Updated December 2022 By Dr Jonathan Palmer
Grey Hair - What You Need To Know
Grey Hair What You Need To Know
The topic of grey hair is often met with mixed reactions. Some people love it, some hate it, and some feel indifferent about it. However you feel about grey hair, there is no denying that it is a subject that has been receiving a lot of attention lately.
There are a few things that you should know about grey hair in order to make the best decision for yourself. First and foremost, it is important to understand that grey hair is completely natural. Grey hair is not typically caused by external health factors, and it is not a sign of poor health. In fact, grey hair is often seen as a sign of wisdom and experience.
So what do you need to know about grey hair? In this blog post, we will explore everything from the causes of grey hair to the best ways to deal with it. Whether you are trying to prevent grey hair or embrace it, this article will have all the information you need.
What Causes Grey Hair?
Grey hair is caused by a reduction in melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. As we age, the cells that produce melanin begin to die, resulting in less pigment being synthesised. This causes the hair to lose its colour and turn grey.
There are many other factors that can contribute to the premature greying of hair, including:
Genetics: If your parents or grandparents began greying at an early age, you might be more likely to do so as well.
Smoking: Studies have shown that smokers are four times more likely to develop grey hair than non-smokers.
Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can cause the hair to lose its colour.
Illness: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and vitiligo, can cause the hair to turn grey.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of specific vitamins and minerals, such as iron, can contribute to grey hair.
If you’re concerned about grey hair, speak to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can advise you on whether there’s anything you can do to prevent or delay the onset of grey hair.
Is Grey Hair Normal?
Yes, grey hair is perfectly normal! In fact, it’s pretty common for people to start seeing a few grey hairs in their twenties or thirties. There’s nothing to worry about – it’s just a part of the ageing process. Grey hair can develop in patches all over the scalp.
That said, if you’re finding that you’re going grey prematurely (i.e. in your teens or early twenties), it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. If this is the case, it’s best to speak to your GP for advice.
So there you have it – grey hair is nothing to worry about! Embrace your silver locks and rock that salt-and-pepper look with confidence.
When to See a Doctor About Grey Hair
If you are experiencing unexpected, sudden or excessive hair loss, it is always best to consult a doctor.
In the case of grey hair, however, there is usually no need to be concerned unless other symptoms accompany the greying. If your grey hair is accompanied by itching, redness, scaling, or inflammation of the scalp. This could indicate an underlying medical condition, and you should see a doctor immediately.
Additionally, if you notice patches of grey hair on your head that were not there before, this could also be a sign of an underlying health issue or excessive stress, and you should consult a doctor.
Treatments for Grey Hair
There are several treatments available for grey hair, including:
Hair dyes: Hair dyes can be used to cover up grey hair and are available in a wide range of colours.
Henna: Henna is a natural product that can be used to stain hair and can also be used to cover up grey hair.
Bleaching: Bleaching the hair is another option for covering up grey hair. This method lightens the overall colour of the hair so that it may require touch-ups more often than other methods.
Highlights: Highlights are another option for covering up grey hair. This method involves adding lighter-coloured strands of hair to the existing hair, which can help to disguise any greys.
Natural Remedies for Grey Hair
There are many ways to prevent and treat grey hair. Here are a few natural remedies:
Coconut oil is one of the best natural treatments for grey hair. It helps to moisturise the scalp and hair and also promotes hair growth. Apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning with a mild shampoo.
Amla oil is another effective treatment for grey hair. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help to keep the hair healthy and prevent premature greying. Massage amla oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight. Wash it off in the morning with a mild shampoo.
Fenugreek seeds are yet another effective remedy for grey hair. Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind them into a paste in the morning. Apply this paste to your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
Prevention of Grey Hair
The best way to prevent grey hair is to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise will help keep your hair looking its best.
There are also some specific things you can do to prevent grey hair. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and not smoking are both excellent for your hair health. It would help if you also used gentle shampoos and conditioners to prevent damaging your hair or follicles.
If you are concerned about grey hair, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can offer advice on how to prevent grey hair and treat it if it does occur.
Why Does Hair Go Grey
As we age, our hair follicles gradually produce less and less melanin, the natural pigment that gives hair its colour as the follicles produce less melanin, the hair that grows back in after shedding appears lighter and lighter in colour until it eventually becomes white.
Conclusion - Grey Hair Doesn’t have to be all bad
Overall, going grey can be a positive experience. It is a sign of wisdom and maturity. Embrace your grey hair and own it!
Get Expert Hair Analysis and Help
If you have concerns about changes in your hair colour or other changes, then please consider the HairKnowHow Complete Hair Analysis. The complete analysis would be able to help inform any personal hair advice regarding your grey hair.
Contact Dr Palmer and the HairKnowHow Team if you have any questions.
