Going grey gracefully

Can smoking really make your hair go grey? Is stress a factor? Our sister publication, No.1 magazine, explores the truth behind those grey hair myths.

Health matters

LIFESTYLE can have an impact on how quickly your hair turns grey. Drinking too much alcohol can speed up the process, while a 2013 study in the Indian Online Dermatol Journal revealed that there was a significant link between smoking cigarettes and the onset of grey hair among under-30s. If that isn’t motivation to quit then we aren’t sure what is!

Plucking is pointless

PEOPLE say, “If you pluck a grey hair, two will grow in its place”. We are pleased to report that this is definitely a myth. It’s actually pointless to pluck grey hairs as you’re not actually removing the hair follicle, so a new grey hair will simply grow back in.

Hair today . . .

YOUR genes do play a part in how quickly your locks turn silver. Caucasians tend to go grey earlier than Asians. A pigment called melanin is responsible for our hair colour and, as we age, the hair follicles produce less melanin which in turn leads to grey hair.

A grey area

WHILE stress doesn’t actually cause your hair to turn grey, it can lead it to fall out. The hair that grows back is often less pigmented – so stress can be considered a contributing factor.

Treatments

WHETHER you want to cover them up or embrace your greys, you should treat your hair a little differently. Grey hair is more susceptible to sun damage so make sure to wear a hat or use a protecting spray when you are on holiday. Grey hair often feels a little coarse, because your sebum production slows down as you age. Use clarifying shampoos sparingly and invest in a good moisturising treatment to prevent your hair drying out.