Indians are known for their Long, Thick, Black hair of women for ages. Although, since the recent past, everyone is facing hair problems at some level. Grey hair is one of them. Our hair follicles contain a pigment called ‘Melanin.’ Hair turns grey when the follicles start losing this pigment. When hair turns grey before 25, it is called premature greying of hair (PGH). Let’s look at the different causes of grey hair.
Different Causes Of Grey Hair
1. Aging
Grey hair is a natural irreversible phenomenon. As we age, hair follicles reduce melanin formation with decrease hair production. It is said that 50% of people have 50% of grey hair by turning 50.
2. Genetics
It is an inevitable cause of premature grey hair. Genes greatly influence cells that produce melanin and hair follicles. If your parents have a history of grey hair at an early age, you are also likely to have them at an early age. Hair coloring is the only option.
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Low iron, copper, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc can be the different causes of grey hair. HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, is associated with the greying of hair. Supplementation with these nutrients can completely reverse the hypopigmentation process.
Food Sources For These Nutrients
- Vitamin B12 – Chicken, eggs, milk, spirulina (vitamin B12 is only found in non-vegetarian sources)
- Calcium – Fish, milk and milk products, ragi, rajgeera, dry beans, sesame seeds,
- Iron – Non-vegetarian foods, dark green leafy vegetables, garden cress seeds, dates (Take
- Vitamin C from Citrus foods to enhance the absorption.
- Vitamin D – Sunlight, milk and milk products, whole egg
- Zinc – Pumpkin seeds, nuts, whole grains, broccoli
4. Auto-immune Diseases
It is one of the primary causes of premature hair greying. Vitiligo, hypothyroidism, pernicious anemia are some of the diseases where the body’s immune system fights against your hair follicles. Thus, it loses pigmentation. Prescribed medicated treatment can manage these conditions.
5. Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress accelerates the process of aging and damages hair follicles leading to decrease melanin production. Pollution, ultraviolet rays from excessive sunlight, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, junk, and deep-fried foods increases oxidative stress. Eating antioxidants rich foods such as the different varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and protecting hair from the sun and pollution can reduce hair damage.
6. Smoking
Your lifestyle choices also have a significant influence on every cell of your body. Chemicals present in the cigarette speed up the skin aging and cause grey hair. Smoking cessation only helps you prevent grey hair but also strengthens hair follicles.
7. Stress
Stress affects the cells that regenerate hair pigment. This is probably the reason why people in stressful environments show signs of early aging. Strategies like meditation, relaxation, and positive thinking can help to relieve stress.
Is Plucking Grey Hair A Good Idea?
We all must have heard from somebody that pulling out grey hair is terrible, as they may increase the process. But as a matter of fact, it is a myth since only one strand can grow from one hair follicle. Plucking grey hair is an easy and convenient option for those with less than 10% affected scalp hair. Plucking a large amount of grey hair may lead to decrease hair volume and affect hair growth.
Natural Hair Colorants
- Henna
It is usually hypoallergic and balances the pH of the scalp. Henna powder with water can be directly applied to the scalp and hair.
- Amla
It is a rich source of vitamin C, an excellent antioxidant that helps to reduces oxidative stress. Its powder can be mix with henna. Having amla powder or juice with warm water prevents premature graying also strengthens hair follicles.
- Black Tea
In Ayurveda, black tea has been used as a hair colorant. Black tea water can be used after shampooing your hair.
- Hibiscus
It helps to decrease the premature greying of hair and promote thicker hair growth. Its leaves can be heated in coconut oil or powder to be mixed with a hair mask. Warm hibiscus oil can directly be applied to the scalp
- Bringraj
This Ayurvedic herb is used in various preparations like oil, dye, shampoo. It provides natural color to grey hair.
- Coffee
Mix the grounded coffee in your leave-in-conditioner, apply, and leave it for 1 hour. Coffee imparts shades of colors varying from reddish brown to blackish brown depending on the coffee seed.
To conclude, the greying of hair not related to aging or any disease can be prevented and reverse with proper nutrition and hair care. Grey hair is very sensitive and requires extra hair care.
Read Also: 9 Best Foods For Healthy Hair You Must Include In Your Diet
