Tips to start taking care of your gray hair

Shiny silver-grey hair is very popular on international catwalks and among fashion experts, and on the streets today you see women of all ages who have adopted the grey hair trend.

Why do we get gray hair?

Hair graying is a natural process . For some, it starts at age 30, for others at age 60. About 70% of women hide their gray hair by dyeing it, but with proper care, you can have elegant, beautiful gray hair.

Hair turns grey due to decreased melanin production as we age. The cells that form this pigment, called melanocytes, start to produce less melanin and eventually die, causing our hair to turn white.

This process does not occur in all hairs at the same time, which is why a mixture of hairs of our normal colour and white hairs occurs, which gives the impression that they are grey hairs. This can be observed, for example, in women with dark hair, who first develop dark grey hairs that gradually become lighter… and absolutely nothing can be done to prevent the appearance of grey hairs, since the only factor that intervenes in their appearance is genetic.

Genetics predominantly dictate the timing and pattern of hair graying , but environmental factors are also important ; lifestyle elements such as stress, dietary habits and environmental pollutants can accelerate graying.

My first grey hair!

Noticing the appearance of your first grey hairs can be a momentous moment for many. These first signs usually emerge subtly, often around the temples, before gradually spreading across the entire head. These early signs are crucial to beginning an effective greying treatment and whether you want to fully enjoy your natural hair or are looking for ways to blend it with your original colour, early intervention and proper care can make a significant difference to the health and appearance of your hair.

Transitioning to gray isn't just about adjusting your hair care routine—it's about embracing a new chapter in your life with confidence .

Treat gray hair not as a sign of aging, but as an opportunity to redefine your style and express your maturity and self-confidence.

 The best care for gray hair:

• Constant hydration . Gray hair tends to be drier and rougher. Use a good conditioner or moisturizing mask regularly to keep your hair soft and manageable.
• Shampoo and conditioner for silver hair . Use products specifically designed for silver or gray hair. These products often contain ingredients that enhance the silver shine and prevent hair from looking dull.
• Products containing violet or blue pigments . Use these types of products to prevent gray hair from taking on an unwanted yellow tone. These violet or blue pigments help neutralize warm tones.
• Hair sunscreen . Protect your gray hair from UV damage by using a hair sunscreen or wearing a hat on sunny days.
• Regular haircut . Maintain a regular haircut to eliminate dry ends and maintain the shape of the hairstyle. A fresh cut can make gray hair look healthier and more vibrant.
• Avoid excessive heat . Limit the use of heat tools such as blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. Heat can contribute to dry hair, especially on gray hair, which tends to be more porous.
• Balanced diet . There is no special diet that we should follow to improve our hair. A varied diet rich in fresh products is usually enough .
• Madequa Menopause Supplements. Normally, a good diet is enough to maintain healthy hair, but in some circumstances such as changes in season, stressful situations or damaged hair, it may be advisable to take this type of dietary supplements. Madequa natural menopause supplements offer complete support and care.
• Hair oils . Apply hair oils, such as argan oil or coconut oil, to nourish and soften gray hair. These oils help combat dryness and provide shine.
• Scalp massages . Perform regular scalp massages to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair health.
• Beware of chlorine . If you swim frequently, protect your gray hair from chlorine by wearing a swim cap and rinsing your hair with clean water after swimming.
• Gentle combing . Use wide-toothed combs to gently detangle gray hair and prevent breakage. Gray hair is often more delicate and prone to breakage.

Do you want to keep your beautiful natural grey colour? We recommend avoiding external influences such as smoke, chlorine and sunlight, as they can quickly turn your grey hair yellow.

Nutrition and gray hair

The foods we eat have a direct effect on both the health and appearance of our hair. There is no special diet that we should follow, but it is important to have a varied diet rich in fresh produce .

Some essential nutrients that may be of interest to help our hair look healthier are:

• Antioxidants: Berries and green leafy vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Grapes, for example, also contain resveratrol , a powerful antioxidant. They fight free radicals that can cause hair to age prematurely and lose its natural shine.
• Omega-3 fatty acids : A lack of essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 causes dryness of the scalp and skin . These are vital nutrients that promote follicular health. When the follicle is not healthy, hair loss or weakening occurs. Therefore, it is beneficial to include foods such as seeds, nuts and fatty fish such as salmon in your daily diet.
• Biotin : One of the most important nutrients for hair strength, texture and function. It is found naturally in a diet rich in proteins such as liver, eggs and soy.
• Iron and zinc : Consuming these can help you have stronger, healthier hair. Lean meats, seafood, beans and whole grains are excellent sources of these.

In addition to the tips mentioned above, such as using a suitable shampoo or protecting your hair from the sun, taking food supplements can also help. Madequa menopause supplements are an excellent option since they contain 100% natural products, including resveratrol ( an antioxidant that fights aging) and omega-3 fatty acids (which reduce inflammation and improve skin quality). The Prevention-Premenopause pack is ideal if you still have regular menstruation and are beginning to notice symptoms such as sagging, irritability, anxiety, stress, fatigue, insomnia, hair loss and dry skin .

To keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy, it is essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle. A varied diet, good rest, regular exercise and stress control not only promote your general well-being, but also strengthen and revitalize your hair, making it look stronger, shinier and full of life.

References

Goldberg LJ, Lenzy Y. Nutrition and hair. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(4):412-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.038.

Lephart ED. Phytoestrogens (Resveratrol and Equol) for Estrogen-Deficient Skin-Controversies/Misinformation versus Anti-Aging In Vitro and Clinical Evidence via Nutraceutical-Cosmetics. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(20):11218. doi: 10.3390/ijms222011218.

Leis K, Pisanko K, Jundziłł A, Mazur E, Mêcińska-Jundziłł K, Witmanowski H. Resveratrol as a factor preventing skin aging and affecting its regeneration. Postepy Dermatol Allergol. 2022; 39(3):439-445. doi:10.5114/ada.2022.117547

Córdova Aguilar JN. Effect of supplementation with omega 3 in facial skin of patients in a medical center Miraflores district in 2013. Lima: Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón; 2014.

Gray's Anatomy, 39th Edition: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2005 Nov;26(10):2703–4.

Nutrition and Hair Health. The Trichological Society. 2022

Noelia Freire . Why do we get gray hair? This is the science of hair aging. National Geographic. 2024.

Foods good for hair. ITC Medical. 2023

Diet and hair. Capillary Surgical Institute. 2023