admin 
When the first gray hairs appear, some women panic and do not skimp on the means to remedy the “problem”. Because yes, for many of them, it is a real disaster! The very idea of “growing old” plunges them into existential anxiety. However, it is a natural phenomenon which is even beginning to be played down by some. However, if you are looking for a solution to counter the passage of time, there are a multitude of alternatives that will help you camouflage or reduce the signs of aging. Forget chemical dyes!
Origins and causes of gray hair
Appearance of gray hair
logo pinterest
Appearance of gray hair – Source: spm
But before offering you natural solutions, it would be good first to look at the very origin of these gray hairs which are overwhelming you so much. Of course, everyone already knows that they are a direct result of the aging process. However, to the extent that white hair can appear quite early (sometimes even around the twenties!), we are going to lift the veil on the different factors which can accelerate their appearance.
Genetics and heredity: family predisposition
Ultimately, there are no rules. The average age of gray hair in women varies considerably depending on individual predispositions. You should know that one of the main causes of white hair that appears in your twenties is genetics . Therefore, the age at which a person’s hair turns gray is strongly influenced by the IRF4 gene and a specific variant (rs12203592) that is a marker of premature aging. And as you can guess, we are all powerless against the influence of genetics!
Aging process: the role of melanin
On the other hand, you should also know that hair color, like skin or eye color, depends on a substance called melanin. This compound is produced by dendritic cells of the skin, melanocytes, responsible for synthesizing the two existing types of melanin. Namely eumelanin (dark brown or black in color) and pheomelanin (reddish-yellow). The existence or absence of melanin will therefore strongly influence the appearance of grayish or whitish hair . The problem is that as we age, it becomes rare since the melanocytes produce much less of it, which will therefore inevitably cause the appearance of these cursed gray hairs.
Environmental factors: stress, diet and sun
But, apart from the genetic factor and the inevitable aging process, other external causes can accentuate the premature appearance of these gray hairs. We are talking in particular about a more or less significant dose of stress, an unbalanced diet or even excessive exposure to the sun.
L’impact du stress
It’s the evil of the century, we know it well. Unfortunately, psychological stress can affect the hair shaft in several ways . Already, the most common side effect, which reflects intense stress, is a disruption of the hair cycle called “telogen effluvium”. This results in impressive shedding, as hair falls out approximately three times faster than usual. At middle age, the hair can then grow back with a grayish color.
Dietary deficiencies
Yes, it may surprise you, but your plate also has a role to play in this story! Learn that vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to premature aging . This vitamin, essential for the health of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells, is found in common foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. You know what you have left to do !
Too much sun
Finally, although it is normal to have gray hair as we age, regular and excessive exposure to the sun can accelerate this process and lead to premature graying of hair.
Other common causes: diseases, deficiencies and medical treatments
Here are other insidious enemies that can also trigger the appearance of gray hair.
Deficiencies
Although genetics are the main cause of premature graying of hair, certain environmental factors also impact this process. Particularly deficiencies in trace elements such as vitamin B12, vitamin D3 and calcium.