Hair color is determined by genetic factors and the protein responsible for its pigmentation is melanin. Depending on the type and amount of melanin found in the strands, one can define the natural color of the hair.
Black and brown hair contains eumelanine, a dark pigment. Red and blond have a bright pigment called pheomelanin. In gray hair the amount of melanin is low, while whites have none.
Since melanin also acts on the skin, in general, the natural color of hair is directly related to skin color, so people with dark skin tend to have dark hair and people with light skin, light hair.
In the midst of so many chemical treatments and dyes, you may end up forgetting about the natural color of your hair, but you surely remember whether it tends to be darker, rougher or lighter. Knowing this, find out what are the health risks that are associated with each group and prevent yourself.
Black and brown hair
People with black and brown hair are more prone to smoke addiction. One of the likely factors is the high proportion of melanin, which prevents the liver from metabolizing toxins quickly and causes toxins to linger longer in the body, causing addiction.
Animal studies suggest that vitamin C is an ally to keep liver functioning in order. So if you are a smoker and have black or brown streaks, you should ideally consume at least 75 mcg of this vitamin a day, the equivalent of half orange.
Because they have greasier skin, brunettes may find it easier to develop pimples, but in contrast, the same greasiness tends to make age signs appear later.
The tendency to develop sun spots, also known as melasmas is higher in women who have brown strands. Once stains appear, the use of depigmentants is recommended. The appearance of seborrheic keratosis, wart-like skin is also common, especially after age 50, but can be extracted with cauterization.
The hair loss in brunettes and redheads is more apparent because they have thicker hair. To combat the problem, it is recommended to consume 250 g of meat per day, source of amino acid and zinc and 200 g of almonds or 100 g of peanuts, rich in vitamin B7.
Blond hair
Blonde women are genetically more susceptible to AMD (age-related macular degeneration), a condition that causes central vision loss. A diet rich in natural compounds found in dark green vegetables can be a great ally.
Blondes produce a lower amount of melanin, which makes the skin and leather hair more exposed to sun aggression. Melanin, besides acting on skin color, also protects against UV rays. If you are blonde and have fair skin, do not dispense with sunscreen with protection factor from 30 and, when exposed to the sun, wear hats.
Unlike brunettes, blondes have a strong tendency to wrinkles and rosacea, a chronic inflammation that causes redness and the reason is once again the lack of melanin. The tip is not to give up anti-wrinkle and hypoallergenic creams.
Red hair
A 2009 study at Harvard University found that redheads are 90% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease. It is possible that the same genetic mutation that changes hair color is responsible for the predisposition to the disease. Consuming foods with folic acid such as spinach (preferably raw) and sour fruits can help prevent it.
If you are a redhead, you may be more sensitive to pain due to a genetic mutation that makes redheads more resistant to local anesthesia. Redhead people need up to 20% more sedation than brunettes or blondes.
Light-eyed redheads, instead of tanning, burn themselves, increasing the chances of developing diseases such as skin cancer. In addition, the sun may increase the appearance of freckle characteristics.
Unfortunately, it is no use dying your hair or trying to nip it in the bud. The solution is always to be health conscious, to resort to products and, whenever necessary, to make preventive treatments. If you suspect, consult a trusted doctor and always remember that more important and beautiful than hair color is a healthy woman.
What Your Hair Can Tell You About Your Health (April 2024)
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