White hair: what if it was stress?
Publié le 17-03-2021 et mis à jour le 24-10-2024
We all know the expression "to get white hair" to emphasize significant stress.
For a long time, stress has been the cause of many more or less unpleasant symptoms. White hair is notably one of them, even though genetics plays a big role.
Let's discover the natural hair solutions and treatments.
A natural phenomenon
Hair whitening, also called canities, is a natural and inevitable phenomenon. The older we get, the more our hair loses its color.
The color of our hair, skin, body hair, and eyes is related to the presence of melanin.
Melanocytes, which are stem cells responsible for the pigment of hair and fur, leave their cavity near the base of the hair follicle and leave the hair without a source of pigmentation. The hair then turns white.
It is very rare for melanocytes to regenerate once the first white hair has appeared; there is no process to stop this phenomenon.
As for gray hair, it does not exist; the illusion of gray hair comes from a mixture of colored hair and white hair.
Some people may start to have white hair early, at the age of 20, while others will be spared until 60; it is all a matter of genetics. If members of your family have premature white hair, it is very likely that this will be the case for you as well.
Some extrinsic factors also come into play in the process of hair whitening. Indeed, vitamin deficiencies and white hair, tobacco, hormonal imbalances, certain diseases can be responsible for white hair.
Read also: white hair in young people
White hair and stress
Stress or a traumatic shock can accelerate the appearance of white hair.
A study published by the journal Nature conducted by researchers on mice demonstrated that stress damages the stem cells responsible for hair pigmentation and is therefore indeed one of the factors responsible for white hair.
Indeed, these cells are present in limited stock and if they are repeatedly activated by stress, the stock will quickly be depleted, causing irreversible hair whitening.
How to prevent white hair?
1- Deficiencies and white hair
What is on our plates can prevent the appearance of white hair! Indeed, thenutrition plays an important role if one wishes to delay this phenomenon.
To limit oxidative stress, which is partly responsible for premature hair aging, it is necessary to address deficiencies. Hair is made of keratin, which is a protein. It is enough to regularly consume proteins such as eggs or fish, which are a very good source of it.
Moreover, essential fatty acids, B vitamins, and zinc are essential for maintaining healthy hair.
Omega-3 are known to promote the pigmentation of hair fibers. They are found in avocado, fatty fish, and oilseeds.
2- Hair dietary supplement
If the power supply does not provide sufficient input, a dietary supplement is necessary to fill any potential gaps.
At the house of D-LAB, we offer a range of dietary supplements formulated with plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals, made in France.
We recommend the Absolu de Mélanine, which is an innovative complex that will darken hair color by gradually repigmenting white hair.
It regenerates the hair bulb, promoting hair growth and slowing hair loss.
Additionally, we also offer the Absolu de Kératine which provides a high dose of patented keratin to revive the most demanding hair.
The Absolu Oméga-3 will provide a high dose of essential omega-3 for the good health of the hair fiber.
To reduce stress, at D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS, we recommend the Mental Load Program which provides a comprehensive response to intense stress and overwork situations. This Program combines 37 active ingredients known to stimulate and soothe the nervous, hormonal, and immune systems.
3- Natural solutions against white hair
To slow down the premature appearance of white hair, there are certain natural solutions for white hair.
Amla oil
Amla oil is renowned for its many hair benefits! Rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants, it has strengthening and protective properties. In addition to slowing down gray hair, it strengthens the hair fiber, protects it, and promotes hair growth.
It is used as an oil bath, leaving it on our hair for at least an hour! It can also be used as a daily moisturizing treatment on our lengths.
The onion
Onion is composed mostly of sulfur, making it ideal for treating white hair, as it stimulates the bulb and collagen regeneration, improves blood circulation and stimulates hair follicles.
Simply grate a large onion and collect its juice, then rub it onto the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. To get rid of the smell from your hair, shampoo well and rinse as usual. You can repeat this ritual three times a week for good results.
The coffee
The antioxidants it contains and its natural pigments make it one of the most effective foods against the appearance of white hair! Apply the equivalent of two cups of coffee to your scalp and leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse. Again, you can repeat this ritual three times a week.
4- How to hide the first white hairs?
The colorings
When the first white hairs appear, dyes are the first solution to camouflage them. Ideally, it is best to choose plant-based or ammonia-free dyes to take care of the hair fiber and scalp and not to damage them too much.
Hair sprays
Hair color sprays are the fastest and simplest solution to hide gray hair, without having to go through the coloring process! Indeed, they act as a "touch-up" and temporarily cover the white hair. They fade with shampooing.
