Premature hair graying is one of the main problems people face when aging or as a result of lifestyle problems. This annoying and quite embarrassing problem may be a result of natural aging or certain specific lifestyle problems which rob the hair of its natural keratin and melanin.
Gray hair may appear as a result of consuming less vitamin or mineral as required, poor food habits, smoking drinking or other bad habits, hormonal imbalance, pollution, stress or use of certain hair products which may cause an allergic reaction. Graying of hair can become a social concern as it makes a person appear much older than he really is.
The most common reason behind hair graying is age. With age our body’s ability to produce the amount of melanin needed breaks down and the body stops producing it gradually. It is one of the biggest nightmare of people especially women. With age, hair naturally shows signs of aging, but in today’s world, we see people as young as 25 or 30 with gray hair.
Why does hair turn gray?
Hair turns gray when the production of melanin gets reduced in the body and the body’s natural ability to convert essential minerals and oils into melanin breaks down. Hairs sometimes also produce natural hydrogen peroxide which acts a bleaching agent and turns strands gray or white. Age is another factor and is the most common reason behind graying. It can be also hereditary such that premature hair graying runs in the family. It can be also as a product of stress in our daily activities. Smoking and drinking are other main reasons. Hypothyroidism, albinism, vitiligo, tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis or even pernicious anemia can cause graying. Exposure to excessive pollution can also be a factor. Improper hair care and excessive use of products can also play a role in hair graying.
Remedial Solutions
Although hair graying is imminent due to old age, premature graying can be avoided and treated with some home remedies which are easily available. Some home remedies for gray hair are discussed below.
Amla or Indian Gooseberry– Amla or Indian Gooseberry is naturally rich in vitamin c and antioxidants. Amla fruits can be consumed directly or amla oil or pulp can be applied to the hair. You can mix together amla and coconut oil and apply it directly to the hair. Leave it on overnight and wash it off with shampoo the next day.
Curry leaves– Curry leaves help to increase hair pigmentation. It can be combined with coconut oil and applied on hair. Make a paste of curry leaves and coconut oil, apply it to hair, leave it on for half an hour and rinse with cold water.
Henna- Henna is a natural remedy for gray hair and is the most common choice of people suffering from premature aging. Henna paste can be applied on hair and left on overnight.
Coconut oil- Coconut oil and lemon juice restore hair’s natural color and flush out any unwanted toxins from the hair fiber. Mix about three spoons of lemon juice to coconut oil and apply thoroughly to hair. Leave on overnight and rinse off with cold water.
Ginger– Consuming ginger mixed with honey everyday can prevent premature gray hair.
Black tea– Black tea mixed with salt can be taken to treat hair graying. Black tea can be used to wash the scalp thoroughly which rids the scalp and hair of toxins accumulated from pollution.
Hair massage– Massaging hair with ghee once every two days for a month, can ensure shiny hair and also curbs the problem of gray hair.
Chamomile powder- Chamomile powder can be boiled in water and applied to hair. This can be done on a daily basis and is highly beneficial in curing gray hair.
Almond oil- Using raw almond oil or using hair products with a huge percentage of almond oil can prove beneficial to hair. Not only does almond oil cure gray hair problems but also ensures you get strong and shiny hair which will be good to look at and soft to touch. Almond oil is one of the most used ingredients in hair products. Almond products are good gray hair remedies.
Mustard oil– Mustard oil can be massaged to hair and left overnight. This helps in reducing a percentage of gray hair.
Neem oil- Neem oil is also good in preventing gray hair. Neem oil or neem leaves crushed and boiled in water can be applied to hair directly and left on for overnight.
Foods rich in biotin– Consumption of foods rich in biotin such as carrots, fresh fruits and vegetables will ensure your hair does not gray prematurely.
All these home remedies work wonder to stop hair from premature graying. You can try these any time at home to stop graying of your hair and also have a nourished hair.
