Why do gray hairs turn yellow? 7 tricks to avoid it

The health of the hair depends to a big extent on the condition of its cuticle, which provides flexibility and elasticity. Nonetheless, this layer will be affected by various aspects, equivalent to heat applied by equipment (flat iron or hair dryer), in addition to elements present in hair dyes. That’s when gray hair turns yellow.

In these cases, the scales may separate or flatten, giving the hair a frizzy or weak and brittle appearance. As well as, when the cuticle is broken and the cortex is exposed, it loses moisture, dehydrating the hair and resulting in the looks of hairpins.

At a certain age, from 50 or even perhaps somewhat earlier, most individuals may have white hair. Others could have all their hair. Nonetheless, there are cases by which gray hair turns yellow without knowing the rationale for it.

Here’s why this happens, in addition to some tips about the best way to prevent or fight it.

Why does gray hair turn yellow?

For one thing, the quantity of melanin decreases with age. First, the hair turns gray, then white. In fact, this varies from individual to individual and, other than age, can rely upon aspects equivalent to stress and genetics.

Actually, some people have already got gray hair before the age of 30.

Nonetheless, it’s common for gray hair to show yellow because of certain external aspects that affect the cuticle, modifying its structure. One among these is exposure to the sun, which contributes to the oxidation of eumelanin, causing it to lose its color.

Similarly, sunlight can alter the composition of fatty acids or lipids, that are found between the scales. Thus, when these are oxidized, the hair acquires a slight yellow color, which is more noticeable in individuals with gray hair.

An important factor, already mentioned, is the warmth of the hair dryer or straightening iron. These elements not only dehydrate the cuticle, but in addition soften it and alter its structure. Don’t forget that in dry hair the scales are open, so that they can absorb any substance.

Alternatively, there are chemicals present in shampoos and hair conditioners that contribute to the looks of this problem. In some cases, substances equivalent to silicones adhere to the hair, accumulating on the cuticle and making it less transparent.

It also occurs consequently of the mineral salts present within the chlorine in swimming pools and even within the water that comes out of the faucets and shower. This causes an alteration of the lipids between the scales, causing them to lose transparency.

The identical situation occurs with the ingredients in hair dyes, including sodium hydroxide, ethanolamine, guanidine, ammonia, and ammonium thioglyconate. These could cause cracks within the cuticle, with the aforementioned effects.

Even though it may not look like it, gray hair also turns yellow even due to smoke within the environment, whether from smoking or burning, in addition to other pollutants suspended within the air.

7 suggestions to stop gray hair from turning yellow

We now have already known the the explanation why gray hair turns yellow. So what we are able to do to combat the issue or avoid it, is to maintain the hair cared for and clean, through the next suggestions.

1. Moisturize your hair

To avoid losing moisture, the hair have to be properly hydrated. This will be done with natural oils equivalent to jojoba oil, borage, or macadamia. It’s also possible to do that by applying shampoos and conditioners with glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Based on research, the addition of hyaluronic acid was found to improve the strength of biopolymer movies in hair care cosmetics.

2. Use protein and vitamins

When gray hair turns yellow, it’s a sign of nutrient-deficient hair. To assist repair it, we are able to resort to shampoos or preparations (masks) based on proteins, in addition to vitamins, including A, C, and B5 (panthenol), which protect against the results of environmental elements.

3. Maintain a rather acidic pH

One other point that’s noted for strengthening cuticles is that hair products used must have a rather acidic pH , between 4.5 and 5. This contributes higher to making sure that the cuticles remain closed.

4. Avoid certain ingredients

Avoid products with ingredients equivalent to those mentioned above (sodium hydroxide, guanidine, ammonia, etc.). As an alternative, products with mild surfactants equivalent to taurates, betaines, glycosides, or sarcosinates must be used.

5. Apply antioxidant products

Flavonoids protect the hair from the results of solar radiation. Filters will be added to shampoo or use natural products equivalent to green tea, aloe vera, or ginkgo biloba, which based on research has a high antioxidant potential.

6. Protect your hair from the sun

Along with the above, it’s vital to avoid continuous exposure to the sun. Hair that lacks melanin is more sensitive.

Among the many precautions to guard yourself we are able to highlight the next: use umbrellas, hats, or caps; and preferably, don’t exit throughout the hours when solar radiation is more intense.

7. Use shampoos with pigments

To recuperate the colour of white hair and neutralize yellow highlights, it’s also possible to apply shampoos that produce dark coloring. Preferably those with natural pigments. To do that, you should use plants equivalent to rosemary.

Remember: Healthy hair looks healthy

When gray hair turns yellow, it’s an indication of a hair health problem, because it happens, largely, because of the weakening of the cuticle. So that is something we want to handle, and never only for aesthetic reasons.

In fact, because the cause can vary, the best is to see a hair specialist. First, it is best to with a dermatologist, after which with a stylist. Then, make certain to at all times follow their recommendations.

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