The appearance of white hair can be attributed to the urban and stressful lifestyle we all go through. However, these days, you start getting white hair even in your 20s and 30s. This change can be very disappointing. As such, it is quite natural that before a single strand turns into multiple silver strands, you must arrest the further development of grey hair by all means. In this article, let us find out more about the wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally or using alternatives. So, read on for more information.

wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally : What are the probable causes of premature grey hair?

Growth of hair occurs when the old cells are forced out by the hair follicles since newer cells are produced. This usually happens in 3 stages. They are the growth phase also known as anagen, cessation phase referred to as catagen, and rest which is referred to as telogen.

It is during the rest period that your hair attains its lifespan and you find them falling out. In this place, a new strand grows. Melanocytes form melanin which gives colour to the hair. As compared to hair pigmentation, which is a continuous phenomenon, the same effect on skin is not.

In which phase does hair pigmentation take place?

The pigmentation of hair takes place actively in the anagen phase. Reduction in pigmentation can be seen in the catagen stage and is absent in the telogen stage.

According to hair expert, Casey Simmons, your hair can change colour and shape as you get older. This is due to the changes that occur in the hormones and the skin cells. She also says that other factors cause grey hair. These factors include lack of iodine, iron, vitamin B12, and also if you suffer from thyroid issues. As you age, the amount of pigment that gets injected into your hair strands starts getting lower. wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally offers extensive information on the causes of grey hair, remedies, and whether it is natural in detail.

Is it possible for white hair to change into black hair again?

As per hair expert Casey Simmons, the melanin in the skin cells is not known to have reversed because of natural aging aside from fluctuations in hormones. White or gray hair results from the loss of pigment in the hair follicle, typically due to aging, genetic factors, and sometimes health-related issues. Once a hair follicle stops producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, it turns gray or white and generally does not naturally change back to black or its original color.

However, there are instances where hair that has turned white or gray may revert to its original color:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Sometimes, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can lead to premature graying. Correcting these deficiencies may, in some cases, restore pigment if the graying is not linked to aging.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, like autoimmune diseases or thyroid disorders, can cause premature graying. Treating the underlying condition might reverse the graying if it was caused directly by the condition.
• Stress: Anecdotal reports and some studies suggest that extreme stress can cause hair to gray prematurely, and potentially, reducing stress could restore pigment, though this is not widely confirmed.

For most people, once hair turns white or gray due to natural aging, it does not revert to its original color. Many turn to hair dyes as a solution to cover gray hair. Always consult a healthcare provider if you suspect a medical or nutritional cause for premature graying.

What are the causes of premature greying hair?

Aside from age and hormones that alter as you age, several factors contribute to the whitening or greying of hair. These are as follows-

Genes

As per another hair expert, Dr K Harish Kumar MD DVL, genes serve as the predominant factor that determines the age when your hair will start losing pigment. And for this reason, for some individuals, you will find grey hair even before they attain their late 20s.

For instance, if your parents tend to have grey hair right from the time either one of them was a teen, you will likely inherit the same trend.

Melanin deficiency

In the majority of cases, melanin deficiency is one of the main causes of the whitening of hair. And melanin production depends on aspects like intake of protein and how much nutrition your hair receives. In the absence of optimum levels of both, the amount of melanin can drop remarkably.

Medical condition

You might be suffering from certain medical conditions that may give rise to loss of hair pigment. It can also be triggered by vitiligo which is an autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, and premature aging syndromes.

In some rare cases like canities subita which is related to alopecia areata and vitiligo, greaying of hair might occur overnight.

Hormones

As we have seen in the above paragraphs, hormones play a significant role in greying of hair.

Stress

As per studies, psychological stress leads to oxidative load which can trigger premature greying of hair. As such, it is best to stay away from emotional stress as much as possible.

Mineral and vitamin deficiencies

If you lack normal levels of iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, as well as selenium, it might be another cause of early onset of grey hair. It leads to whitening of the hair follicles. Studies have found that if you have lower levels of biotin, you tend to get grey hair early.

Chemicals

If you have been using chemicals-based soaps, hair dyes, and shampoos, you may face the problem. Do not be surprised if your hair starts to grey from any kind of allergic reaction you face due to the above chemicals and using them in the products.

Oxidative stress

If there is an overproduction of oxidants in the body, it can be another cause. Not only that, certain external factors like exposure to ultraviolet rays, inflammatory causes, pollution, and emotional factors among others are responsible as well.

Hydrogen peroxide

Small amounts of hydrogen peroxide are produced by the hair follicles. This settles over time in your hair shafts. The chemical leads to bleaching of the hair strands which makes them turn grey and then white. However, if you can manage to remove hydrogen peroxide from the hair strands, you might get back your true hair color.

Smoking

Smoking damages the hair follicle melanocytes which leads to premature greying. It causes damage to reactive oxygen.

Having known about the causes of premature grey and natural greying of hair, it is time to delve deeper into the remedies and how to overcome them. Here we will take a look at the natural remedies to reduce white hair.

Natural ways to prevent grey (white) hair

You can go through the following points below-

Coconut oil and Indian gooseberry

Amla or Indian gooseberry is a storehouse of vitamin C. It possesses anti-aging and antioxidant properties. It is known to revitalize the hair follicle pigments. While coconut oil seeps or penetrates through the hair shaft thereby preventing loss of protein from the hair. This keeps the hair healthy. If you massage with both ingredients, it is an effective remedy and proven.

Frequency: Apply 2 to 4 times a week

Black Tea

It is regarded as a rich source of antioxidants. The antioxidants prevent damage to the free radicals in hair and stop premature greying. Aside from darkening the hair, it adds shine. Black tea is a stress reliever and we have seen above that stress is one of the major factors that leads to premature greying.

Frequency: Twice or thrice a week

Ashwagandha

A few studies have shown that ashwagandha stimulates the production of melanin since it contains an amino acid for making proteins, tyrosine. If melanin is restored, the main ingredient for pigmentation of skin and hair, premature aging could be reversed to a great extent.

Frequency: Twice or thrice a week

Indian gooseberry and Hibiscus flower

With the help of the two, you can make a hair mask. It leads to stimulation of hair follicles, thereby nourishing and strengthening the hair. It maintains healthy hair growth and scalp health. Hibiscus prevents premature aging of hair. You can use the concoction as a hair conditioner.

Frequency: Two times a week

Coconut oil and sesame seed oil

Coconut oil is regarded as one of the hair oils that is most penetrative. It is a rich source of fatty acids and helps in conditioning your hair. If you combine it with sesame seed oil it fosters the production of melanocytes. It ensures that each strand is deeply pigmented. With regular use, you will find that your hair has become darker.

Frequency: Twice a week

Coconut oil and Ridge gourd

If you are looking to restore the natural hair color pigment and arrest premature greying of hair, a combination of ridge gourd and coconut oil will work wonders.

Frequency: 2 times a week

Sage leaves

With the help of sage leaves, you can preserve the natural color of your hair. In some cases, if you have a grey patch of hair, the pigment might be likely restored with its use.

Frequency: Two to three times a week

Henna and Coffee

Henna is another ingredient that can impart color to your hair. Due to the presence of a lawsone, it gives your hair a reddish tone. Coffee is also another product that you can color your hair. However, there are different henna powder products. You must be sure that the one you are using is authentic. Many henna products might have chemicals that you must avoid.

Frequency: One in 3 weeks

Onion juice and olive oil

A few studies have revealed that if you use onion juice it can lead to hair regrowth. Not only that it also helps in minimizing hair fall. There is an ingredient called catalase present in onion juice that will reduce the build-up of hydrogen peroxide on your scalp and hair. It helps in reversing greying and boosts the overall health of your hair. The only disadvantage of onion oil is that you might find it difficult to remove the smell of the oil from your hair. And olive oil, we know is a conditioner for your hair as it is an emollient.

Frequency: Twice a week

Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds are rich in Vitamins B and saponins. These prevent hair loss. The main aim of using these seeds is to retain the natural color of your hair. It aids in treating dandruff, making your hair look silky.

Frequency: Once a week

Coconut oil and castor oil

Castor oil is known to improve blood circulation in the hair follicles. It contains omega-6 fatty acids that aid in promoting hair health and darkens hair.

Frequency: Two to three times a week

Lemon juice and Coconut oil

We know lemon juice contains Vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant. This property helps neutralize free radicals and arrests hair damage. However, no studies have proved that lemon juice can reverse the premature greying of hair. Coconut oil promotes hair growth and nourishes the hair.

Frequency: Twice a week

Coconut oil and curry leaves

Curry leaves are known to retain the natural hair tone. It also helps in preventing premature greying of hair. With the help of coconut oil, you can nourish your hair right from hair roots and facilitate hair growth.

Frequency: Two to three times a week

Having known about the causes of premature greying of hair and the natural remedies that you can adopt to prevent the onset as much as possible, let us find out some invaluable tips to further enhance the same in the paragraphs below.

Tips to enhance healthy hair and prevent hair fall, greying of hair

Check out the following tips here-

Increase your Vitamin B12 intake

As we have seen above one of the main reasons for premature greying hair is lack of Vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia leads to loss of hair and its pigment. Incorporate a balanced diet and take optimum amounts of vitamin B12 for best results.

Keep thyroid levels in check

The thyroid is a vital organ and its proper functioning impacts the overall working of the various organs in the body. If you have an underactive thyroid also known as hypothyroidism, it can lead to premature greying of hair. As such, from time to time monitor your thyroid levels and keep them in check.

Remember, hypothyroidism, is a serious condition and you might need to take supplements. If you are taking the optimum dosage, you can prevent premature greying of hair. There are certain restrictions on your diet if you suffer from this condition. Make sure you maintain the same.

Increase your Vitamin B5 intake

Vitamin B5 is also responsible for preventing premature greying of hair. It helps in hair growth and provides adequate nutrition and moisture. Aside from the same, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. So, consume foods that are rich in mushrooms, eggs, broccoli, whole grains, beef liver, and sunflower seeds.

Quit smoking

Smoking impacts your overall health adversely. It influences the hair color and health of your hair. As per studies, smokers have a higher incidence of getting premature grey hair. This is because smoking causes the depletion of hair pigment.

Prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from harming your hair

Just as experts suggest wear sunscreen when you run out of your house or even if you are indoors as diffused sunlight can harm you. Similarly, try to protect your head and hair from harmful ultraviolet rays. You can cover your hair with a cap, hat, or scarf. Alternatively, you can also try to lay your hands on other products that will keep your hair safe.

Foods to consumers to reduce grey hair

Aside from the vitamins that are needed for proper hair health and regrowth, here is a list of foods that you must include in your diet. These include the following-

• Berries they are a storehouse of vitamin C
• Carrots rich in vitamin A
• Curry leaves are rich in vitamin B and minerals like zinc, iron, iodine, and selenium
• Spinach helps in melanin production
• Meat liver fights iron deficiencies and anemia
• Eggs are rich in vitamins B12
• Walnuts are a rich source of copper. Copper helps in melanin production
• Sunflower seeds storehouse of minerals and antioxidants
• Beans are rich in protein.

Remember, hair adds to your overall personality and looks. Nurture it as you do the other parts of your body for wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally.