Four little tricks to treat gray hair.

The saying "pulling one gray hair will cause ten more to grow" has long been popular in folklore. Some netizens also believe that "pulling out gray hair will 'contaminate' other black hair follicles with white pigment, leading to more gray hair." In response, experts state that there is no such thing as "white pigment," and pulling out gray hair does not cause more to grow. Here are four tips for treating gray hair.

The growth of black hair mainly relies on melanin cells in the hair root. As people age, the pigment cells at the base of the hair follicle stop or reduce the production of melanin, which leads to the formation of gray hair. Duan Xingwu, head of the Dermatology Department at Dongzhimen Hospital, explains that normal hair appears black because of melanin and melanin granules; gray hair is simply the absence of these granules. Furthermore, it is advised not to pull out gray hair forcefully. While pulling them out won't cause more to grow, it can damage the hair root. If too many are pulled, it might also cause folliculitis.

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When there is a significant amount of gray hair, many people choose to dye it. Experts suggest that it is better to let nature take its course. Although it is not yet conclusive whether hair dyes cause cancer, they are, after all, chemical substances and do pose risks such as causing allergies. Moreover, the scalp is closest to the brain, and frequent exposure to chemicals can harm other organs. People with low immunity should especially avoid dyeing their hair.

Duan Xingwu explains that gray hair caused by aging is a normal physiological process, and the possibility of it being reversed is very small. However, some people experience "premature graying." The causes are numerous: some cases of premature graying in young people are genetic and have little chance of reversal; some are related to mental and emotional factors; and others are linked to nutrition or chronic diseases, which can be reversible.

So, how can one protect their hair and minimize the occurrence of gray hair? Experts recommend the following: first, relax and ensure adequate sleep; second, engage in moderate exercise to ensure good blood circulation throughout the body; third, perform a scalp massage; and fourth, eat foods rich in B vitamins and colored foods, such as black beans, wood ear mushrooms, black sesame seeds, and ligustrum.