Are you finding that your beautiful black hair is changing to brown? Worried about what’s happening and wondering if there’s a way to prevent it? Whether you’re going through it now or reading up about what to do if it does happen to you, there are a few things you should know. Keep reading to know why this may be happening and how you can handle it.
Why Does My Hair Color Change From Black to Brown?
These are the three most common reasons your black hair is turning brown and what changes you can make to prevent it from getting worse or even beginning:
#1. You’re Getting A Lot of Sun
In many ways, the sun is our best friend. From a nice tan on a summer day to just some good old Vitamin D to help us balance our mood, the sun is a cure for many ailments we struggle with. Unfortunately, getting a lot of sun isn’t so great for hair, especially if your hair is black.
If your black hair is fading to brown, in short that means it’s damaged. When your hair absorbs UV rays from the sun, it breaks down the hair follicle, making the hair weaker and, therefore, more prone to damage.
The Fix:
To help prevent your black hair from turning brown, one of the easiest fixes is to buy a sun hat! Jump on Amazon, visit your nearest Target, or check out another favorite shop you like to pick up a cute hat you can plop on whenever you’re going to be outside.
You can also pick up a couple of light scarves instead of a hat for another stylish look. When you’re indoors again, take them off and stash them in your bag until you go out again.
#2. Your Hair Products May Contain Harsh Ingredients
Part of taking good care of your hair means researching what you’re using on it is actually healthy. Many brands will market their hydrating conditioners and shampoos as “healthy” and “all-natural,” but they might not be.
When hair is deprived of moisture and exposed to harsh ingredients again and again, the follicle breaks down, making it more prone to damage and less able to hold color.
The Fix:
When picking hair products, take a minute to look at the ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any sulfate or parabens. Many hair professionals have said parabens are bad for hair because they’re proven to cause damage to the actual hair follicles and the scalp.
Sulfates, which are also in many hair products, usually work in tandem with shampoos to rid it of oil and dirt, but sometimes they can dry out the hair.
The bottom line is: shop for sulfate and paraben-free hair products. When in doubt, get a few opinions from local hair stylists or ask your friends what natural, healthy hair products they recommend.
#3. It’s Genetics!
As we women age, it’s natural for genetics to kick in even stronger. In fact, many women with black hair report their hair changing to brown. What do the professionals say? Not to get all science-y, but hair color is passed down generations.
According to Lunda DNA, black hair has a large amount of something called eumelanin, a type of melanin that is more brown and black in pigment. It protects the skin and hair from UV light. Unfortunately, as happens with age, “hair can turn white or gray as fewer pigment cells produce and store melanin.”
The Fix:
There’s no fighting genetics. Since you can’t reprogram DNA, take steps to pamper your hair and strengthen its blackness. One of the ways you can do this is by following the step above – only using products that don’t contain parabens or sulfates.
You can also purchase hair masks or make them at home with the ingredients you have right in your kitchen. One of the simplest ones mixes equal parts raw organic honey, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. Apply to your damp hair, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo.
Short on time and would rather buy a hair mask? Target sells Raw Sugar’s Healing Power Hair Masque with avocado oil, agave, banana, and coconut milk ($3). Of course, different hair masks will work better with different hair types, so do a little research first.
Use a hair mask once or twice per week instead of your normal conditioner and your hair will thank you.
In the end, there’s no shame in losing your natural hair color. Aging can be a beautiful process, including all the things that come with it. Embrace your body’s natural tendencies and work with it, not against it. You’ll be happier, your hair will be healthier, and that is a recipe for beauty!
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