wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally: White hair, also known as graying hair, is a natural part of aging. The primary cause is a decrease in melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair color. However, various factors such as genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle choices can accelerate this process. To combat white hair naturally, one can incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, practice stress management techniques, avoid excessive heat styling, and use herbal remedies like amla, curry leaves, and coconut oil. These natural approaches can help slow down the graying process and maintain vibrant hair for longer.
Causes of white hair
Vitamin deficiencies
Any deficiencies of vitamin B-6, B-12, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin E can contribute to premature graying.
One 2015 report in the journal Development notes various deficiency studies on vitamin D-3, vitamin B-12, and copper and their connection to graying hair. It finds nutritional deficiencies affect pigmentation, suggesting color can return with vitamin supplementation.
A 2016 study reported in the International Journal of Trichology looked to factors related to premature graying in young IndiansTrusted Source under 25 years of age. It found low levels of serum ferritin, which stores iron in the body, vitamin B-12, and the good cholesterol HDL-C were common in participants with premature hair graying.
Genetics
Premature graying of a person’s hair is largely connected to genetics, according to a 2013 report in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology.
Race and ethnicity play roles, as well. Premature graying in white people can start as early as 20 years old, while a person can be as young as 25 years old among Asians, and 30 years in African-Americans populations, according to the same 2013 study.
Oxidative stress
While graying is mostly genetic, oxidative stress in the body may play a part when the process happens prematurely.
Oxidative stress causes imbalances when antioxidants are not enough to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, contributing to aging and disease.
Too much oxidative stress can promote the development of diseases, including the skin-pigment condition vitiligo. Vitiligo may also turn the hair white due to melanin cell death or the loss of cell function.
Certain medical conditions
Some medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, may increase a person’s risk for graying early. In fact, research published in 2008 showed a connection between hair abnormalities and thyroid dysfunction.
White hair is also common in alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. When the hair grows back, it tends to be white due to melanin deficiencyTrusted Source.
Real-life stressors
There are conflicting research studies on real-life stress, such as that caused by injury, leading to premature graying.
One study from New York University, reported in Nature Medicine, finds that the cells responsible for hair colorTrusted Source can be depleted when the body is under stress.
Other studies indicate that while stress may play a part, it is only a small part of a bigger picture where disease and other factors contribute.
Smoking
A study from 2013 reported in the Italian Dermatology Online Journal, shows that smokers are 2 1/2 times more likely to start grayingTrusted Source before age 30 as non-smokers.
A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also demonstrated that smoking is linked to premature white hair in young mena
Home remedies for gray hair
Now let’s give you some easy-peasy home remedies to turn gray hair into black. Here are the top 8 home remedies to get rid of gray hair naturally.
1. Amla and methi seeds
Add 6-7 pieces to 3 tbsp of an oil of your choice (coconut, olive, almond) and boil for a few minutes. Add 1 tbsp of fenugreek powder. Cool, strain and apply generously all over the scalp at night. Use a mild herbal shampoo to wash off in the morning.
Amla and methi together make for one of the best natural remedies for gray hair. Indian gooseberry or Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and has been used in Ayurveda for all kinds of hair problems. Fenugreek or Methi seeds are full of several nutrients and the combination of these super ingredients not only prevents premature greying but also promotes hair growth.
2. Black tea rinse
Boil a cup of water with 2 tbsps of black tea and a tsp of salt. Cool and apply generously on freshly washed hair. Allow drying. Repeat regularly to darken gray strands.
Black Tea has caffeine which is loaded with anti-oxidants. While adding a natural dark hue to the hair, stimulates hair growth and strengthens it giving it a shine. Treating your hair to a black tea rinse will not only help you get rid of gray hair naturally but also leave your hair looking shinier than before. Win-win!
3. Almond oil and lemon juice
Mix almond oil and lemon juice in the ration of 2:3. Massage well in the scalp and hair. Wash off after 30 minutes.
Almond oil has Vitamin E which is extremely beneficial for hair. It nourishes the roots and prevents premature greying. Lemon juice not only adds gloss and volume to hair but also promotes healthy hair growth. Almond oil and lemon juice are both easily-available ingredients than can help you get rid of gray hair naturally.
4. Henna and coffee
Add 1 tbsp of coffee powder to boiling hot water. Cool and make a paste with henna powder. Let it rest covered for a few hours. Mix in 1 tbsp of any oil of your choice and apply liberally covering the hair completely. Wash off after an hour.
Henna is a natural conditioner and a colorant and when combined with coffee, it gives excellent results. Henna is in fact an age-old home remedy to turn gray hair into black.
5. Curry leaves and oil
Boil a cupful of curry leaves in a cup of oil till they turn black. Cool, strain and store. Massage into hair 2-3 times a week. Leave overnight.
Curry leaves are full of Vitamin B and help to restore the pigment melamine in the hair follicles and prevent further greying. It is a rich source of Beta-Keratin and also prevents hair fall. This home remedy does more than just prevent pesky greys.
6. Ridge-gourd oil
Place a cupful of sundried ridge-gourd pieces in coconut oil and leave to seep and mature for 3-4 days. Boil the oil for a few minutes. Strain and store. Massage into the scalp and hair at night and wash off with a herbal shampoo of your choice.
Ridge gourd or Torai contains enzymes which restore the pigment, melamine in the root of the hair as well as strengthening them. Coconut oil is a natural conditioner making unruly hair manageable.
7. Onion juice
Mix 2-3 tsp of onion juice, 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of olive oil. Massage into the scalp and hair and wash off after half an hour.
An effective solution for greying hair, onion also promotes hair growth. It increases the enzyme, Catalase, thus darkening the hair. When combined with lemon juice, it gives a shine and bounce to the hair.
8. Shikakai powder
Make a paste of shikakai powder and yogurt and rub it into the scalp. Wash off after half an hour.
Shikakai powder has been used in Ayurveda since ages for healthy hair. It is a natural shampoo and an effective way to reduce greying. Regular use will lead to a healthier scalp and you will notice hair growth.
Pamper and nourish your hair with these home remedies and delay the greying of hair. A good nutritious diet also plays a major role in contributing to flaunting a shiny beautiful mane.
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