Genes
“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
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 nutrition and protein supplements. The lack of these nutrients causes melanin to fall below acceptable levels
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.
Medical Conditions
Certain underlying medical conditions can trigger a loss of pigment in your hair. PGH is also triggered by autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, pernicious anemia, thyroid diseases, and premature aging syndromes (4).
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 (5).
Stress
Emotional stress also plays a role here. Studies have shown that the oxidative load caused by psychological stress can trigger premature graying of hair (1).
Chemicals
Sometimes, the use of chemical-based shampoos, soaps, hair dyes, etc. may directly cause this problem. However, it can result from some allergic infections as well.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress can cause premature graying. It is caused due to an overproduction of oxidants in the body, which are also affected by extrinsic factors like ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution, emotional factors, or inflammatory causes (2).
Smoking
Studies have shown that smoking is one of the major factors leading to premature graying of hair. Smoking causes reactive oxygen species damage to hair follicle melanocytes, which leads to premature graying (1).
Hydrogen Peroxide
The hair follicles produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which gets accumulated overtime on the hair shafts. It bleaches the hair and causes it to turn gray, and eventually white (6). Removing this build-up may help your hair regain its natural color.
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 (7). Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. This improves hair health (8).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-4 times a week.
Black Tea
Black tea is rich in antioxidants (9). 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 (10). As discussed, stress is a contributing factor to premature graying of hair.
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil
Curry leaves are popularly used to retain and maintain natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair (11). Coconut oil can penetrate the hair follicles to nourish the hair right from the root and promote hair growth (8).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
Lemon Juice And Coconut Oil
Lemon contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and prevent hair damage (12). 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 (8).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2 times a week.
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 (13).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is rich in B vitamins and saponins that prevent hair loss (14). It is popularly used to preserve the natural hair color, prevent dandruff, and keep the hair silky (15).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
1-2 times a week.
Onion Juice And Olive Oil
A study indicated that onion juice might help reduce hair fall and aid hair regrowth in a few people (16). Onion juice also contains catalase that can help reduce hydrogen peroxide build-up on your hair and scalp, thus helping reverse graying and improving the health of your hair. However, the only drawback to using this remedy is that it is hard to get the onion smell out of your hair. Olive oil is an emollient and conditions your hair (17).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2 times a week.
Henna And Coffee
Henna helps cover up the appearance of white hair by adding rich reddish tones to your hair due to the presence of lawsone (18). Coffee is another popular hair colorant that can impart a reddish-brown to blackish-brown tinge to your hair.
Note: Ensure that you are using pure henna powder as some powders contain chemicals.
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
Once every three weeks.
Sage Leaves
Sage leaves help in preserving the color of your hair and prevent graying. In some cases, they also help restore pigment to white hair patches
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
Ridge Gourd And Coconut Oil
Ridge gourd can help restore natural hair pigment and prevent premature graying of hair (19). Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes your hair (8).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
Sesame Seed Oil And Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most penetrative hair oils with a rich source of fatty acids that help condition your hair (8). In combination with sesame seed oil, it helps promote melanocyte activity, ensuring that each strand is deeply pigmented. Sesame seed oil also helps darken the color of your hair with regular use (17).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
Indian Gooseberry And Hibiscus Flower
This mask helps strengthen and nourish your hair follicles to maintain scalp health and boost healthy hair growth. Hibiscus helps prevent premature graying while also conditioning your hair, making it manageable (17).
You Will Need
Process
How Often?
2 times a week.
In addition to following the remedies listed above, you can also follow these tips to reduce gray hair.
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