Can cornflower floral water have an effect on white hair?

Over time, with the natural aging of the body, the amount of melanin synthesized is reduced due to a gradual decrease in the number of melanocytes, as well as their activity. These cells, located at the base of the hair follicles, are responsible for the production of melanin. Added to this is oxidative stress, playing a significant role in graying. Free radicals, particularly those generated following sun exposure, are indeed likely to degrade the stem cells of melanocytes and induce their apoptosis, that is, their self-destruction.

The cornflower hydrosol, extracted from cornflower blossoms through hydrodistillation, has a relatively rich and gentle composition that grants it numerous benefits. It is even sometimes said that this ingredient could prevent graying. However, at the moment, no scientific study has been conducted on the effects of cornflower hydrosol on white hair. Nevertheless, it is true that the cornflower hydrosol has some interesting effects on hair that could potentially allow it to delay the onset of white hair. Indeed, this extract has antioxidant properties, stemming from its richness in flavonoids and anthocyanins, molecules capable of limiting the harmful effects of free radicals and the oxidation process of cells.

A study has indeed focused on the antioxidant activity of a blueberry aqueous extract and evaluated its potential for trapping the DPPH radical. The activity of trapping ferrous metal ions was also measured. The results of this study showed that the blueberry aqueous extract could stabilize and neutralize free radicals by acting as a hydrogen atom donor, a role enabled by the unique chemical structure of its phenolic compounds. The blueberry extract also demonstrated a good ability to trap ferrous metal ions, allowing the formation of more stable complexes and thus reducing lipid peroxidation. However, it is important to clarify that this study was conducted on a blueberry aqueous extract and not on the hydrosol, obtained by a different extraction technique.

As of today, no scientific study has directly confirmed the effectiveness of cornflower hydrosol in preventing or reducing white hair.

On the other hand, it is plausible to hypothesize that cornflower hydrosol could contribute to the protection of hair fibers against damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant activity. Indeed, cornflower floral water could protect melanocytes and stimulate the activity of catalase, an endogenous antioxidant enzyme, thus helping to eliminate hydrogen peroxide. The use of cornflower hydrosol could therefore be relevant for preventing the onset of gray hair and possibly limiting their development but, without scientific evidence, it is impossible to assert this.