All of us react to grey hair differently. Some of us can tolerate a few strands. Some people, at first sight, may feel compelled to pick them out. Others save them until they have a sufficient number to colour. Some people proudly display them like a badge of courage, while others flaunt a whole crown of glittering silver.
And what if we told you that, no matter where you lie on that spectrum, you can take easy steps to postpone the onset of grey hair and even re-pigment your strands? If it seems too good to be true, we’re here to inform you that it really is the direction science is heading.
Factors Responsible For Premature Greying
When new cells are produced by the hair follicles, they push out the old ones, resulting in hair growth. It has three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. During this time of dormancy, your hair approaches the end of its natural life cycle, falls out, and is replaced by a new strand. Melanin, which is produced by melanocytes, is what gives hair its colour.
This is because the quantity of colour infused into each hair strand decreases with age, making the hair appear grey and then white. Discover the causes of white hair, as well as treatments available, in the next section. The following causes early start of grey hair:
- Genes & Inheritance: How quickly your hair loses its colour as you get older is mostly determined by your genes. It may occur in some persons well before the age of 20. Some people don’t see their first white hairs until much later.
- Melanin Deficiency: Hair whitening is most often caused by a lack of melanin. Melanin synthesis requires a healthy diet and sufficient protein intake. Inadequate amounts of melanin result from this deficiency.
- Medical Conditions: The loss of hair colour might be a symptom of a deeper health problem. Vitiligo, pernicious anaemia, thyroid illnesses, and premature ageing syndromes are all examples of autoimmune diseases that might set off PGH.
- Vitamin Deficiency: Hair follicle whitening may be brought on by a lack of iron, vitamin D, folate, B12, or selenium as well. Prematurely greying hair has been linked to a lack of biotin and a deficiency in B vitamins and folic acid.
- Excessive Stress: Stress on an emotional level is also a factor in this situation. According to a number of studies, the oxidative load that is brought on by psychological stress might cause greying of the hair at an earlier age.
- Soaps and Shampoos: In certain cases, the actual source of this issue is the usage of chemical-based products such as shampoos, soaps, hair colours, and the like. However, it is also possible for it to be the outcome of some allergic illnesses.
- Oxidative Stress: Premature greying might be a sign of oxidative stress. The body’s own overproduction of oxidants plays a role, but environmental variables including UV radiation, pollution, stress, and inflammation all play a role.
- Smoking Habit: Smoking has been linked to premature greying of the hair. Damage to melanocytes in the hair follicles from cigarette smoke accelerates the ageing process.
Is There Any Way To Prevent Gray Hair?
The cause of hair greying is a major factor in determining whether or not the process can be reversed. If hereditary factors are at blame, changing back is unlikely to be an option. The best line of action is to see a doctor to determine whether there is a medical cause. If the underlying cause is addressed, you may see your hair’s natural colour return after treatment.
After going through hormone therapy, it is possible to re-pigment in some cases. Vitamin B12 supplements and injections can also help increase pigmentation. Natural hair colour at home are also listed so you may learn how to minimise white hair.
- Homemade Oil: The vitamin C in Indian gooseberry (amla) acts as an antioxidant, slowing the ageing process and reviving the hair follicle colour. Coconut oil is able to enter the hair shaft and prevent protein loss once there.
- Organic black tea: Antioxidants abound in black tea. These antioxidants can protect hair from the free radical damage that causes greying. This natural hair dye product also adds shine and can help darken hair colour. Anxiety can also be reduced by drinking black tea. Premature greying of the hair might be a sign of stress, as has been previously mentioned.
- Curry Leaves Oil: Curry leaves are commonly used to prevent premature greying of hair, as well as to retain and maintain the natural tone of the hair. Coconut oil has the ability to permeate the hair follicles, which allows it to nourish the hair all the way down to the roots and stimulate the creation of new hair.
- Lemon Juice Oil: Since lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant, they can effectively counteract the damaging effects of free radicals and protect your hair from the elements. But there’s no proof that lemon juice can stop grey hair from happening. Coconut oil is a natural hair growth stimulant and nutrient.
- Castor Oil: Castor oil improves blood circulation to the follicles, leading to healthier hair. It is rich in omega-6 essential fatty acids, which have been shown to improve hair health and encourage darker hair.
- Onion Juice: Onion juice also has an enzyme called catalase that can help stop hydrogen peroxide from building up on your hair and scalp. This can help stop greying and make your hair healthier. The only problem with this fix is that it’s hard to get the smell of onions out of your hair.
The Bottomline
Teens and young adults, especially those with darker hair types and the easy visibility of grey hair, might have a detrimental influence on their self-esteem if their hair begins to grey at an early age. Because of this, natural black hair dye without chemicals is an effective and sustainable solution for dealing with grey hair. Grey hair may be treated with any number of natural hair dye and with including amla, methi, onion extract etc.