Post date: June 17, 2024 | Blog
Why Beards Go Gray First: And How To Turn Back The Clock
Here’s the unfortunate (or exciting) truth. Everyone’s beard will eventually turn gray, and this is not necessarily a bad thing.
Many people appreciate the distinguished salt-and-pepper look, even when it’s mostly salt. However, some men might wonder why their beards start graying earlier than their hair. Let’s explore some reasons why your beard might gray prematurely.
We’ll discuss four primary factors that can cause early graying:
- Genetics
- Noticeability
- Stress
- Rate of Growth
Gray Beard Reason #1: Genetics
One of the main reasons your beard may turn gray is genetics, which is, unfortunately, beyond your control.
Your genetic makeup, inherited from the combination of your biological mother and father, dictates many aspects of your body’s behavior, including hair growth and color.
The aging process of your beard is largely determined by your ancestry. Looking into your family history can give you an idea of what to expect for your beard’s future.
For example, I personally have lots of celtic ancestry, meaning my beard likely will be more on the red side of the beard color wheel, and likely retain that interesting trait between being both straight and curly at the same time.
Unique, I know.
Understanding what beards have been like throughout your family and culture will help clue you in as to why your beard may be behaving the way it does.
Gray Beard Reason #2: Noticeability
You might think of this reason as a cop-out answer but it’s true! Beards are more noticeable than your hair is, because it’s dead front and center on your face.
The fact that you may be noticing grays in your beard may simply be a symptom of the fact that beards are more noticeable overall.
The most noticed parts of your face is your eyes, cheekbones, and eyebrows. And all of this is close in proximity to your beard, making it a very noticed part of your look.
Beard hair also tends to have a more static position, meaning it’s harder to hide the grays that appear under the other hair.
Beard hairs very much like to stay in one place for large periods of time, usually because they are not often long enough to layer themselves like your hair is. Making the grays that do appear, constantly noticeable.
Gray Beard Reason #3: Stress
The color of your beard is due to melanin production in the hair follicles. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to your hair, skin, and eyes.
When you experience significant stress, whether from work, lack of sleep, or other factors, melanin production can decrease, leading to more gray hairs.
The trick is to reduce stress, like it always is! Reducing stress can help maintain your hair’s health and color for longer.
To manage stress, ensure you stay hydrated, get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and smile more often! Seriously, that’s the trick.
Smiling can release hormones like oxytocin and endorphins that help reduce stress despite how stressed you may feel while doing it.
Gray Beard Reason #4: Rate of Growth
Beard hair grows faster than the hair on your head does. That’s a simple fact.
What this means is that the lifecycle of your beard hair is repeated more often than that of the hair follicles on your head, thus causing the beard hair to turn gray in quicker succession.
Embrace the Gray: It’s Natural and Distinguished
A gray beard is not something to fear. In fact, many men find that gray hairs add character and distinction to their appearance.
By understanding the reasons behind graying, you can better manage and appreciate the natural changes in your look.
Embrace your gray beard, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and wear your distinguished look with confidence!
And if you need a quick fix, Volt Instant Beard Color is always there for you! Click the button below to find your shade!
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