Your scalp naturally produces hydrogen peroxide as a defense against bacteria and germs. As you age, this compound can accumulate in your hair, resulting in lighter or gray hair coloration. While removing hydrogen peroxide from your scalp may not reverse gray hair, there are ways to reduce its appearance. Catalase shampoo offers one such solution, and we'll guide you through the process below.
Steps
Using Catalase Shampoo
Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of catalase shampoo into your palms. Catalase shampoo, containing catalase or pseudocatalase as the main ingredient, may help in reducing hydrogen peroxide accumulation in your hair, potentially minimizing the appearance of gray hair. Begin with a small amount of shampoo, ensuring even coverage by spreading it between your hands.
Massage the shampoo into your damp hair. Concentrate on the roots and scalp where hydrogen peroxide is produced. Ensure thorough coverage by lathering the shampoo throughout your hair.
- Adjust the amount of shampoo based on the length and thickness of your hair.
Allow the shampoo to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. Catalase shampoo breaks down hydrogen peroxide in your hair, converting it into water and oxygen. Rinse the shampoo out with lukewarm water after 5 minutes and proceed with your shower routine.
- Over time, catalase shampoo gradually diminishes hydrogen peroxide buildup in your hair.
Use the shampoo daily to diminish hydrogen peroxide levels in your hair. Catalase shampoo is safe for daily use and can even be used twice a day if desired. It gradually reduces hydrogen peroxide buildup in your hair over time.
- While catalase shampoo may reduce hydrogen peroxide levels, it does not reverse gray hair.
Reducing Gray Hair
Incorporate vitamin B supplements into your daily regimen. Low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 may contribute to gray or white hair. Taking a daily vitamin B supplement can increase your intake and promote pigment production in your hair follicles.
- Natural sources of vitamin B include legumes, beans, whole grains, potatoes, and bananas.
Include copper-rich foods in your diet to enhance melanin production. Copper aids hair follicles in melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair color. Consume shellfish, seeds, nuts, and whole grains to attain approximately 1.2 mg of copper daily.
- Zinc supplements may hinder copper absorption from your diet.
Opt for gray hair shampoo during hair washes. Formulated with vitamins and minerals, gray hair shampoo gradually enhances hair health. Look for shampoos containing amino acids and nut oil extracts to boost hair shine and vitality.
- Gray hair shampoo is readily available at beauty supply stores.
- While some shampoos claim to reverse gray hair, complete removal is not guaranteed.
Protect your hair from sun exposure. Excessive hydrogen peroxide buildup reacts with UV rays, accelerating hair bleaching and grayness. Wear a hat or headscarf outdoors to shield hair follicles and maintain their health.
- Consider using an SPF hair spray before outdoor activities.
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Aim for 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, such as walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, or biking. Physical activity enhances overall health and promotes vibrant, pigmented hair.
- Gradually increase exercise intensity if you're not accustomed to regular physical activity.
Reduce stress levels to prevent premature graying. Chronic stress can expedite hair graying. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, or self-care activities to maintain lower stress levels.
- Experiment with different stress-relief methods to find what works best for you.
- Long-term stress negatively impacts overall health beyond hair health.
Stop smoking for healthier hair. Smoking cigarettes can negatively impact overall health, accelerating aging processes that affect both body and hair. Consider quitting smoking gradually using nicotine patches or gum.
- Quitting smoking can be challenging, requiring multiple attempts.
- Cessation of smoking can result in overall health improvements beyond hair health.
Tips
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Genetics and various factors contribute to gray hair. Home remedies and lifestyle changes may not reverse graying.
Warnings
- A 2013 study suggesting PC-KUS cream could reverse gray hair has been debunked.
- Catalase supplements lack FDA approval, and there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing hair hydrogen peroxide levels.