One of the biggest concerns that people have about their hair is graying and the development of gray hair. Obviously, this is a natural part of the aging process, and while some people may not have the desire to color their hair, others do. The hair color industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise worldwide. Many cultures value youth and the appearance of youth.
Hair color is determined by the presence of different types of pigment called melanin. Graying occurs when the melanin-producing cells stop producing the pigment. Of note, gray hairs are often thinner than pigmented hair. This is because the outer covering of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle, is thinner. As a result, gray hair is often more susceptible to dryness, damage, and breakage. In consequence, people with gray hair need to be vigilant regarding their use of hair treatments, chemicals, heated styling, UV exposure, chlorine exposure, and other hair hygiene/hair maintenance practices.
The age at which people may begin to develop gray hair varies with ethnicity. In general, people of African-American descent may develop gray hair by their mid-40s, while Caucasian people may begin to develop gray hair by their mid-30s. According to WebMD, half of all people will have a great deal of gray hair by the time they enter the sixth decade of life [1].
There are many different types of hair dyes that are on the market that people can use to color their hair. These include permanent, demi-permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dyes, as well as bleach, root concealer, henna, and hair gloss. Permanent hair dyes tend to work the best in the treatment of gray hair. They can provide uniform coloring and dye hairs that may be difficult to color. Permanent hair dye contains chemicals, such as ammonia, that penetrate the hair shaft deeply to provide long-lasting color. Permanent hair dye will not wash away with shampooing. It does require regular maintenance to keep up with hair growth. In general, people who use permanent hair dye should see their colorist every 4-6 weeks. Additionally, some people may develop allergic reactions to the ingredients in hair dye, so it is often recommended that one do a patch test to observe for any issues prior to undertaking a full hair treatment [2].
Root concealer can be used when the major area of concern is the gray hair growing out of the scalp. This can be used in between salon appointments for touch-ups. This type of product can be used at home. There are different types of root concealers, including those that are temporary and those that are permanent [2].
Graying hair or the treatment of graying hair with hair coloring, as with any hair issue, can be tracked using the HairDays app. The app allows users to log their hair journey as they make changes to address the issues that are of concern to them and to detail their response to different hair treatments or interventions. The app also allows users to take photos to monitor their progress.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment purposes. This is not medical advice. Please see your physician or care provider with any questions or concerns.
Sources
[1] D. Sashin. (2022, November 14). Premature graying: reasons, options [Online]. Available: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/abcs-premature-graying
[2] C. Candelario. (2023, January 31). 8 different types of hair dye, from temporary to permanent [Online]. Available: https://www.purewow.com/beauty/different-types-of-hair-dye
Do We Really Need A Hair Typing System?
Common Hair Concerns – HairDays App Can Help
