wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally: “From Pigment to Pearl: Unraveling the Reasons for White Hair and Simple Natural Prevention Remedies” explores the intriguing phenomenon of white hair, delving into the underlying causes and offering easy, natural remedies for prevention. This concise guide takes readers on a journey from the gradual loss of melanin pigments to the emergence of stunning silver strands. By examining factors such as genetics, age, stress, and nutritional deficiencies, it uncovers the secrets behind the transformation. Moreover, it provides practical tips involving proper hair care, a balanced diet, and natural ingredients to help maintain vibrant, youthful locks and delay the arrival of those pearly tresses.
What Causes White Hair?
Hair growth happens when old cells are pushed out by the hair follicles due to the production of new cells. It occurs in three stages – growth (anagen), cessation (catagen), and rest (telogen). During the rest period, your hair reaches its lifespan and falls out, and a new strand grows in its place. Hair color is produced by hair melanin, which is formed by melanocytes. Hair pigmentation, unlike in skin, is not continuous. The hair is actively pigmented in the anagen phase. Pigmentation reduces in the catagen phase and is absent in the telogen phase .
Casey Simmons, a curly hair expert, says, “Hair can change in color and shape as you age due to changes in skin cells and hormones.” She also adds, “Other health factors like thyroid issues, lack of iron, iodine, and vitamin B12 may also cause hair to gray.”
With age, the amount of pigment that is injected into each strand of hair gets reduced, which is why it turns gray and eventually white. In the section below, let’s discuss common white hair causes and how to prevent white hair.
Early-onset of gray hair occurs due to the following factors:
1. Genes
Dr. K. Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, says, “Genes are the predominant factor in determining at what age your hair loses pigment.” For some people, it can happen even before they turn 20. For others, the first strands of white appear rather late .
2. Deficiency Of Melanin
In most of the cases, a deficiency of melanin is the leading cause of hair whitening. The production of melanin depends on appropriate hair nutrition and protein supplements. The lack of these nutrients causes melanin to fall below acceptable levels .
3. Hormones
Research suggests that an imbalance in hormones can trigger or increase premature graying of hair . If you have excess graying of hair and aren’t sure if you have a hormonal imbalance, please consult a doctor.
4. Medical Conditions
Certain underlying medical conditions can trigger a loss of pigment in your hair. PGH is also triggered by autoimmunei diseases like vitiligoi , pernicious anemia, thyroid diseases, and premature aging syndromes .
5. Vitamin And Mineral Deficiency
Deficiency in iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and selenium may also cause the whitening of hair follicles. Deficiencies of Vitamin B12 and folic acid with lower levels of biotin were found in people having premature graying of hair.
Natural Remedies To Reduce White (Gray) Hair
1. Indian Gooseberry And Coconut Oil
Indian gooseberry (amla) has a rich reserve of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and has anti-aging benefits and revitalizes the pigment in your hair follicles . Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. This improves hair health . Thus, coconut hair oil massage proves very effective.
You Will Need
- 3-5 Indian gooseberries
- 1 cup of coconut oil
Process
- Boil 3-4 Indian gooseberries with one cup of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution.
- Store this oil in a jar and take about two tablespoons for each use.
- Massage the oil into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
- After massaging for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil in overnight.
- Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.
How Often?
- 2-4 times a week.
2. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in antioxidants . These antioxidants can help prevent free radical damage to hair, and thus, premature graying. It also helps darken hair color while adding shine. Black tea is also known to help relieve stress . As discussed, stress is a contributing factor to the premature graying of hair.
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of black tea
- 1 cup of water
Process
- Boil two tablespoons of black tea in a cup of water until it is well brewed.
- Set the brew aside to cool.
- Strain the liquid and apply it to your hair and scalp.
- Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes and wait for about an hour with the tea in your hair.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.
How Often?
- 2-3 times a week.
3. Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil
Curry leaves are popularly used to retain and maintain natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair follicles to nourish the hair right from the root and promote hair growth .
You Will Need
- A handful of curry leaves
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
Process
- Boil a handful of curry leaves with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution.
- Set the oil aside to cool.
- Once it has cooled, strain the oil and massage it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
- After massaging for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil in overnight.
- Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.
How Often?
- 2-3 times a week.
4. Lemon Juice And Coconut Oil
Lemon contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and prevent hair damage . However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that lemon juice can reverse the graying of hair. Coconut oil nourishes your hair and promotes hair growth .
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Process
- Pour two teaspoons of lemon juice into two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the mixture for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
- Massage this mixture into your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.
How Often?
- 2 times a week.
5. Castor Oil With Coconut Oil
Castor oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles. It contains omega-6 essential fatty acids that promote hair health and hair darkening.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Process
- Combine one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the blend for a couple of minutes until it is slightly warm.
- Massage this oil mixture onto your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
- After massaging your scalp for about 15 minutes, leave it on for an additional 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.
How Often?
- 2-3 times a week.
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