Debunking Common Myths About Greying Hair: Facts and Tips for Healthy Locks

Everyone remembers the moment of panic when they spot their first grey hair. Nowadays, greys are easily spotted even in women in their thirties. Some women opt for hair color, while others flaunt their greys. No matter which group you belong to, a little insight into these changes is helpful. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths about greying hair and provide tips for maintaining healthy locks.

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Myth 1: Hair greying occurs due to excessive use of hair color and other products.

Fact: Hair greying is a natural process that occurs over time. It is not related to the use of hair color. While repeated chemical treatments can cause hair to fall or make the hair dull, they cannot cause hair to turn grey. Hair gets its color because of a pigment called melanin. The levels of this pigment naturally reduce over time as the body produces less of it. This leads to hair appearing grey or white.

Myth 2: Grey hair is dry and frizzy.

Fact: Grey hair is often rough to touch. But this has nothing to do with hair color. With time, the body secretes less of its natural lubricating substance, known as sebum. As a result, the hair strands feel coarse and unmanageable. Hair oils, serums, and leave-in conditioners help in hydrating the hair. Deep conditioning treatments also make the hair feel soft temporarily.

Myth 3: Grey hair will keep coming back, and coloring it is a waste of time.

Fact: You get to decide whether or not you want to color your hair. There are no strict rules here. Hair colors these days are gentle and easy to use. Many of them can even be applied at home by oneself, especially if you are only touching up the roots. Stubborn greys can come at any age - be it 25 or 50. Style your hair however you feel confident. That being said, grey hair is more prone to damage from ultraviolet light, chemicals, and heat treatments. So, avoid burdening your hair with too many products at once.

Myth 4: If you pluck one grey hair, three more will grow in its place.

Fact: Who hasn’t heard this one, right? Luckily, loss of hair pigment cannot spread to other strands. Each strand will turn grey in its own time. However, plucking hair is still not recommended. For one, you might end up pulling on multiple hair strands and damaging them. Secondly, the hair grows from a structure present in the skin called the hair follicle. Plucking hair can damage the follicle and hamper hair growth in the future.

How to Deal with Greying Hair: Tips for Healthy Locks

• Take care of your health and consume a wholesome diet.
• Accept that hair greying is natural. It does not have to be a bad thing!
• Try simple stress reduction practices such as journaling or meditation.
• Avoid smoking.
• Visit a hairstylist who can give you a haircut that suits your changing hair.
• Be confident! There is no right or wrong here.

Have you ever believed any of these myths? Or have you heard of any others? In case of any doubts, consult one of our dermatologists. An expert will help you get a better understanding of how to take care of your hair.

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