How to take care of gray hair? – GOOD SHAPE

How many celebrities have you seen in recent years assuming their gray hair? Trend in the world of fashion and beauty, the Grey hair gain more and more space, becoming a movement of acceptance and self-love, but require special care.

The wires, when gray, have already lost some properties, have more open cuticles and become more porous. In addition to being more dry, with a greater tendency to turn yellow, white hair is 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 greater care, especially with hydration and protection of these threads” says Ivanilde Itaborahy, pharmacist at Dermatus.

BUT WHY DO THE HAIR GO WHITE?

O whitening or gray hair is a natural and progressive phenomenon that occurs due to the decrease or loss of melanocyte activity (cells that produce the pigment melanin). You Grey hair indicate that the melanocytes become sluggish 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 decades 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 period of years. When the melanocyte ceases to function completely and stops producing melanin, the hair grows completely white (without any 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 melanin synthesis and consequently leads to graying of the hair” says Ivanilde.

Whitening can also occur early on due to genetics or be related to nutritional deficits (such as vitamin B12) or pathologies (vitiligo, alopecia areata, thyroid disorders).

WHICH CARE SHOULD I TAKE WITH WHITE HAIR?

According to the dermatologist Valeria Campos, O White hair has some specifics. “It has a rougher texture and it is common for white hair to be more “rebellious”. The melanin that gives color to the threads is replaced by air bubbles and they lose their color because of the programmed self-destruction phase of melanocytes, this is because melanocytes are cells responsible for producing the pigment that is melanin, the same that gives color to the skin”, explains the doctor, “Furthermore, because they are threads that do not have the same amount of protein as colored threads, white threads lose flexibility” she concludes.

Gray or white hair needs special care to look healthy and elegant. Wires need hydration, strengthening and, above all, thermal protection.

Specific treatment products:

The use of products suitable for the Grey hair, assists in the care and health of the wires. Tinting shampoos and conditioners have antioxidant and moisturizing properties, which help to prevent hair from turning yellow due to exposure to the sun. Until it loses 100% of the color, the yarn can be born a little yellowish. This type of product alleviates this condition.

Maintain good hydration:

O gray hair it is more dry. As he tends to get weaker and more porous, he ends up having difficulties 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 homemade care routine. Invest in nutrient-rich hydration creams that enhance the strength of the hair, responsible for its shine and softness.

Protect from solar radiation:

As the hair is without pigment, and consequently more sensitive, the strands are very susceptible to radiation damage. Use products with sunscreen.

Avoid thermal appliances:

Devices that use heat sources such as dryers, babyliss or flat iron, should be avoided in gray hair. Frequent use damages and leads to hair breakage. When using these devices, a good thermal protector is essential.

Low pH (acid) shampoos prevent the cuticles from opening further, as this will prevent the strands from losing nutrients, capillary mass and water, this will prevent porosity, dryness and the incidence of frizz, in addition to frayed and split ends.

“There are specific products to take care of gray and white hair. They promote greater hydration and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress. It is also possible to camouflage white hairs through the use of toners and dyes, as well as sprays and sticks to camouflage these hairs”, advises Ivanilde Itaborahy.

WHEN SUMMER COMES…

We know how high temperatures can affect (and a lot) the health of the threads, especially the gray. “Because they are more sensitive, the gray hair it is more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet radiation. Solar radiation accentuates the yellowing and dryness of the hair and, therefore, greater sun protection and hydration is necessary” 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 sulfate present in pool water are one of the greatest enemies of gray and white hair, because the alkalinity (pH) is high, opening the hair cuticles too much, making them even more sensitive, weak, opaque and even brittle” explains the professional. To prevent damage, use the leave-in on dry or slightly damp hair, and it is also recommended to use a cap, if possible, to increase protection.

AND IN WINTER?

In winter, the wires are drier, due to low humidity, cold, hot water, and the constant use of heat tools.

It is recommended to intersperse hydration and wetting treatments. Use a treatment mask once a week, which will help maintain the health of the hair. “With hydration up to date, introduce other treatments, such as moistening. At this stage, intersperse the applications of moisturizing masks with vegetable oils, such as coconut, castor, olive and argan” advises Ivanilde. The temperature of the water in the hair should be from lukewarm to cold, that’s right, cold.