Home remedies for premature greying of hair
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
The term “premature hair greying” refers to the condition in which hair turns grey before the age of 20. This condition occurs due to deprived hair pigment known as melanin. It is common yet one of the leading concerns for both men and women in India.
The exact pathogenesis is unclear but it may be due to genetic disorders, thyroid disorders, stress, smoking, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Although, White hair, stemming from genetic disorders, cannot revert to its original hue.
However, this can be reversed if it is linked to nutritional deficiencies. There are various home remedies for premature greying of hair.
According to Ayurveda, acquiring gray hair at an earlier age is due to vitiated bhrajaka pitta, a subtype of pitta dosha. This is marked by excessive heat. Avoiding spicy, sour, and salty dishes that aggravate pitta assist from this condition.
Environmental elements also influence hair stem cells and melanocytes. Certain chemotherapeutic agents and anti-malarials also cause premature greying
Natural home remedies for premature greying
1. Boost your diet
Vitamins that keep hair healthy
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B B-12 and biotin are seen in curd, paneer, banana, carrot, etc
Vital mineral support for repairing and growth of hair
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Vitamin B B-12 and biotin are seen in curd, paneer, banana, carrot, etc
- Copper – cashews, potatoes, chickpeas, almonds, etc
- 2.damages hair follicles
- 3. Wear a scarf to protect your hair from the UV-Rays
Also,
- Limit your reliance on heat-based hair styling products
- Restrict the usage of chemicals
- Avoid Caffeine intake
- Stop using harsh shampoos
- Don’t wash your hair frequently
- Use a brush instead of a comb in wet hair
1.Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the finest home remedies for premature grey hair, as it retains the protein content of hair and prevents grey hair. One of the simple methods is to mix 500ml coconut oil, 1 tablespoon methi seeds, and 1 tablespoon dried curry leaves powder and let it out in the sun for 4-5 days and then apply it to your hair. It is a tested method that is beneficial to many individuals.
2.Amla
Amla, a rich source of vitamin C, shows antioxidant properties and anti-aging effects that help in reversing premature grey hair. It can be combined with 1 tablespoon of almond oil and a few lemon squeezes. Once done apply it to your scalp before hair wash.
Mix it with coconut oil. Give it a nice boil at room temperature until the oil color changes. Cool it and then apply it like oil on your hair and wash it with lukewarm water after a few hours.
The above procedure is also followed with the addition of fenugreek powder which is a rich source of nutrients.
3.Curry leaves
Curry leaves have a long history of medicinal properties. This is a finest home remedy for premature hair greying, because it is easily available in almost everyone’s household. Grind curry leaves to make powder, add it with coconut oil and give it a nice boil for 5-10 minutes. Once it gets lukewarm, apply it to your scalp and then wash your hair.
Making a paste of curry leaves mixed with yogurt and applying it on hair twice a week will also give good results
4.Ridge gourd
Ridge gourd reverses gray hair as it can repair pigmented cells. The sun-dried ridge gourd is boiled in coconut oil and kept in the sun for 4-5 days before applying.
6.Black tea
The tannic acid found in black tea helps darkening hair. Applying it with other conditioner would give better results.
7.Black sesame seeds
As they are known to blacken the hair, their application is beneficial in the darkening of hair. Eating these seeds is helpful as they slow down the greying process.
8.Hibiscus flower
Hibiscus accommodates iron and vitamins like C, and A . Applying a paste of these flowers tends to treat premature grey hair naturally.
9.Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha enhances blood circulation and prevents premature greying. You can mix the root powder of this plant with Bramhi powder and this paste is applied as a mask on the scalp, massaged, and washed later.
Consuming ashwagandha tea is also beneficial to treat premature greying hair.
10.Bhringraj
Bhringraj leaves are soaked in any oil of your choice overnight, and this oil is applied to hair.
11.Almond oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E helps in nourishing hair and prevents greying. Almond oil is also mixed with lemon juice in a ratio of 2:3 and then applied to the hair and left for 30 minutes. This combination was also followed by many people as this is one of the best home remedies for premature greying of hair naturally.
12.Henna and coffee powder
It is an age-old home remedy for premature greying of hair. Henna is a natural conditioner and colorant and in combination with coffee, it shows wonderful results.
Make a henna paste by adding coffee powder and mix it with boiled water. Let it rest for a few hours by covering it with a lid. Mix 1 tablespoon of any oil and apply on the hair. Wash the hair after 1 hour.
13.Shikakai powder
It has been one of the core ingredients in Ayurveda for ages and works as an organic shampoo for a healthier scalp.
14.Walnut powder
Like henna, the shell of black walnut is also used to make natural dye. Mix the walnut powder with hot water, leave it for a few hours, and then apply.
15.Rosemary and sage
Boil one-half cup of rosemary and sage in 2 cups of water. Strain and apply it on hair after shampooing for 15-20 minutes and rinse.
16.Amaranth
Helps in retaining black pigment and promotes hair growth. Paste of these leaves is applied on the scalp before taking hair wash.
17.Castor oil
This oil consists of omega-3 – fatty acids that help prevent premature greying. This can be mixed with henna and lemon juice .
These are some of the home remedies for premature greying of hair as it hurts young people’s self-esteem.
Conclusion:
Premature greying of hair has a significant psychological impact. Therefore efficient management of grey hair is essential. Currently, there are several home remedies for premature greying of hair. Further research is needed regarding treatment modalities targeting genes and proteins that are involved in hair follicle melanogenesis.