Smoking and stress are factors related to the loss or decrease of melanin production in the hair.
Canície, which consists of hair bleaching, is a natural and progressive phenomenon that occurs due to the decrease or loss of the activity of melanotics, the cells that produce melanin, according to Dr. Jaqueline Zmijevski, dermatologist of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).
“Melanin is the pigment that gives color to skin and hair, and there are two main types: eumelanin, which gives brown or black color, and pheomelanin, responsible for yellow and reddish hair. Gray or white hairs have less or no melanin, “he says.
There are several reasons that can cause some, or possibly all, of the strands to turn white. “The main one is genetics: science has already identified some genes involved in this complex process. It is known, for example, that half of the Caucasian population turns gray before the age of 50”, begins the doctor.
“Other possible explanations besides genetics are health problems: vitamin B12 deficiency (common in vegetarian diets) and thyroid disease,” he adds.
In addition, some habits can promote the early appearance of gray hair, including smoking, as there are studies showing that smokers are 2.5 times more likely to have gray hair before the age of 30. Stress is also a factor that can interfere with the melanin in the strands.
“Another curiosity is the difference between gray-haired men and women. In women, the first whites appear in the region of the hair implant, right in the front. In men, the temples, on the sides, are usually the first area concerned “, points out the specialist.
In the case of individuals under 20 who already have white hair, canície can be considered precocious.
“It probably happens due to a depletion of the melanocyte reservoir or some change in cell activation or migration, usually aggravated by environmental factors, such as pollution and intense sun exposure or psychological stress. At this age, it is important to undergo under evaluation to rule out some rare syndromes that with early dogs, such as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, Waardenburg and even scalp vitiligo “, says Dr. Jacqueline.
According to the dermatologist, there is still no treatment for canície. He points out that there are topical and oral actives that are being studied, but nothing with scientific evidence indicating their use only for this purpose. “For now, the way is to use traditional dyes and toners,” he points out.
“An important advice for those who want to face gray forever is to invest in hydration and wetting, as white hair is more porous, brittle and dry. To eliminate the yellowish appearance, you can use toning shampoos, the purple ones. But don’t abuse it, limit its use to once a week, or every 15 days, because it can dry out the threads even more “, concludes Dr. Jaqueline Zmijevski.
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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.
