Premature greying is a nuisance that spoils every good hair day. While we are all for men and women flaunting salt and pepper tresses, it is very important to find the cause of premature greying. It could be the sign of an underlying symptom. While most people blame genetics for it, premature greying can be caused by various factors, and we will discuss them in this blog.
Grey hair can be an indication that you're growing wise, learning to adapt, and developing as a person. But when you spot a few silver strands in your early 20s, understandably, this may cause some concern. The most common question that springs up in our mind when we notice our first grey hair is "What causes grey hair and what can be done to prevent premature greying of hair. You're not alone; this is something that many people wonder about every day. Here you will get to know everything you need to know about premature greying of hair, its causes, and home remedies for grey hair.
What Causes Grey Hair At An Early Age?
As you age, your hair tends to become grey. Both men and women start experiencing grey hair in their late 30s or early 40s. However, some people experience grey hair at an early age which is known as premature hair greying.
Hair follicles are awash with melanin-producing pigment cells. Melanin is responsible for providing colour to your strands. As you get older there is a decrease in the production of melanin by these pigment cells. If there's a deficiency of melanin, new hair strands that grow are lighter which eventually change to shades of silver, grey, and then white. Spotting that odd grey straggler can be a stigma for many women. Genetics is not the only reason for premature grey hair, grey hair can be a signal for any underlying health condition. Let's take a deep dive into the causes of grey hair.
1. Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress has a major role in premature hair greying. Oxidative stress causes instability in the level of antioxidants in your body. Due to this, your body does not have sufficient antioxidants to fight radicals. These free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells. Oxidative stress can cause various diseases like vitiligo which affects your skin and hair in which melanin cells are lost or cease functioning causing premature grey hair.
You can check out Anveya Hair Bae Hair Serum which contains blueberry extract rich in antioxidants. The formula deeply nourishes and moisturizes hair.
ANVEYA HAIR BAE HAIR SERUM
• Deeply Hydrates
• Reduces Hair Breakage
• Strengthens Cuticles & Increases Resistance
• Reduces Frizz By 11%
Also Read : Stress-Induced Hair Loss? Here's What You Need To Do!
2. Vitamin Deficiency
As per a recent study, deficiencies of B Vitamins such as B6, B12, biotin, and Vitamin D, Vitamin E can contribute to premature greying. The deficiency of Vitamin D3 and copper is related to premature grey hair. Experts suggest Vitamin supplements can bring back the natural colour of your hair.
3. Medical Conditions
The human body has an auto-immune system that is capable of protecting it from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, which results in ageing and diseases. In addition, studies show that there may be a connection between greying of hair and certain autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo and alopecia areata.
4. Smoking
Smoking can cause various health issues including white hair. As per a recent study, excessive smoking can cause greying of hair before the age of 30.
5. Chemical Hair Dyes
Chemical hair dyes contain harsh chemicals which are harmful to your hair health. It contains hydrogen peroxide which damages the melanin pigment making your hair white. Synthetic shampoos and other hair care products are also known to be the major contributors to grey hair.
Also Read : 15 Chemicals to Avoid from Hair Care Products
Can Premature Grey Hair Be Reversed?
If your grey hair is due to ageing or genetics, then nothing much can be done about it. But if it is due to vitamin deficiency or any other medical condition, then correcting these can help reverse premature grey hair. Grey hair treatment can restore melanin if it is due to a medical condition. Let's see what are the other ways of reversing premature white hair.
- Eating food rich in antioxidants such as fresh fruits, broccoli, carrot, olives, and green tea.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid excessive use of synthetic haircare products which are harsh on your hair as well as your skin.
- Addressing vitamin deficiency can also help restore the natural hue of your tresses.
- Avoid pulling out your grey strands as it can cause inflammation of the hair roots, damaging the hair follicles.
- Instead of harmful chemical hair dyes and hair colour, opt for natural ways of restoring your hair colour.
Home Remedies For Grey Hair
Natural remedies are effective in slowing down greying of hair, as it is safe and does not damage hair pigments.
1. Curry Leaves
For centuries curry leaves had been used for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Heating curry leaves in coconut oil and applying this oil on hair helps delay premature greying.
2. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, popularly known as amla is loaded with haircare benefits. Its efficacy is due to the high level of antioxidants which protects the hair follicles from damage, nourish and replenish them, promoting hair growth and retaining the natural colour of your hair.
Dried amla heated in an iron cast is mixed with coconut oil and then applied directly to the scalp and prevent premature greying.
3. Bhringaraj
Bhringaraj also known as false daisy, can make your hair darker preventing premature grey hair. The juice extracted from the leaves can be boiled with coconut oil or any other oil of your choice and massaged into your hair.
4. Black Tea
Black tea promotes healthy hair by making it shinier and darker. Infuse 4-5 tea bags in boiling water, and let it cool. Wash your hair with this tea water.
5. Copper
The deficiency of copper in your body can also be a reason for premature grey hair. Consuming food rich in copper such as almonds, lentils, beef liver, dark chocolate, and asparagus can help prevent premature ageing.
For maintaining healthy hair and preventing premature grey hair it is vital to ensure a healthy lifestyle by incorporating healthy eating habits. Make sure that the hair care products you use for your hair contain ingredients that nurture and strengthen it. While these factors will positively affect your hair health, some people's genetics may be beyond their control, meaning that over time they will experience white hair progression despite routine grey hair treatments and healthy habits.
Also Read : Premature Gray Hair Causes Treatment Prevention
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.