Slowing and Gray Hair: According to LiveStrong, a partner of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, women may begin a vitamin regimen in order to prevent and/or slow the graying process. Before you begin the routine, visit a health food or nutrient store and consider the following vitamins: Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin B9, and PABA. When you eat breakfast, take 2mcg of vitamin B12. Include meats 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, LiveStrong recommends consuming between 400 and 800 mcg of B9. Insufficient amounts of folic acid, also known as B9, may be causes 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. There are no randomized clinical trials that support the usage of vitamins to prevent/slow graying. Before you begin taking vitamins, it is important to talk to your doctor to ensure that it is a safe option for you.

Covering Gray Hair: If you’ve given up reversing your gray but you’re not quite ready to accept it, there are options. Covering gray hair can be done in many ways. However, there are two that are especially appealing for a woman who wants to hide her gray. Demi-permanent hair color is a 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," says Lisa Evan, a colorist at Mario Russo Salon in Boston. "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." Another option that gives you the exact style you want plus the agency to go natural is purchasing a 100% human hair wig. A wig is just what some women need when they are working to accept their gray (or if they are suffering from alopecia). You get to choose your style and decide when to wear it and when to go gray. Find a professional near you for a consultation.

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.

Let Transitions of Indiana help give your hair what it needs to grow strong and healthy. We encourage you to take the time and review your options then come in for a no cost, no obligation private hair loss consultation.

“We Restore More Than Just Your Hair!”

Transitions of Indiana is a premiere hair replacement center. Whether you live in Indianapolis, Beech Grove, Speedway, Carmel or anywhere in the surrounding Indiana area, we offer FREE private, confidential consultations to help you determine which customized treatment option is best for your individual situation.  Our hair replacement solution options include Sensigraft, Reallusions, Graduated Enhancement, Laser Hair Therapy, Hair Extensions, and hair loss control products. Take the first step to a new you and schedule your free hair loss evaluation.

References
YOU: The Owner's Manual, Updated and Expanded Edition: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger; Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen; 2008

Health-care-clinic.org: PABA