Introduction
Melanocytes within each hair follicle are responsible for producing two primary pigments, pheomelanin and eumelanin, which are determined by your DNA.
Eumelanin is predominantly found in brown and black hair, while pheomelanin is present in red and blond hair. Unlike the melanin that colours the skin, the pigments produced in scalp hair degrade more slowly. This allows the hair to maintain its colour as it grows for an average of 3.5 years.
The development of grey hair occurs as the number of melanocytes decreases. However, the timing of this decrease varies from person to person.
What causes Grey Hair?
1. Genetics
The role of genetics in influencing the onset of white hair cannot be underestimated. If you notice the appearance of white hair at a young age, your parents or grandparents likely experienced greying or white hair at a similar stage. Unfortunately, genetics cannot be altered. However, if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your grey hair, you can colour it.
2. Stress
Stress is a common experience for everyone at some point in their lives. Chronic stress can have various consequences, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, changes in appetite, and elevated blood pressure. Moreover, stress can also impact your hair. If you have noticed an increase in the number of white strands in your hair, stress may be the underlying cause.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Premature white hair can also be attributed to autoimmune diseases. In these conditions, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its cells. In the cases of alopecia and vitiligo, the immune system picks out the hair follicles, resulting in the loss of pigment.
4. Thyroid disorders
Hormonal imbalances caused by conditions like hyperthyroidism can affect the colour of your hair. The thyroid gland, at the base of your neck, plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism. An overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt melanin production, leading to the appearance of white hair at an early age.
5. Vitamin B-12 insufficiency
Early greying of hair can also indicate insufficient vitamin B-12 levels. This essential vitamin is crucial in the functioning of your body. Not only does it provide energy, but it also contributes to the growth and colour of healthy hair.
A deficiency in vitamin B-12 is often associated with a condition known as pernicious anaemia, wherein the body struggles to absorb an adequate amount of this vitamin. Vitamin B-12 is necessary to produce healthy red blood cells that transport oxygen to cells throughout the body, including those in the hair. Insufficient levels of this vitamin can weaken hair cells and disrupt melanin production.
6. Tobacco consumption
There is also a correlation between premature greying of hair and smoking. It is widely recognized that smoking cigarettes increases the probability of lung cancer and heart disease. However, the long-term effects extend beyond the heart and lungs, impacting the hair. Smoking causes the tightening of blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the hair follicles and potential hair loss. Moreover, the harmful toxins present in cigarettes can damage various parts of the body, including the hair follicles, resulting in premature greying.
How to stop grey hair?
Following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet can help you know how to stop grey hair. Black and grey hair are common among individuals and it is essential to consult your doctor if you have a potential nutrient deficiency. Here are some of the ways to get rid of natural grey hair:
Onion juice
To address the natural long grey hair and promote hair growth, a potent remedy involves blending 2-3 teaspoons of onion juice, one teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently rub this mixture into the scalp and hair, allowing it to penetrate for thirty minutes before rinsing off. This combination of ingredients not only enhances the production of the enzyme Catalase, which aids in darkening the hair but also imparts a lustrous shine and vitality when combined with lemon juice.
Henna
Henna can be used as a natural conditioner and colourant to transform grey hair into black. By combining henna with coffee, you can achieve exceptional outcomes. Henna has been utilized for ages as a home remedy for this purpose.
Shikakai powder
Create a mixture by combining shikakai powder and yoghurt, then gently massage it onto your scalp. Rinse off the mixture after thirty minutes. Shikakai powder has been utilized in Ayurveda for many years to promote hair health. It acts as a natural shampoo and is an efficient method to minimize the appearance of grey hair. Consistent usage will result in a healthier scalp and noticeable hair growth. Indulge and nourish your hair with these homemade remedies to delay the greying process.
Hibiscus
Soaking the hibiscus leaves and flowers in water overnight and utilizing the resulting infusion to cleanse your hair the following day is recommended. If hibiscus flowers or leaves are unavailable, mixing hibiscus powder with henna for the same purpose is an alternative option.
Bringraj and coconut oil
Bhringraj, also known as the "king of herbs," is a remarkable ayurvedic remedy renowned for combating grey hair. It is widely regarded as one of the most effective solutions for natural long grey hair, as it has been scientifically proven to regulate metabolism, reduce stress, and preserve hair's natural colour. Additionally, coconut oil, which is rich in essential nutrients, plays a crucial role in maintaining the protein content of hair, thereby preventing the occurrence of grey hair.
To prepare a bhringraj solution, heat coconut oil in a pan for approximately 2-3 minutes, and then add the bhringraj powder to it. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and strain the mixture into a glass bottle. Let it cool down completely before applying it generously to your hair and scalp. Leave the solution on for 45 minutes, and then rinse it off using shampoo and water.
Curry leaves and coconut oil
Our pantry is a convenient place to find solutions for all beauty concerns. If you have curry leaves on hand, you can quickly bid farewell to grey hair. Curry leaves are abundant in vitamin B and beta-keratin, which can help restore the melanin pigment in hair follicles, preventing natural grey hair. To prepare:
- Mix curry leaves and coconut oil until the mixture turns black.
- After straining and cooling it down, massage the mixture onto your hair and scalp, leaving it overnight.
- Rinse off the following day with water and shampoo.
Grey Hair Treatment
Here are some tips on how to stop grey hair permanently:
- Supplementing your diet with essential minerals and vitamins
- Conditioning treatments and proper hair care
- Getting professional color glosses and highlights for a natural look
- Using over-the-counter products and herbal dyes
Conclusion
The production of melanin by your hair follicles determines the likelihood of premature greying. Occasionally, factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle choices can impede melanin production. Once these factors are addressed, melanin production may resume.
However, it is essential to note that in most cases, the onset and severity of greying hair are determined by your genetic makeup. Unfortunately, greying hair driven by genetics cannot be reversed.
FAQs
1. Can vitamin B12 reverse grey hair?
Vitamin B12 supplementation can reverse premature greying, but only if the underlying cause is a deficiency in vitamin B12. However, it cannot be reversed if your greying hair results from other factors like genetics, zinc deficiency, or medications.
2. Is egg good for grey hair?
Eggs are a plentiful source of protein, which is essential for maintaining the health of our hair. They are also a rich source of vitamin B12, and a lack of this vitamin has been associated with premature greying; including whole eggs in your diet rather than solely consuming egg whites is advisable.
3) How to get rid of grey hair?
Eating more antioxidants and addressing deficiencies can prevent and reverse grey hair naturally.
