Scientists have found a specific gene, called IRF4, that decides our hair color. This same gene is now believed to cause the loss of natural hair pigmentation during the aging process. This means they have now identified the little boogers responsible for having to get your roots done every so many weeks.

Researchers from the University College London examined DNA from 6,500 people with mixed ancestry in this study. They also found the genes that make curly hair, determine the thickness of beards, and cause the unibrow phenomena. The study was recently published in the journal Nature Communications.

Every head of hair is different, thus gray density and the speed at which it appears will vary per individual. However, genetics are not the only determining factor for gray hair. About 70% pf gray hair is caused by external factors, such as stress, smoking, and exposure to the sun.

Researchers hope the recent discovery of the gray hair gene will help them discover how to delay or prevent the graying of hair as well as the biology of the aging process.

Oh no!  This might turn the hair color industry on its ear!

After using the same national hair color brand for 24 years, Mike has switched to using the Goldwell brand of professional color.

Over the past few years, Mike noticed that other brands were inconsistent in gray coverage, blending, and overall color retention and performance. Other brands also left the hair feeling dry and brittle. Mike contacted various color manufacturers to enquire about changes to the chemical formulations of these well-known products, but the manufacturers were not interested in stylist feedback regarding lackluster performance.  Mike heard similar concerns from color experts throughout the region and decided to switch in order to improve performance for his clients.

After extensive research and special training, Mike decided on the Goldwell brand, trusted by top-quality salons nationwide. Goldwell holds 84 patents in hair color technology, is proven to fade less than most other brands, and is formulated for optimum gray coverage, even on resistant hair. Goldwell color is proven to retain rich and vibrant tones better than other brands and has one of the most extensive and varied color palates available in the industry. Once colored with Goldwell, the hair is soft, shiny, naturally lustrous, and resilient. The color holds firmly between touchup appointments and is easily retoned without leaving the hair feeling stressed. The colors go on smooth and rinse clean.

Mike has been using the Goldwell brand for several months now, and clients agree the final color results are superior. The colors are true to tone, appear to blend naturally and in balanced hues, and don’t get brassy, off-tone, or faded. The Silk Lift bleaches are toned and infused with silk fibers to keep the hair soft and conditioned. The TopChic permanent colors are naturally vivid and don’t smell or burn the eyes with processing vapor. The Deep Cover demi-permanent is excellent for gray coverage without ammonia and is instrumental for color correction. The Colorance semi-permanent collection leaves the hair shiny without lines of demarcation and is used extensively to refresh the ends of previously colored hair without causing color mutations or over-processed ends. The Elumen collection provides amazing psychedelic color for those clients with a wild creative side. All in all, it’s a versatile, reliable, and long-lasting hair color system, and The Art of Hair is proud to be in the Goldwell family.