines the time and speed of graying is genetic predisposition. In this case, if there is someone in your family who started graying at an early age, you are likely to have it too. In addition to genetic factors, ethnicity is also considered a factor that plays a role in graying of hair.For example, Caucasian people’s hair tends to turn gray at an earlier age than people of other ethnic origins.

Can graying of hair be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this, to prevent whitening. However, there are some measures that are thought to help slow down the rate of graying of hair. You can start by listening to advice that can help you achieve this.

1. Eat well

Studies show that a diet deficient in vitamins and minerals can lead to loss of pigment in the hair. The implementation of a balanced and healthy nutrition program consisting of protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish and milk is recommended as a supportive measure in delaying premature graying of hair.

2. Take Vitamin Supplements

A healthy diet is important, but it may not be enough on its own. Vitamin B12, D, E and biotin deficiency can cause premature graying of hair. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet program, you can support the process by taking vitamin supplements from outside. It is also said that copper supplementation has positive effects on hair pigments.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking not only ages your skin but also your hair. Scientists suggest that smoking has negative effects on hair cells and can lead to premature graying.

4. Avoid Stress

It is now known by everyone that stress causes negative effects on people’s mental and physical health. It is thought that stress can make hair follicles more susceptible to free radicals, which can cause premature graying of hair. By incorporating lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition, exercise, regular sleep, and meditation into your life, you can reduce your stress level and thus contribute to slowing the graying process of hair.

Should you dye your white hair?

The answer to this question depends on how you feel better. Continuous dyeing of hair with chemical coloring products in order to camouflage the white hair strands damages the natural structure of the hair, causing it to become more lifeless, worn and dull over time. If you prefer to put aside the prejudices against graying hair and embrace them, you can achieve a great look with proper hair care and haircut. Whitening hair does not hinder the beautiful and well-groomed appearance.

If you have dyed hair and now want to start using your silver grays, you need to make this transition gradually. Transitions between natural hair color and dyed hair color should be applied correctly by the hairdresser who cares for your hair. In order to achieve the exact result you want, you should wait for your white hair strands to start to grow.

Should I apply a different care for white hair?

My answer is yes! White strands require a different care routine than pigmented strands. If you’ve just noticed the whites, you don’t have to worry about it for a while. You can apply your usual hair care products until the hair turns white by about 30%. However, after you pass this ratio, you can follow these tips to keep your white hair healthier and brighter.

Moisturize Often

As I mentioned before, hair follicles that start to turn white tend to dry out. This causes the hair to look lifeless and worn. You can get a natural and shiny look by using hair care masks made from natural plant extracts such as aloe vera, oat extract and acai. In addition, you can keep your hair moist all day with hair care products that do not need to be washed after being applied to the hair.

Protect your hair from heat and sun

Because white hair does not contain pigment, it is more affected and damaged by the sun’s rays. In the same way, high heat styling products are very harmful for the hair and I recommend applying a heat protectant product to the hair before applying it.