Premature Hair Graying: Causes, Prevention & Solutions

There was a time when Hair graying happened to only older people. But in our present day, due to high stress levels and pollution, we are seeing this even among girls as young as 16. It has become an important concern and thousands of people, men and women alike, are seeking medication.

So how do we stop graying of hair?

Lets us first look at why hair grays?

Your hair follicles contain pigmentation cells. These pigmentation cells are responsible for the color of your hair – black, brown or blonde. As we grow older, there is a loss in these cells, which results in lessening the intensity of the color and eventually loss of color. But these days premature grey hair is something that is troubling a lot of people. Before we start looking at ways to prevent it and home remedies, lets first peek into the causes.

What are the causes?

We say that too much stress tolls on our hair. True, but there are many other reasons:

• Insufficient intake of essential nutrients
• Excessive use of heating equipments
• Heredity
• Scalp not cleaned properly.

Now that you know the reasons, let us take a look at some home remedies for greying of hair.

So what are the steps in preventing the premature greying of hair?

1. Reduce stress:

This is the first culprit if you are suddenly undergoing a massive change in your hair color. Learn to manage stress and handle your time. Take short vacations frequently to keep your stress in check.

2. Eat right:

There is an absolute need for us to eat right – pack in a lot of proteins as your hair and nails are basically made up of a protein called Keratin. Include spinach, dairy products like cheese, milk, butter etc., if you don’t like dairy products, try low fat ice-cream or better yet, protein supplements.

3. Quit smoking:

If you have the habit of smoking, quit it right away. Cigarette is known to contain carcinogens or cancer causing elements that affect your hair follicles too.

4. Thyroid problem:

People with thyroid malfunctions – hyper or low secretions, also are prone graying of hair. Get your thyroid level checked.

5. Quit harsher shampoos:

Switch to mild shampoos and better yet, organic shampoos. The harsh chemicals in the shampoos and conditioner are known to affect the product of the pigment and cause hair fall too.

6. Oil your hair:

Sometimes, the dry, dehydrated hair gives way to graying of hair as there is a loss of moisture too. Oil your hair regularly or treat yourself to hair spas to see a better hair condition.

7. Avoid usage of perfumed hair oils:

These hair oils contain perfumes, which might contain strong chemicals. The natural the oil, the better the results and lesser the side effects like graying.

8. Home remedies:

• Ridge guard, boiled in coconut oil, is known to help immensely in the treatment of graying of hair.
• Also, use concentrated tea as a rinse as it helps to prevent hair color loss.
• Consumption of curry leaves is not old wives’ tales. My grandmother, at an age of 70, has lovely long black hair. Even today, she boils curry leaves in coconut oil and applies it to her hair and makes sure I do the same. You can guess, I have jet black hair J here is a picture of me and my hair ;)
• Grate fresh ginger, mix with honey and set aside in a jar. Eat one tsp daily.
• Mix one tbsp of table salt(with iodine) and strong black tea. Massage into scalp and hair. Rest for an hour or so and wash your hair.
• Massage your scalp every night with amla juice, almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. This prevents premature hair greying

• Henna

If there is no way you can control and prevent the graying, switch to henna. Dense and intense dark colors are available in the market these days and if you are too inclined, hair color is always an option.

Share your own Tips that you use to fight graying of hair.

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