Your hair color can say a lot about your health.

Hair color is determined by genetic factors and the protein responsible for its pigmentation is melanin. Depending on the type and amount of melanin found in the hair, the natural color of the hair can be defined.

Black and brown hair contain eumelanin, a dark pigment. Redheads and blondes have a bright pigment called pheomelanin. In gray hair the amount of melanin is low, while white hair has none.

As melanin also acts on the skin, in general, natural hair color is directly related to skin color, so people with dark skin tend to have dark hair and people with fair skin, light hair.

In the midst of so many chemical treatments and dyes, you may end up forgetting what your natural hair color is, but you definitely remember if you tend more towards dark, red or light. Knowing this, find out what health risks are associated with each group and prevent yourself.

black and brown hair

People with black and brown hair are more prone to tobacco addiction. One of the likely factors is the high proportion of melanin, which prevents the liver from metabolizing toxins quickly and makes the toxins stay in the body longer, causing addiction.

Studies done on animals suggest that vitamin C is an ally to keep the liver functioning always in order. Therefore, if you are a smoker and have black or brown hair, the ideal is to consume at least 75 mcg of this vitamin per day, the equivalent of what is found in half an orange.

Due to the fact that they have oilier skin, brunettes may have an easier time developing pimples, but on the other hand, this same oiliness tends to make the signs of age appear later.

The tendency to develop sun spots, also known as melasma, is greater in women who have brown hair. Once the stains appear, it is recommended to use depigmenting agents. The appearance of seborrheic keratosis, wart-like skin is also common, especially after the age of 50, but can be removed with cauterization.

Hair loss in brunettes and redheads is more apparent because they have thicker hair. To combat the problem, it is recommended to consume 250 g of meat a day, a source of amino acid and zinc, and 200 g of almonds or 100 g of peanuts, rich in vitamin B7.

Blond hair

Blonde women are genetically more susceptible to AMD (age-related macular degeneration), a disease that causes loss of central vision. A diet rich in natural compounds found in dark green vegetables can be great allies.

Blondes produce a smaller amount of melanin, which makes the skin and scalp more exposed to the sun’s aggressions. Melanin, in addition to acting on skin color, also protects against UV rays. If you are blonde and have fair skin, do not dispense with sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more and, whenever you go out in the sun, wear hats.

Unlike brunettes, blondes have a strong tendency to form wrinkles and rosacea, a chronic inflammation that causes redness and the reason is, again, a lack of melanin. The tip is not to give up anti-wrinkle and hypoallergenic creams.

Red hair

A 2009 study at Harvard University in the US found that redheads are 90% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. It is possible that the same genetic mutation that alters hair color is responsible for the predisposition to the disease. Consumption of foods with folic acid, such as spinach (preferably raw) and sour fruits can help with prevention.

If you’re a redhead, you may be more sensitive to pain due to a genetic mutation that makes redheads more resistant to local anesthesia. Redheads need up to 20% more sedatives than brunettes or blondes.

Light-eyed redheads, instead of tanning, end up burning themselves, increasing the chances of developing diseases such as skin cancer. In addition, the sun can increase the appearance of freckles.

Unfortunately, it’s no use dyeing your hair or trying to nip it in the bud. The solution is to always pay attention to health, resort to products and, whenever necessary, carry out preventive treatments. Any suspicion, consult a trusted doctor and always remember that a healthy woman is more important and beautiful than hair color.