What Are Some Common Issues with Gray Hair?
Gray hair affects more than just how you look. It often requires a different hair-care regimen—one that may involve a little more maintenance than you’re used to.
While your hair is unique, the changes in quality, thickness and texture you experience when going gray are common issues. Luckily, the right products, consistency in using them and a little determination are all you need to make your silver strands shine.
Common Gray Hair Issues
On a personal level, everyone deals with going gray differently. While some resist it, others embrace it. In a general sense, however, gray hair can lead to different types of common problems.
Texture Changes
As you get older, your hair follicles produce less melanin, which is responsible for your hair color. Melanin also provides a protective layer for your hair. A lack of melanin makes this protective layer even thinner, which can cause your hair to turn wiry or coarse.
Dullness and Lack of Shine
Shiny strands are one of the first things to disappear once your grays start to show. This is attributed to a lack of oil. And while it may seem that less oil is ideal because it reduces the likelihood of greasy hair, that’s not entirely the case. A common issue with gray hair is that the natural oil your sebaceous glands once produced starts to decrease. This oil acts as a natural conditioner for your hair, nourishing it and protecting it from the elements. It’s also responsible for your hair’s luster.
More Breakage
It’s simple fact of life that gray hair is more fragile and finer. This is due to the cuticle being thinner, which provided a protective layer, than when your hair had pigment. So using a delicate hand when styling and avoiding hot tools is important. A shampoo designed for gray hair like our sulfate-free Silver Lining Purple Brightening Shampoo not only eliminates brassiness and yellowing, but it also hydrates and strengthens hair strands—adding extra lift and volume.
A Less Polished Look
Gray hair isn’t unattractive by any standard. In fact, gone are the days when women felt they absolutely needed to hide their gray hair to feel or look good. Especially in a post-Covid world, more and more women are saying so long to coloring their hair. But unkempt gray hair that isn’t properly nourished and cared for can make it more challenging to feel pulled-together. Now that there are so many fabulous products designed for gray and aging hair, it’s easier than ever to maintain it.
Does Gray Hair Mean I Have an Issue with Stress?
It’s a common misconception that stress is one of the primary causes of gray hair. While it’s true that stress can potentially cause certain conditions that may lead to gray hair, ultimately, stress is not the driving factor in how fast or how gray your hair becomes. So what is?
Gray is Completely Natural and Often Genetic
Gray or graying hair happens to virtually everyone. It’s a sign of the aging process, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. According to Harvard Medical School, there are many reasons why hair turns gray, but overall gray hair is mainly genetic and it’s not an indicator of poor health.
The amount of gray hair your parents had will be the most prominent indicator of the gray hair you will have as you get older. It’s just a natural part of the journey of life. Instead of stressing over its common issues, simply take proactive steps to manage and care for your hair as you age.
Tips for Dealing with Common Gray Hair Issues
If your gray hair is having these common issues, there are steps you can take:
- Using a hair mask can help you manage gray hair by moisturizing and nourishing it with a combination of vitamins, nutrients and oils.
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps hydrate your hair and your scalp.
- Utilizing a scalp massager, like Better Not Younger’s Superpower Liquid Comb Massaging Serum Applicator, exfoliates follicles to reduce flaking and dryness and improve overall gray hair health.
- Use a conditioner regularly to help replenish and retain moisture.
Don’t Worry About Your Gray Hair
Even though issues with gray hair can be frustrating at time, they’re hardly a cause for any concern. Dryness, texture or fragility with gray hair isn’t uncommon. Overall it’s an entirely natural process that just requires a bit more effort to maintain.
We have excellent products available to help you manage your gray hair. All our products are environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, and have no harsh chemicals. For a more personalized recommendation, don’t hesitate to contact us and reach out to one of our experts to guide you through all of our choices.
Tell Us: What hair concerns have you experienced with your gray hair? Share in the comments below!