Gray Hair Treatment

Lead is one of mankind’s oldest used metals. Lead and its compounds have been used for thousands of yeas in all walks of life, from construction to gastronomy. It is not so long ago that sewage pipes were made from lead. If you have renovated an old building, you might have noticed leaded pipes as they were replaced. They are easy to recognise by their unusual weight. However, lead and most of its compounds are today known to be toxic. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that over time accumulates in soft tissues and bone. Nevertheless, because of its low reactivity and solubility, lead poisoning usually only occurs in cases when the lead is dispersed and after long term exposure.

Lead acetate is one of the main active substances used in progressive hair colorants. It is valued due to its ability to change the colour of your white hair gradually and unnoticeably. Like lead, it is toxic, although it has been used for centuries as a wine sweetener. Since the beginning of the 1980s, lead has been withdrawn from many products, such as gasoline, paints, pipes, etc., and in the last decade lead compounds such as lead acetate have become the target of increased attention. Lead acetate has been withdrawn from hair dyes in several counties of the European Union and Canada but there is no universal ban within the EU, let alone on elsewhere. However, lead-based hair dyes continue to be available in stores in most countries in the world.

In one recent study, conducted in the US, people using lead acetate-containing hair colorant were observed but no absorption of lead into their blood stream could be registered. Hence, it was determined that lead acetate-based hair colorants can remain in use but the concentration of lead acetate may not exceed 0.6%. Most of the currently available hair dyes contain a maximum of 0.4% of lead acetate. In spite of that, these products may not be applied on facial hair or cut scalp and if redness or inflammation appear their use must be discontinued. You should properly wash your hands after applying them.

Since the toxicity of lead has become more apparent in recent years and it is even suspected of being carcinogenic, bismuth has become its increasingly important substitute. Following a ban on sales of lead-containing hair colorants in some countries, the products affected have been reformulated to include bismuth citrate. Bismuth, like lead, also happens to be a heavy metal but it is thought to be much less toxic and it has not been found to be carcinogenic. Nevertheless, the same cautious handling is required when applying bismuth-based hair colorants as with lead-based products.

Few things in life are certain however gray hair is something most of us begin dreading and fighting back against by the time we enter our early thirties. Gray hair seems to begin with a few strands that sneak up on us. We diligently puck them out day after day until we come to the realization that if we keep pulling them all out we will not have any hair left at all.

Making the decision to color your hair does not mean that it has to be an all or nothing venture. There are many color options available that provide coverage and are fairly low maintenance. These options include demi and semi permanents colors, high lights, low lights, blending or foils, all of which will although you to ease into coloring especially if this is new to you.

Growing in popularity is the color option of blending; which is essentially using both high lights and low lights giving you a natural fresh look. This process is an attractive option because larger chunks of hair are colored starting close to the base which enables you to get away with less frequent touch ups.

Blending is also unique in that several different shades can be used to create deep rich color which gives the illusion of more shape and volume. To create a more youthful look use colors that are a few shades lighter than you natural color this will give you a sun kissed looked. Another option which is been seen more and more is with the use of foils going bold, the options are really endless which will allow you to find something that not only makes you look and feel great but that also captures your personality.

If you choose to use a full color ensure that you use proper maintenance protocol. Touching up the roots is essential, there is nothing worse then having an inch on new growth showing at the base of your hair. It is best to get your roots dealt with every four to six weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. Generally the average is about a half an inch per month. If you are coloring yourself do not try to save time by simply applying a new dose of color to your entire head of hair, this will lead to an uneven and unnatural appearance as well as cause unnecessary damage to the ends and over processed shafts of your hair.

Choosing to color your gray is only one option. If you decide to embrace your gray or white hair remember to use a violet or blue based shampoo to wash away the yellow. These specialized shampoos also help to maintain your hairs vibrancy and clarity making the dullness a that affects gray and white hair a thing of the past. Gray or white hair can be extremely attractive when it is worn with confidence and you have the proper hair cut, this does not mean that you have to get your hair all cut of and start using rollers. Many men and women look fantastic with their natural grey, silver or white hair. Talk to your professional stylist about your options and decide on a hair care option that works for you.