We call them several names like salt and pepper, charcoal, sign of wisdom, and silver and just about that make us comfortable with the idea. The fact of the matter is nobody likes to have gray hair on their head. It reminds us that we are becoming old every single day. In some people gray hair starts appearing in their early 30’s. We often wonder if this is normal. It is called premature graying in medical terms and why does it happen? Let’s understand this phenomenon.
Premature graying
The main reason behind graying is because hair starts producing the pigment that is required to keep it black or in its original color. The other reason is when natural hydrogen peroxide builds up in the hair, it bleaches it. However, it is important to understand that growing gray hair doesn’t mean that you have a medical problem. Many people believe that stress causes gray hair for example. However hair experts say that graying and stress have no relationship. Some people start graying in their 30’s because of their ethnic background and genes as well. Some other problems associated with premature graying are:
- Deficiency in vitamin B 12
- Poor diet
- Lack of nutrition
- Inadequate hair care
- Conditions like Thyroid and diabetes
- Genes
Premature graying is more prevalent in women than men. While men tend to go bald faster, women tend to grow gray hair sooner. Hair specialists are not sure of the causes, however they have noticed this pattern.
Myths about gray hair
- Pulling out gray hair causes more gray hairs on the scalp.
- Gray Hairs never fall off
- Gray hairs are a sign of mental weakness
- Gray hairs set off balding
None of these myths are true and have no holding through facts and figures. They are as good as old wives tale.
Solutions for gray hair
You cannot stop hair from graying and there is no way to prevent it. However you can try some alternative methods to conceal gray hair. Hair coloring permanent coloring is one of the best options. However permanent hair color does not resolve the issue permanently for you. New gray hairs will continue growing and you will need to keep coloring your hair.
Highlighting your hair with color is also a good option, in case you do not want to lose the natural hair color.
Healthy diet
Try eating more dark green leafy vegetables like spinach for example. There are several natural foods that are extremely good for hair. Some of them are olive oil, curry leaves, fenugreek, cabbage and fish.
Proper care
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and cover your hair when you are riding a bike for example. Use coconut or olive oil to moisturize your hair at least once in a week. These kinds of care techniques can visibly reduce the number of gray hairs over a period of time. If you are graying excessively, you should see a doctor immediately.
