Graying Hair Remedies

Hair color is determined by the pigment melanin, which is produced by the cells called, melanocytes present in our hair follicles. The melanocytes basically produce two types of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is the pigment which give hair a dark brown or black color, while pheomelanin is responsible for imparting yellow or red-brown color to the hair follicles. The more melanin present on the hair follicles, the darker is the hair coloration. Hair graying takes place, when the production of melanin stops and reduces due to some factors. A knowledge about these underlying factors is very important in order to prevent premature graying of hair.

Causes of Graying Hair

Generally, the production of melanin or the activity of the melanocytes slows down gradually over a period of time, and then ultimately stops altogether. This is the natural process of aging, which causes gray hair.

The age at which a person would experience hair graying is determined mainly by the hereditary factors. So, a person can get gray hair at a young age, or experience premature graying, if his/her one or both the parents have experienced the same. However, apart from heredity, factors like, excessive stress and anxiety, deficiency of vitamin B12 and minerals like, iron and iodine, severe illness for a prolonged time period, smoking, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, excessive intake of coffee, alcohol and tea, thyroid problems and excessive consumption of fried or oily, spicy and acidic foods can also play a significant role in causing premature graying of hair.

Graying Hair Solution

To prevent premature hair graying, first of all we need to know and address the underlying causes. At the same time, certain home remedies can help to slow down the process. Most often, people resort to hair dyes and colors, once they spot gray hair. However, this approach can help to get rid of the problem only temporarily. Besides, injudicious use of certain hair dyes, that contain harsh chemicals can cause the hair to become excessively dry and brittle, and further aggravate the problem of hair graying. But, the home remedies can prove effective in delaying the entire process to prevent further graying of hair.

• Amla or Indian gooseberry can nourish your hair and improve pigmentation to prevent premature graying. The gooseberries should be cut into pieces, dried completely and then boiled in coconut oil. This amla oil can be used to massage hair and the scalp to prevent hair graying.
• You can also make a thick paste of amla or Indian gooseberry to apply on your scalp. This too can help to prevent hair graying.
• Like amla, curry leaf is another most effective remedy which can be included in your diet, and also boil them in coconut oil for massaging the scalp.
• Mix coconut oil with lemon juice and use this to massage your scalp and hair daily. Leave the mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing it off.
• Henna powder is an excellent hair conditioner, which can also help to prevent graying of hair, besides giving your hair a beautiful red tinge. Mix henna powder with fenugreek seed powder and yogurt to apply on your hair. Leave for about 2 to 3 hours before rinsing it off with water.
• Mix henna powder with castor oil and a small amount of lemon juice to make a paste. Apply this paste on your scalp, let it sit for about an hour and then rinse it off.
• Ribbed gourd is another popular remedy, which can restore pigment to hair. First of all, cut the gourd into pieces and let them dry in the sun. Soak the dried pieces in coconut oil for about 3 to 4 days and then boil them till the residue turns black. Use this oil along with the residue to massage the scalp.
• Use ritha and shikakai for shampooing your hair. Soak both in water for the whole night and boil them the next day. Use this water to shampoo your hair.

In addition to these natural remedies, give importance to your diet. Include more fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables in your diet. Also include protein rich foods and foods rich in vitamin A, B12, zinc, iodine, iron, copper and omega- 3 essential fatty acids. As graying hair can be an indication of certain conditions like, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia, so consider a visit to your physician to find out the root causes of the problem. At the same time, avoid smoking and excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine, and manage the level of stress and anxiety with appropriate stress relief techniques.