Maintenance of Black Hair in Older People

Introduction:

Graying and gradual whitening of hair happens with age, a natural process. Once it happens, it is not possible to undo the effect even temporarily. Hair changes get sped up by some factors and can be pushed back with lifestyle modifications.

What Determines Hair Color?

Hair color is determined by the presence of a pigment called melanin. Eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin are three types of melanin in the human body, out of which the former two provide pigmentation to hair. In addition, melanin provides pigmentation to the eyes and skin.

How Does Hair Get Its Color?

Eumelanin is a dark pigment that dominates black hair and is responsible for hair's black or brown color. The two types of eumelanin are brown and black, the amount of which determines the hair color. Black hair has black eumelanin the most, and brown has more brown eumelanin. A small amount of brown eumelanin with a lack of black eumelanin results in blonde hair.

Pheomelanin is a light-colored pigment in red hair and other red-colored parts of the body, like lips. Red-yellow pheomelanin gives a golden tone to brown hair.

When hair formation initiates, melanocytes, melanin-producing cells, do the hair follicles with melanin. These hair follicles already contain keratin, a protein found in hair strands. Throughout life, this supply of melanin to the cells continues and gives hair its color.

Why Does Hair Color Change With Age?

Changing hair color to gray or white is one of the most evident signs of aging. It happens when the melanocytes reduce infiltrating melanin into hair follicles, resulting in graying of hair. Gradually a complete pause in melanin supply occurs, causing hair whitening.

Melanocytes are produced by base cells called melanocyte stem cells (MSC). Graying of hair also takes place when MSC produces fewer melanocytes.

Graying may start in the 30s, usually from the scalp hair in the temporal region and gradually extending to the top. Hair initially gets lighter and then whiter. Genetics may also speed up hair whitening.

Will Hair Lose Its Consistency With Age?

With age, the color of hair changes, and so does the consistency. When pigmentation gets impaired, hair follicles produce less sebum. Sebum makes the hair hydrated, less of which alters the consistency. As a result, hair becomes coarse, dry, rough, and challenging to manage.

What Are the Factors That Speed up Hair Graying?

• Genetics- Genes play an essential role in speeding up or slowing down graying of hair. That is the reason why some people get it faster than others. The pattern can also get influenced by what the parents or grandparents have followed.

• Stress- Some studies have shown that stress can speed up hair graying by making the cells unhealthy, affecting the melanocytes and the process of melanin pigmentation.

• Smoking- Smoking can stop melanocytes from producing the pigment, affecting the consistency and color of the aged hair. It can even cause premature graying of hair in both males and females.

• Poor Food Habits- Deficiency of vitamin B12, protein, calcium, copper, vitamin D, and iron can negatively affect the ability of melanocytes to produce melanin.

How to Slow Down Graying of Hair?

Modification of lifestyle may help to slow down the process of graying or whitening hair. Complete prevention of the same is impossible as it is a natural process. Eating a well-balanced diet and quitting smoking can slow down age-related hair changes. Quitting smoking can be complex and challenging, but using smoking alternatives in the beginning and gradually bringing down the frequency can be considered the initial steps. Stress-relieving exercises can also motivate the elderly to undertake the required steps. Lifestyle changes also include the inclusion of a sound sleep routine.

What Are the Superfoods That Control Graying of Hair?

Dairy products and eggs can provide adequate vitamin B12 and protein, which can extend the lifespan of dark hair. The calcium content of dairy items can also help to achieve the same. Green leafy vegetables contain iron, calcium, folic acid, and many other vitamins that help maintain prolonged consistency and hair color. Fishes and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Nuts, especially walnuts, contain copper, can extend the expiry of the lustrous hair.

Can Deficiency Lead To Graying of Hair in Older People?

A deficiency of required nutrients, especially vitamin B complex and vitamin D, can speed up the process of hair graying. Therefore, a routine checkup of the levels of nutrients in the body and the presence of other deficiency symptoms may help diagnose the type of deficiency. Supplements can be taken in such cases, which can even reverse premature hair graying. But age-related hair graying is irreversible.

What Are the Hacks to Hide Gray Hair?

White or gray hair is not an abnormality, but with age, it feels like a load to be carried for most people. Earlier, dyeing hair was a lengthy task that needed precision and was usually done at salons or beauty parlors. But these days, it has become an easy task since the availability of different types of dyeing products in markets. The companies have now started to focus on releasing products that are convenient to use and hair-health-friendly.

People also started opting for trending colors that a professional hairdresser may apply in different patterns to hair. Coloring hair is a proper chemical treatment that may damage hair's consistency, which is usually managed by accompanying it with a keratin or protein treatment. Protein treatments alone can improve the consistency of hair temporarily.

It is also possible for those with long hair and very minimal graying to adopt a suitable hairstyle to hide the gray hair. But, of course, the easiest and most economical method is to apply a black-colored cosmetic product like eyeliner or mascara before going to a party or get-together. But the beauty of gray or white hair is unique and may be allowed to stay as it is.

How to Manage Gray Hair?

The gray hair may no longer be shining and smooth. The lack of hydration makes it dry and rough and should be managed gently.

• Nourish- External application of serum and occasional oiling can help to hydrate dry gray hair.

• UV (Ultra Violet) Ray Protection- Gray hair is more susceptible to sun damage and should be protected with the help of a hat or suitable sun protection products.

• Treat the Hair Like a Baby- The hair may get brittle and damaged so fast that hot styling tools and harsh treatments should be avoided. Instead, choose suitable hair care products after proper consultation.

• Friction Protection- Use satin scrunchies to tie the hair and a satin pillowcase, which can reduce friction, preventing hair from getting more knots and frizz.

Conclusion:

Graying is the beautification of the life experience one has. It is not a matter of shame, but pretty and unique. Taking great care is the prime thing that can make even the white hair a silver lining. A cheat-free lifestyle can preserve the health and aesthetics of skin and hair.