“I’m still in my twenties, but I still have white hair…” “Once I’ve done it, white hair will continue to grow?” Do you have such questions in mind and want answers? Scroll down to this post as we will give you the right answers if It Is Normal to Get White Hair at 20!
Even if you’re getting older, you’ll be worried if you have gray hair when you’re in your twenties.
Therefore, in this article, we will thoroughly explain the white hair that can be produced in your twenties. We will also introduce the mechanism of white hair and how to deal with it, so please refer to it.
The Mechanism for White Hair
Before explaining how to deal with white hair, it is first necessary to know the mechanism by which white hair is formed. Knowing the mechanism will help you understand why the workaround is appropriate.
Since our hair is generally black, originally the hair does not contain melanin pigment and is white. This white hair turns black because melanin pigment is taken up by growing hair by pigment-forming cells called melanocytes.
The reason why white hair is formed is that the function of melanocytes is reduced for some reason, and melanin pigment is no longer produced, or even if it is produced, it is difficult for it to be delivered to hair matrix cells.
Melanin pigment is a substance that determines the color of hair and skin, and the larger the amount, the darker it becomes.
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Two Types of White Hair
There are two types of white hair, “deletion type” and “resting type”, and even though they may look the same they have different meanings.
The deletion type is white hair that occurs when melanocytes decrease due to aging and the function to make melanin pigment is lost. Most of the white hair is this deletion type and can occur in anyone as one of the aging phenomena.
On the other hand, the resting type is gray hair which occurs when the production of melanin pigment is temporarily stopped and the hair cannot be colored.
Both types are largely related to the production of melanin pigments, but they differ greatly in whether they can’t make melanin pigments or are they taking a break from making them.
White Hair in Their Twenties is Likely to be “Resting”
Deletion-type white hair that can occur due to aging is unlikely to appear in the twenties. Therefore, it is natural to suspect resting white hair.
In addition, the deletion type is characterized by the fact that the white hair becomes noticeable. The resting type has the characteristic that the white hair partially increases. It is possible that melanocytes are not functioning well in some areas due to damage caused by ultraviolet rays and poor blood circulation. If you see similar characteristics, you can judge it as resting white hair.
Pulling Out White Hair is a Big No
Some people may find it common that finding gray hair always leads to wanting to pull it out and that includes me. However, the act of pulling out the white hair can result in more white hair.
If you pull out your white hair, it will damage your scalp and impair blood flow. Then, sufficient nutrition is not delivered to the hair roots, and it is easy to cause gray hair. The act of pulling out the white hair is not limited to the resting type, but the deletion type of white hair is also not good. If you find gray hair, cut it instead of pulling it out.
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How to Prevent Gray Hair Starting in Your 20s
In the case of resting white hair, which is often seen in the 20s, the activity of melanin production is only stopped, so there is room for improvement if the cause is removed. Specific countermeasures are as follows. We will explain what you should pay attention to while holding down the points.
Do not Accumulate Excessive Stress
Excessive stress disturbs the self-sustaining nerves and causes poor blood circulation. When blood circulation is poor, the hair roots do not get enough nutrients and cannot produce melanin.
Dissipate stress diligently and try not to accumulate it. Why not spend some time at home with a hobby like reading or yoga, or exercise your body in sports to relieve the stress.
Get Enough Sleep
Are you watching video sites or SNS using your smartphone or computer before going to bed? These devices emit a lot of blue light and are not recommended for use before sleep.
Blue light has a wavelength of 380 to 500 nm and is said to have the strongest energy among visible light. It reduces the quality of sleep because it suppresses the activity of melatonin, which promotes sleep.
When sleep quality deteriorates, the amount of growth hormone secreted decreases, and melanocytes work poorly. If you can’t make melanin pigments, it will lead to gray hair, so try to get enough sleep at least eight hours a day.
Eat a Nutritionally Balanced Diet
It is important to prepare an environment where melanin pigment is produced as a measure against gray hair. To that end, it is also important to ensure that you are getting sufficient nutrition.
If you are undernourished due to a disordered diet, you will not be able to make enough melanin pigments. In order to make melanin pigment, various nutrients including an enzyme called tyrosinase are required. Review your daily diet and be aware of balanced nutrition as an early measure to prevent gray hair.
Take Measures Against Ultraviolet Rays
Ultraviolet rays stimulate the scalp and create active oxygen. It is said that when the amount of active oxygen increases, the whole body oxidizes and adversely affects cells and genes.
Melanocytes in pigment-forming cells are no exception. When melanocytes are damaged by UV rays, it becomes difficult for melanin pigments to be produced. It may cause gray hair, so be sure to take measures against UV rays by using a hat or parasol.
Covering Gray Hair with Hair Color
The immediate effect cannot be expected from the countermeasures introduced so far. By doing it consciously every day, it will improve little by little.
However, fashion-conscious 20s will want to improve their white hair right now. Therefore, we recommend a white hair cover with the hair color that you prefer. It is good to cover it with black, and you can enjoy fashion even if you dye it in your favorite color.
Also, with hair color, you don’t have to worry about gray hair from the day you apply it. You will be free from the stress of worrying about gray hair.
Summary About Getting White Hair in the 20s
There are two types of white hair which are “deletion type” and “rest type”. Having white hair in the early 20s, in which partial white hair appears, tends to be the “rest type”. There is a high possibility that “resting” white hair can be improved by resuming melanocyte activity by releasing stress and securing sleep time.
Let’s improve the scalp environment by reviewing our daily life and scalp care with hair growth agents. Also, in order not to accumulate stress, it is important not to worry too much about finding white hair but to be aware of countermeasures. With reference to the method introduced in this article, let’s calm down and take measures against white hair in the 20s in the long run.
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