As we age, the appearance of grey hair becomes almost inevitable, often seen as a natural sign of aging that many feel powerless to prevent. However, scalp care experts say that adopting the right hair-washing habits can help reduce the risk of premature greying, promote a healthier scalp, and lay a solid foundation for stronger hair growth.
The formation of grey hair is linked to the gradual loss of activity in the melanocyte cells within hair follicles. While there’s currently no way to “rejuvenate” these pigment cells, studies suggest that chronic stress, poor diet, and excessive UV exposure can accelerate the process. Caring for the scalp and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits are therefore key to slowing down grey hair.
Japanese scalp care specialist Tsuji Atsuya, in his book “The Complete Guide to Reversing Grey Hair at Any Age: 6 Methods to Revive Melanocyte Cells for Genetic, Age-Related, or Stress-Induced Grey Hair”, highlights that the way we wash our hair has a direct impact on grey hair and hair loss. He recommends washing hair twice, with each wash serving a distinct purpose.
Before shampooing, Tsuji advises thoroughly wetting the hair and scalp with warm water at an ideal temperature of 37–39°C. This ensures cleanliness without overstimulating the scalp with hot water or leaving residue from cold water. About 60 seconds of rinsing from the forehead to the nape helps remove sweat, dust, and other water-soluble impurities while warming the scalp slightly.
The first wash focuses on removing dirt and buildup rather than scrubbing vigorously. Apply shampoo to your hands, lather gently, and massage onto the scalp lightly, allowing the foam to absorb oils and styling products before rinsing. Overly aggressive scrubbing at this stage can damage the scalp’s protective layer, forcing the body to divert nutrients to repair the skin rather than nourishing new hair growth.
The second wash is the real scalp care step and is crucial for reducing the risk of grey hair. After creating a fresh lather, massage the scalp for 1–5 minutes to stimulate blood circulation. The scalp and underlying muscles often stiffen over time due to gravity, which can limit circulation. Massaging upward and backward helps relax the muscles, open pores, and remove excess oil, supporting healthier hair follicles.
Tsuji recommends using the heel of the hand to push and knead the scalp, first upward then backward to create a natural curve. Hard-to-reach areas like the forehead and sides can be stabilized by resting elbows on the legs while sitting or lying in the bath, making the massage easier and more effective.
By following these techniques, regular scalp care during hair washing can help maintain a healthier scalp environment and potentially delay the onset of grey hair.
