Some individuals, especially women, can notice a change in hair color, which can cause anxiety and stress, especially if it occurs at a young age. This change is often the result of exposure to several factors that affect the body. In the following report, Dalili Medical reviews everything related to hair color change with age, according to what was stated on our website.

**How ​​does gray hair happen?**

 

The skin contains hair follicles, which are small sacs that contain skin cells. These follicles contain pigment cells that produce a pigment known as melanin, which gives hair its color. Over time, hair follicles may lose this pigment, resulting in white hair.

**Hair color and its effect on the amount of melanin**

 

Black hair contains a high percentage of eumelanin, while brown hair contains a moderate amount of the same pigment. As for blonde hair, it contains very small amounts of eumelanin, which is most common among residents of northern and western Europe. On the other hand, red hair contains the highest percentages of pheomelanin, reaching about 67%. It is considered the least common hair color in the world, and appears prominently in the British Isles.

**How ​​is the amount of melanin in hair determined?**

 

The quality and quantity of melanin in hair is determined by a group of genes, although available information about them is still limited. The gene most influential in hair color in humans is MC1R, as this gene provides the instructions necessary to produce a protein known as melanocortin 1 receptor, which controls the type of melanin produced by melanocytes.

**Types of gray hair in women:**

 

**First: Gray hair resulting from aging:**

The appearance of gray hair is a sign of aging, and it is a genetically determined process. Hair begins to turn gray in fair-skinned people between the mid-30s and 40s, and graying continues to increase over the next two decades. When a person reaches the age of sixty to seventy, the hair becomes almost completely white. As for people with dark skin, the appearance of gray hair is delayed by about ten years. For a reason unknown yet, gray hair begins to appear first on both sides of the face, then spreads to include both sides of the head, and then the rest of the head and the rest of the body hair.

The graying process at this stage is linked to a lack of melanin, as a result of a decrease in the number of cells responsible for its production, which is a natural phenomenon that coincides with the end of the life of these cells, like the rest of the body’s cells. Studies have also shown that with age, the formation of air pockets inside the hair increases, which leads to the oxidation of melanin by oxygen, resulting in a colorless substance that gives the hair its white color.

**Second: Premature greying:**

Graying hair is considered premature when it begins to appear before the age of thirty in white-skinned people and before the age of forty in black-skinned people. In this type of gray hair, we notice that white hair appears first on both sides of the head, then extends to the center of the head, while the back of the head is less susceptible to the appearance of gray hair. White hair is also rare in the rest of the hair on the body, such as the hair under the armpits.

**Is there a medicine to get rid of gray hair?**

 

There are no actual proven treatments to get rid of gray hair. As research and understanding of how gray hair occurs progresses, scientists may be able to develop effective medications and treatments for gray hair. Currently, using hair dyes, whether temporary or permanent, is the best option for people who want to cover gray hair.

**What are the most notable changes expected in hair texture over time?**

 

1. **Low hair density**

It is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day, as the body gets rid of old hair to grow new hair. This natural balance is the foundation of healthy hair. But with age, the hair life cycle may be disrupted, causing some follicles to stop producing new hair, and thus hair density decreases. Hair density often reaches its peak around age 35, and then begins to decline after that.

2. **Hair color change**

Hair color may turn gray with age, as aging is considered the main cause of graying and the appearance of white hair, due to a decrease in the secretion of melanin, which is responsible for hair color. As we age, hair cells stop producing melanin, causing the hair to fade and turn white. At first, gray hair strands may appear in specific areas, but over time, the white color becomes evident throughout the hair, prompting many women to dye their hair or use natural hair wigs or extensions to mimic natural hair.

3. **Weakness and decreased thickness of hair follicles**

As you age, you may notice that the thickness of your hair strands has decreased significantly. Decreased hair thickness leads to loss of root strength, making hair weaker and more susceptible to breakage and loss.

4. **Loss of hair shine**

As we age, the amount of natural oils that ensure the scalp is moisturized and keeps the hair healthy also decreases, causing the hair to become tangled and lose its shine and softness.

5. **Increased hair frizz**

Many people notice that their hair becomes more frizzy as they age. This is thought to be related to changes in the way the body produces hair. As we age, hair production becomes less synchronized, resulting in fewer hairs being produced at the same time, increasing the appearance of frizz. Using a good conditioner, leave-in sprays, and oils on the ends can help reduce frizz.

**Causes of hair color changing with age**

 

Hair undergoes noticeable natural changes over time, and hair color changes are due to several factors, including:

**1. Hair chemotherapy:**

Using chemicals to straighten hair and achieve smoothness may negatively affect the health and color of the hair over time, leading to a reduction in the secretion of the responsible pigment.It affects hair color and gradually loses its natural color.

**2. Werner syndrome:**

Werner syndrome is a rare genetic disease that causes premature aging, often beginning in childhood. This syndrome leads to atrophy and cell death, causing signs of aging to appear at an early age, such as thinning of the skin and the appearance of white hair.

**3. Vitiligo:**

Vitiligo leads to a decrease in the level of hair and skin pigment (melanin), as it causes the death of melanocytes, which leads to the hair turning white and white spots appearing on the skin.

**4. Hormonal changes:**

Decreased female hormones, such as estrogen, which decreases with age in women, can lead to dry, brittle hair and increased hair loss. Changes in male hormones in men also affect hair density and growth, which may lead to baldness.

**5. Follicle damage:**

With age, the stem cells responsible for regenerating hair follicles become damaged, leading to poor hair growth and reduced hair density. Exposure to harmful factors such as sunlight, pollution, and the use of chemical products also contribute to damage to hair follicles.

**6. Changes in hair structure:**

Low levels of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, lead to the appearance of white hair. The composition of proteins in hair also changes with age, making it drier and more brittle.

**7. Genetic factors:**

Genetic factors may play a role in the appearance of gray hair. If your parents or grandparents had a history of premature gray hair, you are likely to suffer from the same problem.

**8. Tension and stress:**

If you suffer from constant tension and stress, you may be more susceptible to gray hair. Stress not only affects sleep and blood pressure, it can also affect the health and color of your hair. Therefore, it is important to avoid stress as much as possible to maintain a healthy body and hair.

**9. Thyroid problems:**

The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating many body functions, including metabolism. An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause less melanin to be produced, affecting hair color and causing gray hair.

**Smoking**

Studies have shown a strong relationship between smoking and the appearance of gray hair before the age of thirty. Smoking narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to hair follicles, which contributes to hair damage and loss.

In addition, the toxins in cigarettes may damage and weaken hair follicles.

**vitamin deficiency**

Vitamin B12 deficiency is considered one of the main reasons for the appearance of white hair, as red blood cells that transport oxygen to various parts of the body, including hair follicles, depend on vitamin B12. Therefore, a deficiency of this vitamin may lead to a reduction in the production of melanin pigment in hair follicles, which weakens them. The appearance of white hair is also linked to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body.

**Autoimmune diseases**

Some immune diseases can lead to the appearance of white hair, as the immune system attacks hair cells. Examples of these diseases include vitiligo and alopecia, which cause hair follicles to lose their melanin content.

**Chemical hair dyes and products**

 

Hair dyes and chemical products contribute to the appearance of white hair, as these products contain harmful ingredients that may reduce the secretion of melanin pigment.

**How ​​can the effects of aging on hair be prevented?**

 

Hair naturally changes with age, which is inevitable. However, when it comes to hair loss and decreased hair density, there are some medications that can be used to reduce the chances of this problem occurring. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of minoxidil and finasteride as a treatment for hair loss. In addition, anyone can protect their hair from environmental factors without the need for medications, through several methods, including:

- Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods.

- Follow a healthy diet rich in the elements necessary for healthy hair.

- Avoid exposure to moisture and wind.

- Stay away from chemicals found in hair products.

- Avoid chemicals used in some hair treatments.

- Wash hair with the recommended amount of shampoo, avoiding excessive washing.

- Moisturize the hair when washing it with shampoo, making sure to moisturize it weekly.

**Treatment of premature graying with herbs:**

 

1. **Curry leaves and coconut oil:**

 Boil a handful of curry leaves with a cup of coconut oil for 6 to 8 minutes until the leaves turn black. After the oil cools, filter it and put it in a bowl. Massage your hair and scalp with this oil three to four times a week before bed, then wash it the next day with herbal shampoo.

2. **Indian gooseberry and fenugreek mask:**

 Boil 5-6 dried Indian gooseberries in half a cup of coconut oil for 5 to 6 minutes, then add a tablespoon of ground fenugreek seed powder and leave the mixture for an additional minute. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair before bed, and wash it the next day with a mild shampoo. This mixture helps nourish hair and treat gray hair.

**3- Lemon juice and almond oil:**

Mix two tablespoons of almond oil with three tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass bowl. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it with shampoo. Lemon juice and almond oil are an effective treatment for dandruff, split ends, and gray hair.

**4- Black tea:**

Boil two tablespoons of black tea powder with a teaspoon of salt for two minutes. Leave it to cool, then strain it. Use the liquid to wash your hair and leave it to dry. Repeat this process two or three times a week to get amazing resultsShort time.

**5- Onions and lemon juice:**

The mixture of onion juice and lemon juice helps treat premature graying and oily hair. Mix 3 teaspoons of onion juice with 3 teaspoons of lemon juice in a bowl. Apply the mixture evenly to your scalp and hair and leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it. It is best to use this treatment four to five times a week for two weeks.

**6- Rosemary and sage:**

Place half a cup of dried rosemary and half a cup of sage in two cups of water on low heat for 30 minutes, then leave it for two hours. After that, apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it until it dries, then wash it with shampoo. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week to get rid of gray hair. The combination of rosemary and sage is also excellent for promoting hair length and treating hair loss.

**7- Percussion Ridge Treatment:**

Cut the squash into medium-sized pieces and dry them in the sun. Next, immerse it in a cup of coconut oil for three days. Boil the oil and pumpkin for 6 minutes, then drain it and put it in a bowl. Before bed, massage the oil into your scalp 3-4 times a week, and wash it the next day. Ridge gourd is a great remedy to get rid of premature greying.

**8- Milk and curry leaves:**

Crush the curry leaves, add a quarter cup of milk and mix well. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair from roots to ends and leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it. The mixture of milk and curry leaves is an effective treatment for gray hair and gives hair noticeable softness.

**9- Sesame and carrot oil:**

Mix 100 ml of sesame oil with carrot juice and 50 ml of fenugreek seed powder in an airtight bottle or container. Mix the ingredients well and leave it in the sun for 21 days. Next, apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and massage it for a few minutes. It is recommended to use this treatment daily for at least three months to restore the natural color of your hair.

**10- Alfalfa, carrots and lettuce:**

Drinking alfalfa, carrot, and lettuce juice daily contributes to treating premature graying and hair loss. These juices contain a group of minerals and vitamins that enhance hair health and help it grow healthy.

Amla oil and powder extracted from the Amla plant are known for their ability to repair and protect damaged hair, as they are rich in Vitamin C, known for its therapeutic properties as an antioxidant. Regular use of the oil reduces the effect of aging on hair and helps treat gray hair naturally.

Black tea can be boiled with an appropriate amount of water, and after it cools, it can be used to massage the scalp and hair for a few minutes. Tea helps reduce the growth of white hair and darkens it.

Mustard oil is considered one of the rich and nourishing natural sources for hair, as it contains a large number of essential minerals that maintain hair health and nourishment, which delays the appearance of gray hair.

Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamin C, iron, potassium, and lysine. Together, these nutrients form a powerful combination that delays the appearance of gray hair, nourishes the hair and helps thicken it, in addition to protecting the scalp.

Onion juice is considered one of the best natural ingredients to thicken hair and prevent hair loss. Some experiments have shown that it helps overcome gray hair and restore youthful hair color.

Henna is not only a way to color hair, but it is also considered to nourish and strengthen it. Although it does not return hair to its natural color, it helps cover white hair significantly.

Sage herb is considered one of the beneficial herbs for the hair and body, and it has known properties in preserving and stabilizing color. Therefore, using it periodically helps maintain the dark color of the hair, and sometimes it can contribute to the coloring of some white hair.