Everything you need to know to about how to delay your greys and care for them when they do rear their head, according to Ricardo Vila Nova.
Yes, developing grey hair is totally natural, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t throw up a host of emotions around the passing of time, ageing and not fitting into societies rigid beauty standards. But whether you’re embracing this colour change or attempting to hold it off for as long as possible, it’s worth knowing the facts. Read on to discover how to stave off greys, why and how grey hair develops, plus how to look after your greys and so much more.
Grey hair explained
“The journey to grey hair begins in the hair follicles, where pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes reside. As we age these cells gradually decrease their production of melanin – the pigment responsible for giving our hair its colour. The less melanin in each strand, the greyer – or even white – it becomes,” explains Vila Nova.
Primarily driven by our genetics, you’ll find that if your parents or grandparents started greying early then chances are you will too. Generally, people can start to grey between their mid-thirties to mid-forties, but some people may notice their first grey as early as their twenties, while others won’t grey till their fifties.
Other factors also contribute to when you’ll go grey, says Vila Nova, who sites environmental factors such as stress, smoking, and poor diet as contributors to accelerating the greying process.
How to stave off your greys
While you can’t change your genetics, you can slow down ageing and this is key to staving off grey hair for as long as possible.
“Your hair’s health is closely linked to your overall nutrition. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help nourish your hair follicles, with some believed to be especially helpful in delaying the greying process. Key nutrients to ensure you get enough of would be, vitamin B12. A deficiency in vitamin B12 has been linked to premature greying. Ensure you’re getting enough of this vitamin by eating foods like fish, meat, eggs, and dairy, or consider a supplement if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Then there’s beta-carotene, this vitamin A compound plays a role in enhancing and preserving hair pigment, which makes beta-carotene foods like eggs, carrots, tomatoes and sweet potatoes essential if you want to help maintain your natural hair colour,” reveals Vila Nova.
Stress can also play a role in how fast your hair turns grey. “There is some evidence to suggest that prolonged stress can contribute to premature greying, though the exact mechanisms are still not fully understood. Stress can increase the production of hormones like cortisol, which over time may damage the cells responsible for hair pigment,” explains Vila Nova. And while we’d all love to live stress free lives, that can be a tough ask. However, it would be wise, if possible, to incorporate some stress-reduction techniques into your daily life, think regular exercise, meditation or breathing exercises, and a decent amount of sleep – all of which should help reduce cortisol levels.
Lastly, a regular Grey Prevention Treatment at 212.2 Ricardo Vila Nova, can help ward of greys. Designed by Vila Nova himself this treatment combines microneedling with a cocktail of peptides and growth factors that work to regenerate follicles to reset and balance the production of melanin.
How to care for your greys
Now while it’s not true that grey hair is more fragile and coarser in texture than the coloured strands that came before it, what is true is that as we age the production of sebum (the natural oil that keeps hair smooth and shiny) decreases. As a result, grey hair may appear coarser, drier, and more prone to frizz. “This can also affect the way the hair behaves when styling. Grey strands can be more wiry or unruly, requiring additional attention to maintain smoothness and manageability,” explains Vila Nova.
As grey hair tends to be drier and more delicate, it requires extra care and hydration. Whether you colour your greys or opt to go Au naturel, these are Vila Nova’s top tips for looking after your greys…
Ditch sulphates…
Opt for hydrating sulphate-free shampoos, as sulphates can strip the scalp of all its moisture, aka sebum, increasing dryness.
Moisturise…
Make deep-conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners your best friends. These will help keep your hair soft, shiny, and healthy. 212.2 Ricardo Vila Nova Active Fusions are the ideal choice, as the bespoke conditioning masks are packed with collagen, keratin and hyaluronic acid – actives that Vila Nova believes are essential for looking after grey hair.
Avoid heat damage…
Grey hair is more prone to dryness, so try to minimise the use of hot tools. If you must use a blow-dryer or straightener, always apply a heat-protectant spray first.
Add protein…
Since grey hair can be more porous, incorporating protein treatments, like keratin masks, once a month can help strengthen strands.
Purple products…
Grey and silver hair can develop yellow or brassy tones, especially if it’s lightened. A purple shampoo or conditioner can help neutralise these tones and keep your grey hair looking fresh and vibrant.
Remember…
Greying is totally natural, and nothing to be feared. But, if you take care of your hair and scalp by way of a 360 approach that includes regular treatments, a balanced diet and stress reduction techniques you should be able to stay grey free for longer.
To start your grey prevention journey use the link below to get in touch.
