The desire to reverse or prevent grey hair is a common concern. Eventually, they seek various remedies and solutions to regain their natural hair colour or cover up the greying strands. However, it is essential to recognise that some of these remedies, particularly those involving artificial colours and dyes, can have side effects that are often overlooked or underestimated.
To avoid the possible harmful effects of chemicals on our bodies, starting with some home remedies backed by Ayurveda is always recommended. In this article, we deeply understand hair greying and look into 5 grey hair treatments you can try at home.
What Makes Our Hair Grey?
Once a hair follicle produces hair, it will retain that colour unless you choose to colour it. If a strand of hair is initially of a natural colour, it will retain that colour unless you choose to colour it. As hair follicles age, they produce less pigment, resulting in a higher likelihood of grey hair during the natural cycle of hair dying and regenerating, typically starting around age 35.
While stress does not directly impact the colour of individual hair strands, it can trigger a condition called ‘telogen effluvium.’ This condition causes hair to shed approximately three times faster than normal but eventually regrows, so it does not lead to baldness. However, if you are in your middle-age years and experiencing accelerated hair shedding and regeneration due to stress, the regrown hair may be grey instead of its original colour.
However, greying of hair at a young age, commonly known as Premature Hair Greying (PHG), may indicate an illness or a hereditary condition.
Following are a few common causes of grey hair:
1. Genetics
Specific genes have been discovered to be associated with the greying of hair. One study identified a particular gene responsible for controlling the production and storage of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to hair. It was observed that individuals with premature hair greying (PHG) had a family history of PHG and a genetic predisposition to develop allergic conditions like asthma or eczema.
2. Obesity
People who are overweight or obese have a higher likelihood of experiencing grey hair. The hormonal imbalances that lead to obesity can also impact the hair. Studies have indicated a correlation between obesity and the onset of greying hair.
3. Smoking
Research has revealed that smokers are more susceptible to premature hair greying than nonsmokers. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it has been suggested that smoking may increase oxidative stress, leading to damage to the cells responsible for producing melanin.
4. Vitamin Deficiency
Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can contribute to premature hair greying (PHG), which can be reversed by supplementing with the vitamin. Natural sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products and meat. Additionally, older individuals might face challenges in absorbing vitamin B12 through digestion.
5. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterised by the loss or destruction of melanocytes, leading to depigmented patches on the skin. Vitiligo is believed to involve an autoimmune response in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the melanocytes. This immune system “misfire” can also affect the scalp, resulting in the loss of melanocytes responsible for hair colour and depigmented or white hair in affected areas.
6. Thyroid Disease
Hair loss is a prevalent issue in thyroid conditions, primarily due to an imbalance in thyroid hormone that disrupts the hair growth cycle. This occurs because hair follicles experience a reduced metabolism, leading to a delay in regrowth after shedding. Consequently, the new hair that does grow back often appears brittle, thin and lacks its natural colour.
5 Worthy Home Remedies to Treat Grey Hair
We know the causes of greying of hair, let’s understand some remedies for the same. Ayurveda is an ancient science with easy remedies for hair and skin-related problems. Let us have a look at five home remedies for grey hair:
1. Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which promote hair health, strengthen the immune system, and enhance digestion.
Combine dried amla fruit with coconut oil and simmer until charred. To prevent premature hair ageing, apply this amla oil and regularly consume amla juice.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds, also known as kaale til are packed with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc, contributing to healthy hair, strong bones, and improved cognitive function.
Black sesame seeds, in particular, are known to darken hair. They can thus be used on grey hair. Consume some black sesame seeds two times a week to help slow down or possibly stop hair ageing.
3. Curry Leaves (Kadhi Patta)
Besides providing flavour to many Indian dishes, curry leaves are a good source of antioxidants that aid in hair growth, improve digestion, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Incorporating curry leaves into your hair care routine can be highly advantageous in preventing the greying of hair. You can create a paste by crushing curry leaves and combining them with yoghurt. Applying this mixture to your hair twice a week can provide you with the desired benefits.
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, recognised as Indian Ginseng, holds significant prominence in Ayurveda as a vital herb. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, helps reduce stress, boost energy levels, enhance cognitive function, and support overall well-being.
Ashwagandha root powder, when combined with Brahmi powder, can be transformed into a paste and applied as a mask to enhance blood circulation and prevent premature greying of hair. This mask can be gently massaged onto the scalp and then rinsed off later to reap its advantages. Additionally, consuming ashwagandha tea can reduce the occurrence of grey hair.
5. Hibiscus
Lord Ganesh’s favourite Hibiscus contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the hair, promote scalp health, and stimulate hair growth, while also possessing anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the skin.
The flower of the hibiscus plant contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. Creating a paste using hibiscus flower combined with any oil and applying it to the hair can assist in addressing grey hair by restoring its black colour.
Conclusion
Our hair is just as prone to the adverse effects of stress as our skin and other organ systems. The benefits of getting plenty of rest, reducing stress, and taking care of yourself mentally and physically can evolve into a healthy head of hair.
Premature greying of hair can affect the self-esteem of young individuals, especially those with darker hair, as the presence of grey hair is more noticeable. Various home remedies are available to address this issue. However, consulting an Ayurvedic physician is recommended before trying any remedies.
Modanci’s Potensified Ayurvedic Solution For Premature Hair Greying is created by Ayurvedic doctors with 85 years of combined experience to help tackle premature hair greying. The kit includes a Handcrafted Organic Jatamansi Kokum Shampoo Conditioner Bar, an Ayurvedic Hair Oil, and Hair Tablets. Answer a few questions and discover personalised solutions to reclaim your natural hair colour!
FAQs
1. Which treatment is best for grey hair?
There is no best treatment for grey hair, but treatments would vary according to nature or prakruti. Natural remedies may work like a charm for different people. But a balanced diet and application of amla oil will help treat grey hair.
2. Is it possible to reverse grey hair?
It is mostly not possible to reverse greying of hair completely but improving diet and following the mentioned home remedies may decrease the chance of new hair to be grey.
3. Can grey hair turn black again?
You cannot completely turn back your hair to black or whatever your original colour was. Although amla and curry leaves can help maintain black hair and even cause new hair to grow darker.
4. Does B12 reverse grey hair?
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to greying of hair. Hence, dietary remedies like including dairy products and, if preferred, meat in your diet will help.
Read More:
