Does Dandruff Shampoo Turn Hair Gray?

When is it safe to use dandruff shampoo?

Some people worry that their hair will turn gray from using the wrong hair care products. Gray hair occurs naturally. Certain products affect the process of covering up hair that is already gray but do not turn hair gray directly.

Gray Hair

Genetics turn hair gray. The only thing, other than dye, that can turn hair gray is your DNA. Some myths state that certain products can turn hair gray over night. In actuality, hair turns gray because it loses its original color. This process occurs over a long period of time.

Dandruff Shampoo and Hair Color

Dandruff shampoo can strip artificial color. If you have dyed hair, then you may not want to use dandruff shampoo. You certainly do not want to use it within the first two to three weeks after dying your hair. Many dandruff shampoos contain sulfur. Because hair must lose sulfur in order for hair dye to work in the first place, adding sulfur weakens artificial color that is already in place.

Fading

Faded artificial color may cause your hair to return to its gray color. If your natural hair is gray when you dye it a different color, dandruff shampoo may strip that color, causing your hair to appear gray again. If your hair is not naturally gray, dandruff shampoo cannot turn it gray.

References

• Hair Styles: Hair Myths
• FDA: Product Ingredients