On top, white hair needs special care
How many celebrities have you seen in recent years take on their gray hair? A trend in the world of fashion and beauty, gray hair is gaining more and more space, becoming a movement of acceptance and self-love, but it requires special care.
The strands, when gray, have already lost some properties, have more open cuticles and become more porous. In addition to being drier, with a greater tendency to yellow and more susceptible to the action of free radicals. “They are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation, pollution and climate change and, therefore, require more care, especially with the hydration and protection of these threads,” says Ivanilde Itaborahy, pharmacist at Dermatus.
BUT WHY DOES HAIR BECOME WHITE?
Graying or graying of hair is a natural and progressive phenomenon that occurs due to the decrease or loss of the activity of melanocytes (cells that produce the melanin pigment). Gray hair indicates that melanocytes are slow and produce less melanin.
Hair aging is one of the main factors that can affect the activity of melanocytes. In most people, between the third and fourth decade of life, the aging process begins, with a decrease in the production of melanin by these melanocytes. This loss of melanocyte function is progressive over a number of years. When the melanocyte stops functioning completely and stops producing melanin, the hair begins to turn completely white (without pigment).
“External factors such as diet, stress level, pollution and excessive exposure to sunlight can increase the amount of free radicals, generating oxidative stress, which compromises the synthesis of melanin and, consequently, leads to graying of the hair”, says Ivanilde .
Bleaching can also occur early for genetic reasons or be related to nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12) or pathologies (vitiligo, alopecia areata, thyroid alterations).
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF WHITE HAIR?
According to dermatologist Valéria Campos, white hair has some specificities. “It has a rougher texture and it is common for white hair to be more” rebellious “. The melanin that gives color to the hair is replaced by air bubbles that lose color due to the programmed self-destruction phase of the melanocytes, this happens because the melanocytes are cells responsible for the production of the pigment that is melanin, the same that gives color to the skin “, explains the doctor,” Furthermore, because they are hair that does not have the same amount of protein as colored hair, white hair sheds flexibility “, he concludes.
Gray or white hair needs special care to look healthy and stylish. The threads need hydration, reinforcement and, above all, thermal protection.
- Products for specific treatment:
Using products suitable for gray hair helps in hair care and health. Shampoos and toning balms have antioxidant and moisturizing properties, which help to avoid yellowing of the strands due to sun exposure. Until it loses 100% of its color, the thread can be yellowish. This type of product alleviates this condition.
- Maintain good hydration:
Gray hair is drier. As it tends to become weaker and more porous, it ends up having difficulty absorbing water and other essential nutrients. Hydration is one of the simplest and easiest ways to take care of gray hair, as it can be done through a home care routine. Invest in nutrient-rich moisturizers that improve the strength of the strands, responsible for shine and softness.
- Protect from sunlight:
Since the hair is devoid of pigment, and consequently more sensitive, the strands are very susceptible to radiation damage. Use sunscreen products.
- Avoid thermo appliances:
Appliances that use heat sources such as dryers, babyliss or flat irons should be avoided with gray hair. Frequent use damages and leads to hair breakage. When using these devices, a good thermal protector is essential.
- Use acid shampoos:
Low pH (acidic) shampoos prevent the cuticles from opening further, as this will prevent the strands from losing nutrients, hair mass and water, preventing porosity, dryness and incidence of frizz, as well as fraying and split ends.
“There are specific products to take care of white and gray hair. They promote greater hydration and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress. It is also possible to camouflage gray hair through the use of tonics and dyes, as well as sprays and sticks to camouflage these. hair “, advises Ivanilde Itaborahy.
WHEN SUMMER COMES …
We know how high temperatures can affect (and a lot) the health of the wires, especially the gray ones. “Because gray hair is more sensitive, it is more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet radiation. Solar radiation accentuates the yellowing and dryness of the hair and, therefore, more sun protection and hydration is needed,” says the pharmacist.
Therefore, use products with photoprotectors and bet on a hat or cap during the season. We also recommend the use of moisturizing and regenerating hair creams and masks.
“The chlorine and copper sulphate present in swimming pool water are one of the biggest enemies of white and gray hair, because the alkalinity (pH) is high, opening the hair cuticles too much, making them even more sensitive, weak, opaque. and also fragile “explains the professional. To avoid damage, use the leave-in on dry or slightly damp hair, and it is still recommended to use a cap if possible to increase protection.
AND IN WINTER?
In winter, the strands dry out, due to low humidity, cold and hot water and the constant use of thermal tools.
It is advisable to alternate hydration and wetting treatments. Use a treatment mask once a week, which will help maintain the health of the strands. “With updated hydration, introduce other treatments, such as wetting. In this phase, alternate the applications of moisturizing masks with vegetable oils, such as coconut, castor, olive and argan” advises Ivanilde. The water temperature in the hair should be warm to cold, just cold.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
