When it comes to aging, one of the most common changes people experience is a shift in the color of their hair. From the time of one’s birth to the onset of adulthood and beyond, hair can become grayer, darker, or even lighter in hue. One of the most common hair changes that occur with age is a shift to darker hair. Why does this happen, and what can you do to address it?
When it comes to hair color, genetics play a major role. Hair color is determined by the type and amount of melanin, the pigment produced by melanocyte cells in the hair follicles, and the genes a person inherits from their parents are often the biggest factor in determining one’s hair color. With age, the amount of melanin produced by our cells can decrease, leading to a shift in hair color. This is why many people experience their hair becoming darker as they age.
Hormones can also play a role in hair color changes. Many hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, are thought to help regulate the production of melanin in the body. As we age, our hormone levels can decline, resulting in a decrease in melanin production. This can lead to a shift in hair color, with gray or white hairs replacing the darker ones.
It’s also important to note that external factors can contribute to hair color changes. Sun exposure, for example, can cause hair to become lighter in color. Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and birth control pills, can also affect hair color. Stress levels can also have an effect, with some people experiencing a shift in hair color when under extreme amounts of stress.
If you’re noticing your hair becoming darker as you age, there are a few things you can do to address it. First, it’s important to make sure your hormones are balanced. If you suspect that hormone levels are impacting your hair color, speak to your doctor about ways to address this.
Second, you can opt for a professional color treatment to darken your hair. This can be a great option if you want to embrace the change in hair color but don’t want to go through the process of gradually changing it yourself.
Finally, you can use natural home remedies to darken your hair. Many of these involve using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. For instance, applying a paste of coffee grounds and hot water to your hair can help darken it. Similarly, using a mixture of henna, lemon juice, and water can also help darken hair. Additionally, using a mixture of coconut oil, almond oil, and lemon juice can help hydrate your hair and make it appear darker.
No matter which route you choose to take, it’s important to remember that darkening your hair is a gradual process. You may not see immediate results, so be prepared to give it some time.
Overall, hair color changes with age are normal. But if you’d like to address the shift in color, there are plenty of options available. From professional treatments to natural home remedies, there are plenty of ways to darken your hair and embrace the change.
