Premature
greying of hair is caused by the loss of melanocytes (pigment cells) in the
hair follicle. Antioxidant-rich foods, vitamins and mineral supplements, and
healthy lifestyle choices can help increase melanin pigments in the skin and
activate melanocytes. Here, we will discuss how we can stop premature graying of
hair.
How to stop premature greying of hair naturally |
What Causes White Hair at an Early Age and How Can We Stop Premature Greying of Hair
Gray Hair
Hair color comes from melanin - a natural skin pigment, as
the hair may contain dark pigment (eumelanin - brown and black) and lighter
pigment (pheomelanin), which interfere to form the natural hair color that
distinguishes each person from the other.
With age, the production of melanin in hair decreases, so the
hair color turns gray and then white, which is a clear indication that there is
no melanin in the hair at all. This is called greying of hair, which may appear
at an early age.
The chance of its appearance increases every 10 years after
the age of 30 by 10-20%.
If you want to prevent white hair, you should know grey hair causes and treatment. In this article, we will discuss the causes of premature grey
hair and how we can stop premature greying of hair.
What Causes the Early Graying of Hair?
The most prominent reasons for the emergence of greying of
hair at an early age include:
Genetic factors: It has been scientifically proven that one of the
most prominent causes of premature graying is hereditary, with one of the
parents passing through the appearance of graying at an early age.
External factors: Excessive use of dyes, shampoos, and
chemicals, in addition to hair creams, blow dryers, keratin, and other harmful
substances, which negatively affect the colored cells.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition leads to the emergence of gray hair. When a
healthy diet is followed, its positive results will appear on the body and skin
in addition to hair. Attention to hair food affects it positively, by delaying
the onset of premature graying.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: A deficiency of this vitamin can
lead to premature graying of hair quickly.
Smoking: Studies have shown that smokers are four times more likely
to develop premature graying than nonsmokers.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and tension lead to
the appearance of gray hair in all parts of the body. Therefore, it is
necessary to get rid of the psychological pressures that negatively affect the
health of hair in general.
Environmental pollution: including factory waste, dust, and
car smoke, in addition to insecticides and pesticides that are placed on trees
and fruits that humans eat.
Also, the coloring and preservative materials greatly affect
the health of the human body, leading to general weakness in the body, and a
special weakness in the skin and hair, thus losing its color and freshness.
Thyroid problems and chronic health diseases: it has been noted the emergence of
premature graying of hair increases with chronic diseases such as anemia,
neuroma, tuberous sclerosis, and thyroid problems.
How to Prevent White Hair from Spreading
There are
some tips and tricks that must be followed to avoid the emergence of gray hair (white hair) at an early age, including:
See a physician to avoid having one of the diseases that
cause premature graying of hair, especially when graying is not hereditary either.
Getting a sufficient amount of vitamins, especially vitamin B12,
is necessary for the health of hair and skin because its deficiency causes
premature graying and hair loss, as well.
Very rich sources of vitamin B12 can be found in animal
products, such as meat, fish, eggs, and chicken, as well as fruits, vegetables,
dairy products, and nuts. Or, the vitamin B12 deficiency can be compensated for
by taking supplements.
Stop smoking, as smoking is directly related to premature
graying, in addition to other symptoms it may cause, such as hair loss, hair
damage, and countless other effects.
Take care of your hair constantly. If the routine used to
take care of hair is wrong, it must be thought of changing it immediately. The
wrong habits of hair care may include:
Daily use of hair extensions, especially if placed
incorrectly.
Daily use of the dryer and its accessories, as will hurt
the hair and increase the chance of graying at an early age.
Combing wet hair harshly will damage the hair very quickly.
To avoid damage, it is recommended to comb the hair using a wide-tooth comb.
Away from stress, anxiety, and tension. Often, this leads to
hair loss. This may also lead to the growth of hair that has pigments lighter
than the original color, and thus gray hair appears on the scalp.
Take good nutrition and focus on proteins, as it is known
that hair consists of the protein keratin.
The sources rich in protein are: dairy products, spinach,
cheese, and butter, or protein nutritional supplements can be taken.
Stop using harsh shampoo on the hair, as it affects the hair
and leads to hair loss.
Moisturize the hair and apply oils to it constantly. Dry hair
is more susceptible to premature graying.
Avoid applying undiluted essential oils to the hair, as they
contain a high percentage of strong chemicals that may lead to hair damage and
premature graying.
Check your thyroid glands. Hypothyroidism is directly
related to early graying.
There are several natural remedies and methods for
treating premature graying of hair that can be done at home easily and quickly.
The most important of these remedies are:
Onion Juice
Numerous studies have proven the efficiency and effectiveness
of onion juice in getting rid of gray hair.
Onions are a source rich in minerals and many nutrients, such
as biotin and sulfur, all of which are necessary for healthy hair growth and to
make it strong and luster.
How to prepare and use: Peel the onions and extract the
juice from it using a blender or juicer, and then put the juice on the scalp,
leave it for 40 minutes to an hour, and wash the hair after that.
Natural Herbs
Wonderful
natural dyes can be made from natural flowers and herbs.
It is advised to use them regularly in order to maintain the
hair color. The herb suitable for hair can be chosen based on the tone of the
original hair color, as shown below:
Dark hair: rosemary, sage, nettle, carnation, cinnamon, black walnut
peel, and comfrey roots.
Blonde hair: chamomile, calendula, lemon peel, saffron, marigold, yarrow
flower, sunflower petals, and mullein flower.
Red hair: hibiscus flowers, red clover, musk rose, red rose petals,
beetroot, carrots and marigolds.
How to prepare and use: Herbs are dried and ground to become
a fine powder. More than one type can be mixed together to give other
dimensions to the desired color. Dissolve half a cup of dried herbs in water
and put that on the fire for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and then add any type of
oil such as coconut oil, then put the mixture on the hair and leave for an hour
to two hours, then wash it off well with water.
Amla and Fenugreek
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is one of the most
effective home remedies to stop gray hair. It has been used since ancient
times to treat all types of hair problems.
Amla is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C,
which has anti-aging properties and helps prevent premature greying of hair.
Amla helps promote hair growth and improve its health.
Fenugreek is rich in nutrients, such as vitamin C, iron,
potassium, lysine, tryptophan and alkaloids.
Fenugreek has amazing benefits for hair and skin, as it
prevents premature graying, treats pore problems, enhances hair growth, and prevents dry scalp.
Ingredients: 5 or 6 pieces of Amla, 1 tablespoon of fenugreek, and half a cup
of coconut oil.
How to prepare and use: Grind the fenugreek seeds until they
become a fine powder, then heat coconut oil and add to it the pieces of Amla
and leave on the fire until boiling for 5 to 6 minutes, then add the fenugreek
powder to them and leave the mixture to boil for another minute, then leave
until cool.
Apply this to the hair before going to sleep, and in the
morning wash hair with water and a mild shampoo.
Henna
Henna has been used since ancient times for cosmetic purposes
and usually comes in the form of powder and can be mixed with other ingredients
such as lemon juice, vinegar, cloves, or essential oils,
Henna has proven its effectiveness by covering gray hair.
Henna should be used regularly to maintain hair color, once a week to once a
month, depending on the desired color tone.
How to prepare and use: Henna powder is mixed with a little
hot black coffee well in a suitable bowl until a mixture that can be applied to
the hair is obtained. Cover the bowl and leave for several hours, then put the mixture on the hair and leave for 1-3 hours, then wash it with water and
shampoo well.
Vitamins and Nutrients to Prevent the Emergence of Gray Hair
These are the most important vitamins and nutrients necessary
to activate melanocytes and prevent and reduce premature gray hair:
Vitamin C, like berries.
Vitamin A, like carrots.
Vitamin B, like curry leaves.
Vitamin B12, like eggs.
Proteins, such as beans.
Zinc, like fish, and milk products.
Iron, like oysters, beef, or chicken liver.