Beauty

5 Bad Habits That Make Your Hair Not Only Turn Grey But Also Break and Fall Out

Insufficient sleep and prolonged stress can indeed contribute to an increase in gray hair.

26 July, 2024

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Habits That Cause Premature Graying of Hair

Plucking Gray Hairs

Plucking gray hairs can damage the hair follicle, leading to follicle aging and melanocyte degeneration, and may even cause folliculitis, increasing hair breakage and loss.

Chronic Stress

Prolonged stress leads to anxiety, which can contribute to increased graying. When stressed, anxiety impacts blood flow and body hormones, potentially accelerating the aging process of the body, scalp, and hair.

Smoking

Nicotine in cigarettes can constrict blood vessels, affecting blood circulation throughout the body, and creating a large number of free radicals, impacting scalp health, and reducing melanocyte survival.

Leaving Hair Wet, Without Drying

While letting your hair air dry after washing can reduce heat exposure, it may cause your scalp to become cold, hindering blood circulation, and thus, melanin production. It is best to blow-dry the roots and scalp after washing.

Lack of sleep and chronic stress contribute to premature graying.

Sleep Deprivation

The lack of growth hormone is a significant cause of premature graying, potentially leading to poor blood circulation in the scalp, accelerating scalp aging, and impacting melanocyte function.

Ways to Prevent Premature Graying

Reduce Stress

Enduring prolonged pressure and stress can lead to premature graying. The reason is that when stressed for extended periods, the body stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to release noradrenaline, which can cause melanin-producing cells to move away from the hair follicle, resulting in hair losing its pigment.

Enduring prolonged stress can lead to premature graying.

Take time to relax and unwind in the evenings, as this can help you fall asleep more easily and reduce stress.

Minimize Exposure to Chemicals

Opt for hair dyes that are less damaging and less likely to cause allergic reactions to your scalp. You can also use certain herbs that help darken hair and promote hair health, including Chinese knotweed, black beans, black sesame, or barley grass. When going out, wear a hat or a cap to protect your hair.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

This is an effective way to prevent premature graying. Avoid harmful habits, including staying up late, smoking, and regularly consuming stimulants such as alcohol and drinks containing alcohol…

At the same time, enrich your diet with beneficial foods such as:

– Salmon: Salmon provides nutrients that support hair and skin health, such as omega-3 and protein.

Healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent premature graying.

– Oysters: Oysters prevent anemia and improve cholesterol, helping to prevent gray hair by maintaining healthy hair protein.

– Eggs: Including eggs in your diet is a useful way to boost this micronutrient.

– Beans: Lentils and chickpeas are excellent sources of vitamin B9.

– Goji Berries: Goji berries are known to darken hair, prevent graying, and slow down aging, thus maintaining a youthful appearance.

– Seaweed: Seaweed is rich in collagen, which naturally enhances hair health.

Frequently asked questions

The article identifies 5 key habits that can negatively affect hair health: excessive smoking, frequent hair dyeing, improper hair washing techniques, using the wrong type of shampoo, and a lack of proper hair protection when out in the sun.

Smoking cigarettes can deplete the body’s stores of vitamin C, which is essential for producing collagen – a protein that gives structure to hair and keeps it from becoming brittle. Smoking can also constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the scalp and impacting the health of hair follicles.

Frequent hair dyeing, especially with harsh chemical dyes, can damage hair. The dye can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. It can also irritate the scalp and lead to hair fall.

It is important to use lukewarm water when washing your hair, as very hot water can strip the scalp of its natural oils. Massage the shampoo gently into your scalp and let it rinse through the lengths of your hair. Conditioner should be applied to the ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp, and rinsed thoroughly.

Choosing the right shampoo depends on your hair type and any specific concerns you may have, such as dryness, oiliness, or dandruff. It is important to read the labels and choose a shampoo that is suitable for your needs. You may also want to opt for natural, organic shampoos to minimize the impact of chemicals on your hair.

Yes, just like your skin, your hair and scalp need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to hair damage, dryness, and increased brittleness. Wearing a hat or using hair products with built-in UV protection can help shield your hair.