Grey hair is a natural part of the aging process. However, premature greying of hair can be a concern for many people as it happens irrespective of the age factor. This change in hair color occurs due to a decrease in the production of melanin.
While genetics is a major factor in when your hair turns grey, some other factors like stress, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle choices can also contribute to premature greying.
In this article, we will read the causes of grey hair, explore some effective at-home grey hair treatments, and provide you with 7 hair packs to manage premature greying.
Causes of Grey Hair
1. Genetics
The influence of genetics on greying hair is inevitable. Your genetic makeup has an influence on the age at which you may experience this change. If your parents or close relatives have early greying, it is more likely that you will also get grey hair at an early age. Genetic factor often acts as the starting point for greying, which may be followed by other factors.
2. Aging
With the growing age, your body undergoes numerous changes, including a natural decline in melanin production. Melanin is a pigment responsible for the color of your hair that diminishes gradually with age. The reduction in melanin decreases the vibrant color of your hair, ultimately leading to the growth of silver strands.
Also Read: How to Use Hibiscus for Hair Growth?
3. Stress
Chronic stress, an inevitable concern in today’s fast-paced world, can actually promote the arrival of grey hair. Stress triggers the production of free radicals in your body, which, in excess amounts, can harm the hair follicles and interrupt melanin synthesis.
These free radicals, aggressive molecules seeking stability, push the aging process at the cellular level. Consequently, managing stress not only benefits your overall well-being but also contributes to healthier hair color.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your hair health and color are closely linked to what you eat. The color in our hair comes from a pigment called melanin. To make melanin, our body needs nutrients like vitamin B12, folic acid, copper, and iron.
If we don’t get enough of these, our hair can start to turn grey sooner than it naturally would. If you are wondering how to stop greying of hair, including nutrients in your diet is one tip.
In simple words, these nutrients keep our hair healthy and colorful. If we miss out on them, our hair can suffer. So, if you want to avoid early greying and keep your hair in good shape, it’s a good idea to eat foods that have these nutrients. Remember, a good diet can make a big difference for your hair!
5. Smoking
Smoking is bad not just for your lungs but also for aging, leading to early grey hair. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke damage our body’s cells. This includes the cells that color our hair.
As these cells get damaged, we can see premature greying. So, apart from many health risks, if you don’t want to go grey early, it’s another reason to quit smoking.
6. Medical Conditions
Certain underlying medical conditions can trigger the loss of hair color. Thyroid imbalances, which affect hormone regulation, can disrupt the normal pigmentation process. Similarly, vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder, can lead to the loss of skin and hair color due to the destruction of pigment-producing cells.
Also Read: 12 Effective Ayurvedic Herbs For Hair Growth
Home Remedies for Grey Hair
1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla, revered for centuries in Ayurveda, boasts an impressive profile of antioxidants and vitamin C. It is an effective premature grey hair treatment. Its components play a vital role in supporting overall hair health and potentially reviving melanin production.
Antioxidants fight oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and lead to greying. Vitamin C, a potent collagen builder, helps in maintaining the integrity of hair strands.
Including amla in your routine is easy. Include it in your diet to consume its systemic benefits, or apply amla oil directly to your scalp. The topical method delivers its nutrients directly to hair roots, nourishing and promoting the production of melanin.
2. Curry Leaves
Apart from the kitchen, curry leaves have a pack of nutrients that have pigmentation-restoring potential. Boiling curry leaves in coconut oil extracts their essential compounds, which you can massage into your scalp.
These compounds, including beta-carotene and proteins, nourish hair follicles and promote the restoration of natural pigment. Regular use of this concoction offers a dual benefit of deeply conditioning the hair while possibly aiding in the revival of color, thereby contributing to a healthier and more vibrant mane.
Also Read: 10 Ways to Strengthen Weak Hair Follicles
3. Henna
Henna, known for its natural dyeing properties, has a dual role in hair care. Apart from providing a reddish tint, it can improve hair’s overall health. Its dyeing action effectively conceals grey hair, offering a temporary yet vibrant color transformation.
Simultaneously, henna protects the hair roots, enhancing thickness and texture. Regular application of henna infuses color and contributes to voluminous and lustrous hair, giving a many-sided solution to greying concerns.
4. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds have been cherished in traditional medicine for their potential to support hair health and possibly slow down the greying process. Packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium, these tiny seeds offer a holistic approach to maintaining hair color.
Consuming them regularly can provide your body with the necessary building blocks for healthy hair follicles, potentially aiding in the preservation of natural pigmentation.
5. Bhringraj
Bhringraj, known as “the king of herbs for hair,” is considered important in Ayurvedic practices. This herb has the ability to enhance hair follicles and promote hair health, which may indirectly help the growth of grey hair.
You can massage Bhringraj oil into the scalp, which could potentially promote melanin production. It can also provide essential nourishment to hair strands. Its multiple benefits contribute to healthy hair and offer a natural way to maintain vibrant hair color.
Also Read: 15 Impressive Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair, Skin and Health
6. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, has gained attention for its stress-reducing properties. As chronic stress is linked to premature greying, managing stress levels is crucial. This is why it is one of the most effective home remedies for grey hair.
Ashwagandha’s potential to alleviate stress may indirectly contribute to preventing further greying. By promoting overall well-being and hormonal balance, ashwagandha can potentially create an environment conducive to healthier hair and delayed greying.
7. Hair Care Juice
Hair Care Juice enriched with the goodness of Amla, Shikakai, Bhringraj, and more beneficial ingredients is very effective for premature greying. You can consume Ambic Hair Care Juice which has all these ingredients and consume it every day to reduce grey hair.
7 Hair Packs for Grey Hair
You can manage a number of grey hair remedies at home. Here are some of the helpful recipes.
1. Amla and Henna Pack
- Mix amla powder, henna powder, and yogurt to form a paste.
- Apply the pack evenly to your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for a few hours and rinse thoroughly.
2. Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil Pack
- Boil curry leaves in coconut oil until they become charred.
- Cool and strain the oil, then apply it to your hair.
- Massage gently and leave it overnight before washing.
3. Onion and Fenugreek Pack
- Create a paste with onion juice, fenugreek powder, and aloe vera gel.
- Apply the pack to your scalp and hair.
- Wash it off after an hour.
Also Read: How to Stop Balding and Hair Loss in Young Men Naturally?
4. Potato Peel Rinse
- Boil potato peels in water until the water becomes colored.
- Cool the mixture, strain it, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
5. Black Tea and Rosemary Pack
- Brew strong black tea and add rosemary essential oil.
- Apply it to your hair and scalp, leaving it for an hour.
- Rinse thoroughly.
6. Hibiscus and Aloe Vera Pack
- Blend hibiscus flowers, aloe vera gel, and a bit of yogurt.
- Apply the pack to damp hair and wash off after 45 minutes.
7. Egg and Amla Pack
- Mix amla powder, egg white, and lemon juice to create a paste.
- Apply it to your hair, focusing on the roots.
- After 30 minutes, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Conclusion
If you wish to manage premature grey hair, these home remedies and hair packs can provide a helping hand. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients are big factors to contribute to healthier hair overall. Whether you choose to enhance your natural greys or minimize them, these methods can help you achieve vibrant and healthy hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I stop my premature hair from Greying?
To prevent early grey hair
- Live healthily
- Eat a balanced diet
- Manage stress.
You can also use natural remedies like curry leaves, amla, and coconut oil can also help.
2. Which food is good for black hair?
For black hair, eat foods high in iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3s. This includes leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats.
3. What are the reasons for premature greying of hair?
Early grey hair can come from genetics, age, stress, lack of nutrients like vitamin B12, smoking, or illnesses.
