Finding your first grey strand can be a frustrating and surprising experience, leading you to wonder why it’s happening. Many people assume hair turns grey solely due to age, but the reality behind its causes is far more complex. From genetics to lifestyle choices and stress, several factors play a role in premature greying.
Genetics: The Blueprint of Your Hair
Genetics is the most significant factor determining when and how much grey hair a person will have. Also, the timing and rate of hair greying are inherited from your parents and grandparents.
Therefore, if your family members started seeing grey strands at a young age, you are much more likely to experience premature greying as well. This is because your genes contain the blueprint that dictates when the melanin-producing cells in your hair follicles will slow down and eventually stop, a process that is entirely natural and pre-programmed.
Is Grey Hair Caused by Stress?
The idea that stress directly turns hair grey is a common myth, but the reality is more nuanced. While stress doesn’t instantly change your hair colour, chronic stress can accelerate the greying process by impacting the very cells that produce hair pigment.
Research suggests that intense, prolonged stress can impact the hair follicle stem cells that produce melanin, the pigment that determines your hair colour.
Additionally, severe stress can trigger conditions like telogen effluvium. Consequently, this leads to hair shedding that may reveal a higher proportion of existing white hair, making the greying appear more sudden.
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Grey Hair
Beyond genetics and stress, your daily habits and environment also have a significant impact on when and how your hair changes.
1. Smoking
Smoking is a lifestyle factor with a well-documented link to premature greying. The harmful toxins and chemicals in cigarettes can damage your hair follicles and disrupt melanin production.
Consequently, this can accelerate the greying process, leading to the appearance of white hair at a much younger age than would otherwise be expected.
2. Dietary Deficiencies
What you eat also directly affects your hair’s health and pigmentation, and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals are known contributors to premature greying. For instance, a lack of Vitamin B-12, in particular, is strongly associated with the early appearance of grey strands.
Additionally, insufficient intake of essential nutrients like copper, iron, and protein can impact melanin production. So, if you’re not a fan of ash grey hair, it’s important to have a balanced diet to maintain your hair’s natural colour.
3. Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, can also damage the cells responsible for producing melanin. Factors such as pollution, a poor diet, and exposure to UV rays all contribute to this stress.
Also, this damage can lead to the early appearance of white hair, making it one of the key causes that is not purely genetic. However, eating food rich in antioxidants can help to counteract this effect.
Managing Your Grey Hair Journey at Bonbon Blowout Bar+
There are many causes behind developing grey hair, ranging from genetics to lifestyle. However, if you notice sudden or significant greying at a young age, it is always best to speak with a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Once cleared, you can turn to Bonbon Blowout Bar+ for professional solutions to beautifully manage the appearance of grey and white hair.
Our bespoke services include:
- Expert Colour Blending: Our stylists can provide hair dye services to seamlessly blend your grey and white hair with your natural colour. This creates a soft, natural look that grows out gracefully, avoiding harsh lines and providing a subtle yet significant transformation.
- Lowlights and Highlights: Strategically placed lowlights and different types of highlights camouflage grey hair by adding rich dimension and vibrancy. With this method, we can break up the solid appearance of grey, integrating it into your overall style for a more dynamic and youthful look.
- Root Touch-ups: For a quick and effective solution between full-colour appointments, we can also provide root touch-ups to discreetly conceal new grey growth. This helps you maintain a polished appearance with minimal effort.
- Toning and Glossing: Beyond simple colouring, our toning and glossing services revitalise your hair. This premium hair treatment service neutralises unwanted brassy, yellow tones in white hair, leaving it with a vibrant, youthful appearance and a brilliant, healthy shine.
Special Anniversary Promo: Single-Tone Colour at Just $68
As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re excited to offer a limited-time promotion on a single-tone colour service for just S$68! This is the perfect opportunity to cover your grey hair with a fresh, vibrant shade.
Terms and Conditions:
- Valid on weekdays only, excluding public holidays.
- Applies to hair up to shoulder blade length.
- Appointments must be booked in advance.
- Available for a limited time only.
Book a consultation at our hair salon in Singapore today to explore personalised solutions that celebrate your unique hair journey.