Slowing Down Graying Hair

Slowing Down Gray Hair

According to the LiveStrong Foundation, women may begin a vitamin regimen in order to prevent and/or slow the graying process which includes the following vitamins: Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin B9, and PABA. This is the recommended protocol: when you eat breakfast, take 2mcg of vitamin B12. It is recommended that you include meat in your breakfast to ensure that the vitamin was absorbed into your body. During lunch, take 200 IU of vitamin E. Vitamin E will work against dryness, which is associated with gray hair, as well as increase hair follicle strength.

During the course of the day it is recommended that you consume between 400 and 800 mcg of B9. It is believed that insufficient amounts of folic acid, also known as B9, may be the cause of gray hair. Lastly, take 400 mcg of PABA with other PABA rich foods like liver, grains, or molasses. According to health-care-clinic.org, PABA, which is related to folic acid, can prevent the graying of hair and restore hair color to hair that has already become gray. While there are no randomized clinical trials that support the usage of vitamins to prevent/slow graying, it does not hurt to try it. Before you begin taking vitamins, it is important to talk to your doctor to ensure that it is a safe option for you.

Coloring Gray Hair 

The other option is to color your hair. If you've given up reversing your gray but you're not quite ready to accept it, there are options. Demi-permanent hair color is a new hybrid between semi-permanent and permanent hair color. Often, permanent hair color is too harsh, especially since graying hair is often dry. Semi-permanent is less harsh, but it only lasts a few washes. Demi-permanent color lasts 28 washes, which could last anywhere from one month to six weeks for most women. It's a great solution for someone who's just starting to go gray and wants to experiment with color. It gives a very natural result because the grays will take the color differently from the other strands, which means hair ends up with an almost highlighted look.

Covering Gray Hair

Consider a natural looking 100% human hair wig. This is a great option that not only gets rid of the gray, but gives you the exact style you want. A wig is just what some women need when they are working to eliminate their gray (or if they are suffering from alopecia/hair loss). You get to choose your style and decide when to wear it and when to go gray.

Regardless of which of the above options you choose, talk to your stylist first. She is an expert in women’s hair and she can advise you as to which method will give you the results you are looking for.

Accepting Gray Hair

If you've accepted your gray hair in all of its silver beauty, congratulations! Wear your hair gray and proud by experimenting with highlights and lowlights, cutting it short and sassy, or wearing it long and wavy. Many female celebrities are showing off their gray locks on the red carpet. Next time you flip on the TV or read a celebrity magazine, look out for the celebs that embrace their age with their hair. There's no reason to change or hide what's natural for you. Be proud of who you are and wear your hair gray to prove it.

Graying is a natural part of life. While you're working to slow down the graying process, make sure to embrace and accept your beautiful hair as part of the beautiful person who you are.