Hair growth and regeneration is a natural cycle. Though gray hair is a part and parcel of aging and it is normal for the color of your hair to change as you age, seeing it as early as 20 or 30 years of age is worrisome for many. Our body has zillions of hair follicles under the skin and these follicles produce pigments which contain melanin. With time as we age, the hair follicles reduce the melanin secretion that results in white hair or what we commonly call as gray hair.
The blog describes the causes of white hair or gray hair and ways to get rid of premature white hair.
What are the causes of white hair?
- Genetics
Studies evidence for the fact that premature graying of hair is closely related to genetics. Researchers found that presence of a gene causes gray hair and when this is passed on through generations, they result in premature graying. These genes are responsible for either not producing melanin or producing melanin in lower amounts than what is required.
- Vitamins and mineral deficiency
Deficiency of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D or vitamin E can cause premature graying.
- Medical conditions
Autoimmune diseases, thyroid dysfunction, alopecia areata can also result in premature white hair.
- Stressful events
High levels of stress, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep can also result in premature greying.
- Synthetic shampoos and conditioners
Use of shampoos and hair care products with high levels of chemicals can result in grey hair at an early stage.
- Oxidative stress
Free radicals damage cells and when there aren’t enough antioxidants to combat free radicals, it results in premature white hairs.
Remedies to prevent premature white hairs
Understanding the underlying cause actually helps when you are looking for remedies to treat premature white hairs.
Balancing the intake
If the premature graying is due to vitamin deficiency, modifying the composition of your intake might help. Consume food items that are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals like eggs, sea food, etc. You may also consider taking vitamins and mineral supplements after consulting with a medical practitioner.
Take more antioxidants
A person’s diet plays a key role in preventing premature white hairs. Take food items like fish, green tea, fresh fruits, etc. that are rich in antioxidants and have the potential to combat free radicals.
Use mild shampoos
If premature graying is due to usage of toxic shampoos and conditioners with chemicals, replacing them with organic, natural, hair care products might help to get rid of premature white hairs.
Other Home remedies to treat premature white hairs
- Amla Mix
Amla or what we call the gooseberry has the power to enhance the pigmentation of the hair. Take 5 gooseberries and a cup of water. Cut the gooseberries and boil them in the water for 10-15 minutes. You may let it simmer for some time and then let the mixture cool down. Once it cools, apply it to your scalp. You may repeat this once or twice a week.
- Henna Mix
Henna is a natural option to dye your hair. Apply the henna mix and rest it for an hour or so and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. For some people, using just the henna mix may result in dryness on the hair. You may consider using Aloe Vera to get a smooth texture. Extract a cup of aloe vera juice and then apply it after using henna. This mixture solves several hair problems at once
- Pure Coconut oil
If you have ever noticed, gray hairs are extremely thick and dry. Massaging your scalp with virgin coconut oil helps moisturize the hair strands and reduce the protein loss from gray hair. This keeps the hair well nourished. All that you need to do is to apply the coconut oil, massage it through the scalp and let it rest for an hour or so. You may then follow up with a hair conditioner. You may also add curry leaves to the coconut oil, boil it until the oil turns dark, and then let it cool. This enhances the results and outcomes.
- Onion hair pack
Onion has an antioxidant named catalase. This helps reduce hydrogen peroxide at the hair roots and so acts against free radicals. Catalase also darkens the colour of your hair. You may extract 3 spoons of onion juice and 2 spoons of lemon juice. Apply the mixture and let it rest for half an hour or so. Use a mild shampoo to rinse your hair. This would help prevent premature graying of hair. If it is hard for you to make an onion hair pack, you may alternatively try BlushU onion hair pack with Onion hair oil Conditioner, Onion hair Serum, Red onion hair oil, Red onion shampoo. Using an all-onion hair pack helps avail of the benefits at a quicker pace.
- Black Tea
Black Tea has the power to make your hair darker and shinier. All that you have to do is to dip 5 tea bags in 2-3 cups of boiling water, let it cool, and then add this to the wet hair. Alternatively, you may consider adding this to a conditioner and then applying it on to your hair for an hour or so before you rinse it.
- Bhringraj
Bhringraj contains melanogenesis that colors the white hair dark. Take Bhringraj powder and mix it with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste and let it rest for an hour or so for better results.