Myths And Truths About Gray Hair
Our genes, among other things, determine the appearance of gray hair. If you want to know when they will start appearing in your hair, just look at your family members.
Some say it is a symbol of wisdom and experience, others say it is an eyesore because it does not correspond to the passing years. In any case, gray hair is the subject of much discussion. In the following article you will know some myths and truths about this hair.
White hair: fantasies and reality
What is certain about this theory that when you pull out a white hair, seven more will grow? What is the reason why the hair starts to turn grayish? Why in some people does gray hair appear before it does in others? All of these questions have an answer and they are not unique:
The process of white hair is due to the passage of time
True (half). It is certain that gray hair, in the majority of cases, appears at a certain age, since it is linked to the aging process of the skin. White hair is the result of a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives hair color.
Each person has their own pace and ability to produce it, which is why we see some people who at 25 already have white hair and others who are over 50 and continue to have a natural color.
When we pull out a white hair, seven new ones appear
False. There is no scientific basis yet to support this theory or rumor. There is no possibility to assess what would happen if we did not pull out that first hair, which the majority of people do, it is not possible to analyze whether or not this is the reason why other white hairs grow or if it is just the action of mother nature.
White hair grows faster
50% true. There is research which indicates that the length of white hair grows at a faster rate than when its pigment is maintained, however, other studies say that the growth is the same or less than during other stages of life.
Stress encourages the formation of gray hair
False (to be checked). It is a little complicated to determine if a “spike of stress” will cause us to have gray hair tomorrow. No one escapes the pressure of the society we live in, but there aren’t more people with white hair on the streets than fifty years ago.
There are family groups with a greater tendency to have gray hair than others, due to genes linked to hair color loss.
White hair is stronger than natural colored hair
Half-true. It is not known whether or not it is true that the diameter of a gray hair is larger or smaller than a hair of the same color, but it is true that refraction of light can make it appear thicker.
Depending on the person, gray hair may grow harder or have a more “sturdy” structure.
White hair is gray
False. The mixture of dark hair gives a visual effect that makes us see it gray. But in reality, this hair is yellow, not white or gray. This is because the shade is obtained without keratin or corresponding melanin. Depending on the type of hair, they can be more whitish or yellowish.
Lack of vitamin B speeds up the process of gray hair
True. If you are still young (under 35) and have a lot of gray hair, this could be due to a lack of vitamin B, especially B5 complex and pantothenic acid. You can take a vitamin supplement or start eating foods that contain it.
Cigarettes help in the formation of white hair
Half-true It is the same as for stress theory. Smoking is bad and does not help, it only brings problems.
Some research suggests that people who are used to smoking are more likely to have gray hair at an early age, although this is also linked to genetic factors.
Thus, we can dye gray hair with permanent hair colors only
False. There are many treatments to cover gray hair, but you shouldn’t believe the myth that permanent dye is the only technique that works. There are natural colors, such as herbal remedies or henna, which are less harmful to your hair.
White hair is reversible
False. There is no study that shows that a person can regain their natural hair color without the help of dye without consuming certain foods or drugs. Once the white hair appears, it is permanent and there is no way to recover the lost tone.
White hair can appear as a result of trauma
False. You’ve probably heard this idea from your grandparents. It’s the same with stress, it’s next to impossible for an upset person to end up with completely gray hair the next morning.
There is a relationship between a traumatic event and gray hair, but it is long term.
Sunbathing a lot makes gray hair come out
False. Sunlight can add a bit of light brown or red, but there is no scientific evidence that increasing UV exposure can cause hair to age or cause gray hair to come out.
The cause of gray hair are genes
Absolutely right. This is because genetics are what determine the average age at which a person begins to have gray hair. Try to analyze your family and you will see for yourself. What is written in your DNA cannot be erased.
