Your hair is your crowning glory, and you take pride in its color. So, when you start to notice that your hair is changing colors, it can be quite alarming.
While it’s normal for hair to change shades as we age, there are other factors that can cause our locks to unexpectedly turn red.
I’m going to share the answers to the question; why is my hair turning red? Plus, the remedies to prevent that from happening…
Does Hair Change Color With Age?
It’s a common misconception that hair changes color as we age. In reality, hair only appears to change color because the individual strands are gradually replaced by new ones.
The color of our hair is determined by the pigment cells in the hair follicle, and these cells produce melanin.
As we age, the cells in the hair follicle produce less melanin, resulting in lighter-colored hair.
However, this process happens slowly over time, so it’s not noticeable on a day-to-day basis.
So, while hair may appear to change color as we age, it’s actually just a gradual replacement of pigment cells.
Why Is My Hair Changing Color by Itself?
Whether it’s a streak of white hair appearing overnight or your once-vibrant dye job gradually fading, it can be frustrating to watch your hair change color on its own. Luckily, there are a few possible explanations for why this might be happening.
One common reason is simply the natural aging process. As we get older, our bodies produce less melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.
This can result in our hair turning gray, silver, or white. Another possibility is that you are experiencing chronic stress.
Studies have shown that high levels of stress can lead to changes in hair color, texture, and even thickness.
Certain medical conditions can also cause hair to change color. For example, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause hair to become brittle and dry, and may even lead to patches of gray or white hair.
Why Is My Hair Turning Red?
If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you know that sometimes the color doesn’t turn out quite the way you expect it to.
But what if your hair suddenly turns red all on its own? While it might be alarming at first, there’s usually no need to worry.
In most cases, red hair is the result of a temporary condition that can be easily fixed.
One common cause of red hair is an excess of iron in the diet. When iron levels are too high, it can cause a red or rusty tint to the hair.
This is usually nothing to worry about and will go away on its own once iron levels return to normal.
If you suspect that you have an iron deficiency, see your doctor for a blood test. Taking an iron supplement can help to correct the problem and prevent future episodes of red hair.
Another possibility is that you have a condition called pernicious anemia. This is a type of anemia that occurs when the body can’t absorb vitamin B12 properly.
Vitamin B12 is vital for healthy hair and skin, so a deficiency can cause a variety of problems, including red hair.
If you think you might have pernicious anemia, see your doctor for a blood test. Taking vitamin B12 supplements can help to correct the deficiency and prevent future episodes of red hair.
Why Is My Hair Turning Red as I Get Older?
As people age, their hair can change in a number of ways. For some people, this may mean that their hair shaft becomes thinner or finer.
Others may notice that their hair starts to lose its natural color, turning gray or white.
In some cases, however, people may see an unexpected change in their hair natural color: red.
While it may be startling at first, there are a few possible explanations for why this happens.
One possibility is that the person is experiencing increased levels of inflammation as they age.
This can cause the hair follicles to produce more of a pigment called pheomelanin, which gives hair a red or reddish-brown / dark brown color.
Another possibility is that the person has been taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids, for an extended period of time. These drugs can also cause an increase in types of melanin production.
In most cases, there is no cause for concern if your natural hair color starts to turn red as you get older.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor if you experience any sudden or dramatic changes in your hair color.
Why Is My Natural Black Hair Turning Red?
Many people with natural black hair experience a gradual change in color as they get older.
While some simply see a few red or blond hair strands appearing in their otherwise dark hair, others find that their hair has transformed into a completely different color.
Darker shades of brown and black, have a tendency to look red in some lights.
In most cases, this change is due to the loss of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.
Melanin production typically slows down as we age, leading to a gradual fading of color, and slower hair growth.
However, there are a number of other factors that can also contribute to premature hair graying or unexpected changes in color, including health conditions, medications, and even certain hair care products.
Can Blonde Hair Naturally Turn Red?
While the jury is still out on why hair color changes as we age, one thing is certain: blonde hair can indeed turn red.
This phenomenon is most likely due to a decrease in melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. As we get older, our bodies produce less melanin, resulting in lighter hair.
In some cases, this can cause blonde hair to take on a reddish tint. While it’s not clear exactly why this happens, it’s thought that the change in color is due to the different way that light is scattered by the new pigment.
So, while it’s not necessarily common, it is possible for blonde hair to turn red over time.
Does Red Hair Get Gray Hairs Like Brown Hair?
The amount of melanin in the hair follicle determines the color of the hair. Brown hair has more melanin than blond hair, and red hair has less melanin than brown or black hair.
As we age, our bodies produce less melanin, which is why hair often turns gray as we get older.
However, red hair may not turn gray as quickly as other colors because it has less melanin to begin with.
So, while all color of hair will eventually turn gray with age, redheads may be able to hold onto their pigment for a bit longer.
Why Is My Hair Changing Color To Red In The Sun?
Your hair changing color to red tones or an orange tone in the sun is caused by a chemical reaction.
Sun will interact with a certain type of pigment called pheomelanin that is found in your hair and causes it to change from brown or blonde to red.
The exact cause of this change hasn’t been determined, but scientists believe it has something to do with changes in the light spectrum when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
This pigmentation can be seen more prominently on people with lighter natural hair colors since they lack large amounts of darker pigments like eumelanin that masks some of the reddish hue.
It is also more prominent in those who have thinning or fine hair as opposed to thicker, coarser strands which tend not reflect as much light around them and divert less UV radiation onto their scalp.
Those who spend a lot of time at the beach or regularly expose themselves to direct sunshine may experience this phenomenon more often than those who don’t frequently venture outdoors during brighter conditions.
How Do Hormones Influence Hair Color?
Just as hormones can influence a person’s mood, energy levels, and appetite, they can also affect the color of a person’s hair.
The most common type of hair color change is graying, which occurs when the hair follicles produce less melanin.
While this process is typically associated with age, it can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances.
For example, an overabundance of the hormone called cortisol can lead to premature graying.
Hormones can also cause hair to become thinner or to fall out entirely. This type of hair loss is often temporary and is most commonly seen in women who are pregnant or menopausal.
Sometimes, however, hormone-related hair loss can be permanent. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help to mitigate the effects of hormone imbalances on hair color and growth.
What Artificial Factors Can Influence Your Hair Color?
Most people are born with a natural hair color that is determined by their genes.
However, there are a number of artificial factors that can also influence the color of your hair.
For example, if you regularly use hair dye or bleach, your hair may become lighter over time.
Similarly, if you use heat-styling products or expose your hair to sunlight for extended periods of time, your hair may become darker. In some cases, these changes can be permanent.
So if you’re planning to make a drastic change to your hair color, it’s good to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Can Food And Drink Influence Hair Color?
A well-balanced diet is essential for overall health, but did you know that the foods you eat can also have an impact on your hair?
While there is no definitive evidence linking diet to hair color, some experts believe that certain nutrients may play a role in regulating pigment production.
For example, copper is essential for the production of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.
Copper-rich foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and beans.
Plus, vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy cell growth and plays a role in the formation of melanin.
Foods that are high in vitamin B12 include salmon, chicken, eggs, and dairy products.
While there is no guarantee that eating these foods will change your hair color, they may help to maintain healthy pigment production and prevent Color loss over time.
Can Medication Change Our Hair Color?
There are actually a number of factors that can influence the color of our hair.
For example, our diet, lifestyle, and even medication can all play a role. One common medication that can affect hair color is birth control pills.
Birth control pills contain hormones that can lead to temporary changes in hair color.
In particular, some women may notice their hair becoming darker or lighter after starting to take birth control pills.
However, these changes are usually not permanent and will eventually go away once you stop taking the medication.
Does Over Processed Hair Have The Tendency To Change Color?
Over processed hair definitely has the tendency to change color. This is because the over processing strips away the natural pigment from the hair. Once this happens, the hair is more susceptible to changes in color.
For example, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, your hair may start to turn lighter.
Similarly, if you use a lot of styling products, your hair may start to look more dull and lifeless. In general, over processed hair is more difficult to style and manage.
It can be brittle and dry, and it may not hold color as well as healthy hair. If you want to avoid these problems, it’s best to avoid over processing your hair.
Stick to gentler treatments, and don’t use harsh chemicals or heat styling tools too often. Taking these precautions will help keep your hair healthy and prevent unwanted color changes.
Summary
My hair is turning red naturally? In short, there are a number of factors that can cause our hair to change color.
These include diet, medication, and even over processing. However, in most cases, these changes are temporary and will eventually go away on their own.
If you’re concerned about your hair turning red, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent it.
These include using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, using a leave-in conditioner or serum, and protecting your hair from the sun.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.