Generally, there is no way of permanently preventing gray hair in those who are genetically bound to have this condition. Avoiding tobacco and eating right may help stave off grays for a time and prevent premature graying, but these are generally temporary solutions. There are ways of lessening the appearance of gray hair, primarily various dyes and bleaching creams.
Gray hair eventually affects most individuals as they age. It is the result of a lack of melanin, the substance which gives the hair and skin their color. A lack in production or the inability of the hair to absorb this substance leads to a lack of color. Gray hair is actually translucent and it appears a gray or white color when lying against darker hair or the scalp.
Genetics play a large role in who will turn gray and when. Although there is no proven way of preventing gray hair, those whose parents naturally avoided graying will likely also maintain their hair color for longer than those born of parents who turned gray earlier. Most people do eventually turn gray, but the ages at which this occurs vary widely from person to person. Often, the first few gray hairs will appear at some point during one's thirties. These hairs will continually multiply from this point on, although some people are not noticeably gray until well into the fifties and beyond.
There may be ways of preventing gray hair in those without a genetic disposition for grays, since there are some behaviors which can affect the hair's melanin absorption in those who would not have been gray otherwise. Smoking, for instance, has shown in certain studies to cause premature graying of the hair. Certain vitamin deficiencies and hormonal disorders, primarily those affecting the thyroid gland, have also been shown to cause gray hair. These conditions can be treated or prevented.
Supplement manufacturers sometimes claim that preventing gray hair is possible through supplementation with melanin or with proteins which stimulate natural melanin production and absorption. These products have not been proven for safety or effectiveness. Before trying any new supplement, it is a good idea to speak with a health care provider to discuss ingredients and potential safety risks. Additionally, certain drugs have been shown effective in preventing gray hair, but these are not recommended for general consumption due to their toxic nature and severe side effects.
The best way of handling gray hair is to dye the hair by either using an over the counter hair coloring agent or going to a professional spa. Natural hair coloring is available for those who are concerned about the chemicals present in most products, although these may not always work as well. Additionally, gray hair is not necessarily unattractive and many individuals embrace their silver locks by keeping hair shiny and well maintained.
