When a strand of hair contains a lower amount of the pigment called melanin, it might seem gray especially at the hair shaft, and if there is no pigment at all, it can appear white. Hair aging develops due to the hair cells on the scalp producing less hair melanin as they age. Hair shedding can often be a concomitant issue but not always. As a parent, you may be relieved to know specific home remedies to treat gray hair in kids.
Before you can find the best-suited remedies to get rid of gray hair, you need to have some idea about the possible causes behind it. One of the leading causes of premature graying of hair is poor lifestyle. Gray hair at a young age might sometimes be due to heredity. Gray hair in youngsters can also be caused by a lack of hair vitamins, for example: zinc or vitamin B12 and vitamin D (1). As well as some types of anemia, oxidative stress, and thyroid issues.
Note: Do not worry if your child does have gray hair. Having premature gray hair is not necessarily a sign of a medical issue. It is best to consult a trichologisti A medical professional specializing in the study and treatment of different hair and scalp diseases. and get the right diagnosis.
Here, we talk about how to remedy and prevent gray hair in children. So, read on.
If your kid is suffering from premature graying of hair, hair dye will not be an ultimate solution, you have to find out whether it is due to any medical condition. If not, then it can be cured by a few of the following home remedies.
Boil curry leaves in oil until they turn black. Massage the oil on the hair. This effectively treats gray hair.
Watch this video – how curry leaves helps to cover gray hair:-
Looking for natural ways to treat gray hair in your little ones? Check out this video to know how to use simple ingredients to manage this issue effectively.
Drinking yogurt mixed with one tablespoon of yeast everyday will be a beneficial treatment for grey hair. It might help hair hydration as well.
Amla is a great natural hair supplement to reduce premature gray hair. Boil amla pieces in coconut oil and use it on the scalp. You can also soak amla in water overnight. Use the amla water to wash your kid’s hair.
Massage a mix of almond and amla oil on the scalp. Leave it overnight before you wash it off. This remedy will help to prevent the gray hair of your kid. It can also help hair strengthening and improve hair texture, while retaining moisture and hair elasticity.
Quick Tip
You may add fenugreek powder to the remedy and use it for faster and effective results.
Massage your kid’s scalp twice a week with butter made from cow’s milk. This remedy will help to treat premature aging.
Onion juice for gray hair is quite a popular home remedy. The catalase in onion juice scavenges hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicles, which is a common cause of hair graying (1), (2), . Mix onion juice with a few drops of lemon juice and apply the blend on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for two hours before rinsing it off with water and a mild shampoo.
A henna hair pack is often used for gray hair as it is a natural dye and does not damage the tresses. Boil some black tea leaves, then drain the water and add it to henna powder. Mix it well to create a smooth paste and let it sit overnight. Apply the henna on the gray tresses and leave it on for two hours before rinsing it off.
If your kid is suffering from severe gray hair condition, you need to diagnose it. Treat the condition soon to avoid any serious issues.
Hair protein is an essential component of hair and grows out of hair follicles located within the surface of the skin. The skin gets modified to produce hair. Hair plays an important role in an individual’s physical appearance. And when the hair starts graying, it affects the look of that person. Another reason: Hydrogen peroxide accumulates greatly in gray hair as a result of hair follicle “wear and tear,” which prevents the production of melanin. In the case of kids, the condition is even worse. So, what causes the graying of hair in kids, let’s find out.
Inheritance can be the primary reason for gray hair in kids as young as two years old. If there is a family history of early onset of gray hair, then the kids may eventually notice premature graying. Genetics can cause gray hair in children, as inherited traits lead to premature loss of pigment-producing melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) in hair (3). You will also notice that the hair porosity will be high, as gray hair is more porous than pigmented.
Gabriel, a lifestyle content creator, shared his experience of getting premature gray hair at 13 years of age. Though he does not know the cause behind his graying hair, he felt it may be because of genetics. He said, “My mum when she was in her late twenties and I remember her having to dye her hair and my dad is in his mid-thirties right now and he’s pretty much got a head full of gray hair. I wouldn’t have any doubt if it’s just genetics (i).”
Research shows the correlation between dandruff and gray hair. Even though one does not cause the other, they are interrelated. If the problem of dandruff becomes severe, there is a tendency for the emergence of gray hair.
Certain disorders like tuberous sclerosisi A rare genetic disorder where many harmless tumors develop in many parts of the body and increase the risk of hair loss. and vitiligoi A chronic autoimmune disease that causes loss of skin color in patches on different parts of the body. induce loss of hair pigmentation. Along with the signs of hair graying, the affected kids will also start exhibiting signs of seizures, tumors and more.
Thyroid conditions play around with hormones and it is no lesser in kids. Your kid may suffer from gray hair, if she has more thyroid content in her blood.
Quick Tip
Excess UV exposure may also fade melanin pigment in hair and cause graying. Cover the child’s head to minimize the risk or early graying.
Graying hair is usually associated with aging, and it is no surprise that seeing children with gray hair feels like an anomaly. If you have spotted a few silver strands in your child’s head, don’t worry. We have a list of quick home remedies to help you tackle this bull by the horns. Check out the infographic below!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Gray hair can occur in kids because of hereditary, nutrient deficiency, and medical factors. If hydrogen peroxide is the reason for gray hair, you might want glutathione, an antioxidant that prevents graying of hair through hydrogen peroxide. While you can try regular hair products, they may contain harsh ingredients that damage your kid’s hair. Natural ingredients with essential nutrients and hair minerals such as zinc and calcium are healthy alternatives that nourish the hair. Also, using home remedies to treat gray hair in kids is cost-effective. Even after using these remedies, if premature graying still persists, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis as the graying can be caused by an underlying medical condition.
Does diet impact the development of gray hair?
Yes, diet can influence gray hair. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in vitamins B12, D, and E, along with iron and copper may accelerate graying (4). This can be remedied through supplementation or incorporating foods rich in vitamins B21, D, and E into your diet.
Is it normal for a child to have gray hair?
One or two gray strands are fine. But if your kid has a lot of premature gray hair, you should consult a doctor as it could be due to a medical condition (like an autoimmune disease such as lupus).
Which oil is best for gray hair?
Coconut oil and olive oil are said to be the best for managing premature gray hair. Curly hair types should try argan oil and jojoba oil.
What is the permanent solution for gray hair?
There is no permanent solution for gray hair caused by aging. You can use hair colors and dyes to cover up grays.
Does milk cause gray hair?
No, milk strengthens the hair follicles and may even stimulate hair growth.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Greying Hair Age 13 – My Experience
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7LBGZSGfbc
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Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog.
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