Premature hair graying is one of the side effects of modern living and for many, it’s a scary experience; many enter panic mode when they notice the first white strand especially when they are still in their youth, Nigerian Tribune reports.
There are many factors responsible for appearance of premature white hair, but the good news is that it is preventable with simple remedies and precautions.
Hair whitening is due to loss of hair pigments; hair turns gray as pigment reduces and becomes completely white when there is no pigment again. The amount of pigment that is injected into each strand of hair gets reduced as humans age.
And aside from aging, other factors that cause premature hair graying include genes, hormones, medical conditions, lack of iron, iodine, and vitamin B12, deficiency of melanin, chemocals, smoking as well as thyroid issues, amongst many others.
Genes determine what age individual hair loses pigment, imbalance in hormones can trigger or increase premature graying of hair while some medical conditions like vitiligoi, pernicious anemia, thyroid diseases and premature aging syndromes can trigger loss of pigment in hair.
Is it possible to naturally get rid of white hair? This is dependent on the cause of graying. If it is caused by genes, there is not much one can do to reverse the change.
For graying caused by underlying health conditions, the most viable option is to treat the ailment responsible. Once the problem is treated, it may help restore pigment to the hair, though there is no guarantee.
Graying can be stopped through re-pigmentation which is possible after hormone therapy treatment or taking shots or pills of vitamin B12.
ARE THERE NATURAL REMEDIES?
Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss, Indian gooseberry (amla) has a rich reserve of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and has anti-aging benefits, black tea is rich in antioxidants that prevent free radical damage to hair and it helps darken hair color while adding shine, curry leaves retain and maintain natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair.
Lemon neutralise free radicals and prevent hair damage, castor oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles and contains omega-6 essential fatty acids that promote hair health and hair darkening while fenugreek seeds reduce white hair and prevent hair loss.
Onion juice helps to reduce hair fall and aid hair regrowth, henna helps cover up the appearance of white hair by adding rich reddish tones while coffee imparts a reddish-brown to blackish-brown tinge to your hair.
Sage leaves help in preserving the color of your hair and prevent graying, sesame seed oil helps to darken the color of hair with regular use.
TIPS: For reducing gray hair; increase Ilintake of vitamins B12 and B5 to prevent early onset of graying hair and restore its natural color. keep thyroid levels in check, live a healthy lifestlye, avoid smoking, protect hair from UV rays, slow it down with a balanced diet and a good hair care regimen and lifestyle changes.
