adminAnn Ruthenburg Fashion & Beauty
HELLO there everyone. I hope you had a great week. My week was great, but there is so much to do and I am not getting the time to enjoy the details of my days. I must make time though to breathe and smell the fresh air.
So the other day I decided to spend some time washing my hair. I took time to wash it, oil it then dry it using my blower.
But now when I was styling it, I noticed a strand or two of grey hair. As I looked closely, the strand or two were actually strands all in the same area. You have no idea how shocked I was. My shock then turned to stress when I realised the greys were all over. I just had not noticed them creeping up on me over the months or years I don’t know. The only thing I could think about was I am getting old – no!
So I went on to do my research just to help me out in this development.
I could not stand being labelled old in my 30s. So here we go. Here is what I found out and I must say I feel much better, but I will find out how I can hide it or prevent it because no one is going to understand that my grey hair is not because of age – you know how people are.
Whatever you call it, grey hair happens to all of us at some point. But why do some people go grey in their 20s while others don’t see the first sign of silver until age 50? If you are going grey early, the following might be the problem.
What’s ‘Premature’
Hair goes grey when colour-producing cells stop producing pigment, naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide can also build up in the hair, bleaching the colour.
According to research, typically white people start going grey in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and blacks in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of grey hair by the time they turn 50.
A white person is considered to be prematurely grey if his or her hair turns grey by 20; grey before 30 is early for Africans.
Medical problem?
Going grey by itself does not mean you have a medical problem except in rare cases. Contrary to popular belief, stress has not been shown to cause grey hair. Scientists don’t know exactly why some people go grey early, but genes play a large role. Also, a vitamin B-12 deficiency or problems with your pituitary or thyroid gland can cause premature greying, which is reversible if the problem is corrected.
De-stress
Stress is one of the major causes of going grey early and also causes us to age faster. I have now seen that the large patch of grey hair on my head, is the area where I had stitches after my accident. I also realise I have a high stress personality, so yes this may be the major cause of my greying.
So to those who are like me try and relax more and take time out for yourself, even if it’s just a long hot soak after a stressful day.
Be positive, learn to say no, and lock that bathroom door for a bit of peace!
Stop smoking
Smoking has been scientifically proven to cause premature ageing in the body. Quitting should be your first step and it will also improve circulation, which can help reduce greys.
Keep hydrated
Reduce caffeine and alcohol and up your water intake. Also watch how much fried, spicy and acidic foods you eat as these can dehydrate the body and reduce moisture. Lack of moisture and hydration prevents nutrients from reaching hair follicles, which can turn them grey.
Protein please
A moderate-to-high protein diet is vital for your body including skin and hair health.
Eat lean meats like turkey and chicken and try to balance meals with protein not just carbs. If you’re having toast, balance with a poached egg for extra protein.
Extra sleep
Good sleeping habits will help you relax, fully rejuvenate and reduce stress levels. They say 8 hours when you are younger and 6 hours when you are older, for some of us it is the other way around.
Reach for B12
A vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to premature greying. Eat foods rich in B12 like eggs, cheese, beef, bananas, fish and lamb.
Improve circulation
Circulation and blood flow is vital in the prevention of grey hair. There’s no point eating all the vitamins and minerals if they can’t reach your scalp and hair. To improve circulation exercise regularly as this will get the blood flowing. Also massage your scalp with your fingertips daily for five to 10 minutes to improve circulation.
Well, that is it folks from me this week. Until next week, be blessed!
Anastasia can be messaged only on 0772 933 845
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