Gray hair is the natural outcome of the aging process and is related with the slow but gradual reduction in the activities of the melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells concerned with the production of the pigment melanin, which imparts color to the hair strands. The production of melanin by the melanocytes reduces gradually over a period of time and then ultimately stops altogether. It is a natural process that cannot be stopped or prevented. However, the process of hair graying can be slowed down, especially when it occurs prematurely. Premature hair graying can be associated with certain medical or health conditions, that cause the hair to gray quite early. Therefore, identifying and addressing these conditions, or the hair graying causes can prove quite helpful in this regard.
Gray Hair Causes
The age at which a person is likely to get gray hair is basically determined by genetics. So, one can get gray hair at quite an early age, if his or her parents have also experienced premature graying. However, factors other than heredity can also have an impact on hair color. Such factors can include, nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of vitamin B12, zinc, iodine and iron, prolonged periods of illness or stress, smoking, thyroid problems and skin disorders like, tuberous sclerosis and vitiligo. Many times, not maintaining a balanced or healthy diet can cause premature graying, along with many other health problems. Excessive consumption of fried, oily, spicy and acidic foods, coffee and tea may also affect the condition of hair.
Tips to Control Hair Graying
Hair Dye
One of the simplest solutions that comes to the mind with the mention of gray hair is hair dye or color. Hair dyes can no doubt easily cover those gray strands, but some of them might contain certain harsh chemicals. Therefore, never forget to check the ingredients of hair dye before applying them on your hair. The chemicals found in many hair dyes, that can damage your hair are ammonium peroxide and alcohol. Such chemicals can be too harsh on your hair and make them excessively dry.
Balanced Diet
As we know, hair graying can be associated with certain underlying conditions, which if addressed properly can help to prevent further graying. Most often, hair loss and gray hair have been found to have an association with an improper diet, that could not provide all the essential nutrients required for hair. Not including enough vegetables or fruits in the diet is one of the most important reasons for nutritional deficiency, that can manifest in gray hair.
The important vitamins for gray hair are vitamin B, especially vitamin B5, biotin and vitamin B12. Apart from vitamins, healthy growth of hair requires other nutrients like zinc, folic acid, iodine, iron and proteins. So, include foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, legumes, fish, eggs, poultry, dairy products, lentils, oatmeal, whole grain, seeds like, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and fruits in your diet. At the same time, avoid or reduce smoking and intake of caffeine, which can interfere with the proper utilization of these vital nutrients.
Natural Gray Hair Remedies
There are not enough scientific evidences to support that natural remedies can prevent or reverse gray hair. But, these remedies are known for centuries to nourish hair and ensure its healthy growth. They can prove effective for preventing hair graying as well. A few of the most renowned home or natural graying hair solutions are:
- Amla or Indian gooseberry with its high vitamin C content is believed to improve hair pigmentation. To use this simple home remedy, you need to cut the berries into pieces and dry them completely. Now, boil the pieces in coconut oil, until the oil turns dark. This dark oil called amla oil can be used to massage your scalp to promote hair growth and prevent hair from turning gray.
- Instead of boiling gooseberries with coconut oil, you can also make a thick paste of it with coconut oil and apply on your scalp. This is one of the simplest remedy for premature hair graying.
- Sage herb can also prove effective for gray hair. You can make a hair rinse by boiling sage herb with some water for about 20 to 30 minutes, after which let the herb soak in the water for a few hours. Then use this thick solution on your hair, allow it to dry completely and rinse your hair as usual.
- Curry leaf is another home remedy that can restore hair pigmentation. You can boil a few curry leaves in coconut oil and use it to massage your scalp and hair. Also include curry leaves in your diet.
- If you want to color your gray hair, but do not want to go for the hair dyes, then try henna powder. Henna powder is an excellent hair conditioner, that can color your gray hair. You can make a paste of henna powder with some water, or mix henna with castor oil and lemon juice to make a paste. Apply this paste on your scalp and hair and leave for about an hour before rinsing it off with clean water.
- Another natural remedy can be made by combining henna powder with fenugreek seed powder and yogurt. Mix all these ingredients properly to make a fine paste and apply this on your hair. Let it sit for about 2 to 3 hours and then rinse it off with clean water.
