Melanin is a natural pigment that determines the color of your hair. If the production of the melanin pigment slows down, the hair on your head will begin to turn white or gray. One of the reasons patients want to increase the production of melanin in the hair is because gray or white hair can give a person an older appearance.
There are two types of melanin and genetics play a part in the type you receive at birth. Eumelanin gives the hair a dark color while pheomelanin gives the hair a lighter color. Melanin also impacts the vitality of the hair as it plays a protective role in stopping the hair from drying out or becoming brittle when exposed to the sun.
There are some melanin supplements that are available for purchase but there has not been enough scientific research to prove they can prevent or reverse the appearance of gray or white hair. These melanin supplements are also not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
As a leading hair restoration doctor explains, some foods that are rich in antioxidants help to increase the production of melanin. Some examples include blueberries, pecans, beans, and leafy greens.
Copper also plays a part in the production of melanin so foods such as almonds, peanuts and lentils are ideal choices for promoting the production of melanin.
Vitamins B6 and B12 have been proven to boost the production of melanin. Vitamin B6 has been found to trigger the production of chemical reactions and enzymes that boost the metabolism of melanin in the hair follicles. Vitamin B12 promotes the growth of healthy hair through the increased production of red blood cells.
There are many melanin hair products available for purchase, but not enough scientific research has been conducted on their overall effectiveness. Instead of buying products that are rich in melanin, patients might want to purchase products that contain probiotics, lutein, and lycopene. These products have benefits that have been proven by science and the production of melanin might be one of those benefits.
Patients that are interested in learning more about the production of melanin should schedule a consultation appointment with a doctor who is experienced in helping patients maintain a healthy level of melanin in their hair. The doctor can examine the patient to determine the current level of melanin in the hair as well as decide the best method to either increase, restore, or maintain the amount of melanin in the hair.
