NOTE!!
The premature graying problem is largely genetic.
The premature graying problem is largely genetic.
Hair follicles contain pigment cells that produce melanin, which gives your tresses their color. When your body stops generating melanin, hair presents itself as gray, white, or silver. (Melanin also provides moisture, so when less is produced, hair becomes brittle and loses its bounce.) "If your parents or grandparents grayed at an early age, you probably will too
Constitutes Hair?
Before we understand why hair grays, it is important to know about the structure of hair to fully grasp the mechanism behind the graying of hair.
Hair is a biomaterial composed of a protein called keratin. Hair grows in follicles in the dermis layer of skin. Hair color in humans is found in the hair follicles because of the presence of two types of melanin namely eumelanin and pheomelanin. Generally, the more the melanin, the darker the hair color.
Normally, it is seen that hair begins to gray on the head, then on the face and slowly progresses to other places like the chest and armpits. This process of graying begins at an average age of 35 years or more and the graying progresses gradually over the years. In some people, the age at which graying starts can differ. For some, graying might begin at an early age and for some it might begin after 40. The difference in the age of graying is dependent on genetics and other factors.
The majority of people consider gray hair as an indication of old age setting in. However, if you have gray hair at an early age, remember it is not the body that defines the age, it is the mindset.
Causes for Graying of the Hair
The dilution of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigments will result ingraying of the hair. To be precise, the melanocytes inside the hair follicles stop producing melanin and this results in graying
Decrease in melanin is due to the decrease of an enzyme in the body called catalase.
Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide buildup in the body. Due to a decrease in catalase, hydrogen peroxide can suppress the growth of melanin, resulting in graying of the hair.
Significant amounts of gray hair can appear in younger people too. This phenomenon is called premature graying. Some of the known causes of graying of hair include:
Sometimes premature graying can run in some families. In other words, genetics does have a role to play in premature graying of hair. Premature graying can be seen in children as young as 12. In some cases, the hair might gray for some time and then turn back into black or natural color as years pass. However, in most cases, graying of the hair continues.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress can lead to premature graying of the hair. Research studies have shown that the release of adrenaline for sustained periods of time had a damaging effect on the DNA, causing it to develop abnormalities. This is also believed to play a major role in graying of hair.
Emotional stress can lead to premature graying of the hair. Research studies have shown that the release of adrenaline for sustained periods of time had a damaging effect on the DNA, causing it to develop abnormalities. This is also believed to play a major role in graying of hair.
✳Diseases:
Premature graying is seen in the presence of certain diseases related to the thyroid gland such as Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, hyperthyroidism,hypothyroidism, anemic conditions, and can also appear in skin areas affected by leucoderma. Some people with the condition of vitiligo, where irregular white patches form on the skin have been known to develop early gray hair.
✳Improper Diet:
An improper diet can also be attributed to premature graying of the hair.
A lack of vitamin B 12, iron, andiodine is considered to be the causes for early graying of the hair. Lack of healthy protein intake is also attributed to early graying of the hair. Tea, coffee, andsmoking may also contribute to early graying.
✳Hair Dyes and Hot Water:
Use of chemical hair dyes and extremely hot water for hair are also considered to cause early graying of hair.
✳Age:
Every decade after the age of 30, the chances of graying hair stand at 10 to 20%.
There are several home remedies for gray hair that can be easily undertaken without burning a hole in your pocket.These home remedies include:
✳Protein intake:
As hair is made up of protein called keratin, a protein-rich dietwill help increase its production and will improve hair growth. Protein is found in meat, eggs, and cereals, such as wholewheat and lentils.
✳Vitamin
and Mineral Intake: Vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, copper, and zinc aresome of the very important nutrients.
Lack of these nutrients may also help in graying of the hair. Food such as meat, poultry, fish (including shell fish), nuts, legumes, raisinand prunes are good sources of these vitamins and minerals.
✳Iodine:
Iodine is a must to stop graying of the hair. Iodine is the element that influences the thyroid gland. Any diseases of the thyroid gland such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can result in graying of the hair. Iodine is not only found in salt, but also in other foods such as bananas, carrots, and fish.
✳Indian gooseberry:
Indian gooseberry,also known as amla in Hindi, is considered a wonder fruit.
It is used to treat a variety of ailments in Ayurveda. The dried powder of Indian gooseberry mixed with coconut oil applied on the scalp can be good for graying.
Consumption of Indian gooseberry improves hair growth and is also good for digestion, respiratorydisorders, diabetes, heart diseases,diarrhea, and dysentery.
Excessive intake of raw Indian gooseberry is to be avoided. The best way to have it is in powdered form.
✳Amaranth:
The leaves of amaranth or amaranthus are known to be one of the best home remedies for gray hair. The extract from the leaves is helpful in restoring hair color. Apply juice of amaranth leaves to the hair after shampooing and then rinse.
✳Black Tea with Salt:
Applying black tea along with salt is a recommended remedy for gray hair. Take a cup of strong black tea and add a teaspoon of salt. Cool down this solution and apply it on hair roots. Leave it for an hour and then rinse off and do not shampoo it.
✳Coconut Oil:
Many people think this isgrandma’s old trick, but studies have shown that the regular application of oils such as coconut oil help in hair damage and slowing down graying of the hair.
✳Avoid Stress:
Stress is also related to graying of hair. Avoiding or overcoming stress is very important in slowing down the process of graying. Regular exercise,meditation, spending quality time with family and friends can also help.
✳Henna:
Application of henna paste on the hair is another popular home remedy for gray hair. Natural henna paste can be made directly by making a paste of henna leaves with yoghurt and fenugreek seed paste. This paste can then be applied to the hair. It is also used for natural skin dying with no side effects that are usually associated with artificial hair colors.
✳Ayurveda:
In Ayurveda, the ancient science of Indian medicine is stated that a dried powdered mix of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba), black sesame seeds, and Indian gooseberry in 2:1:1 proportion is good for the hair. This powder must be taken along with milk twice daily for positive results.
Ginger with Honey Consumption of ginger and honey is also believed to be effective in treating gray hair.
This mixture has often been prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine.
✳Ribbed Gourd:
Ribbed gourd is another remedy for gray hair. The vegetable should first be cut into pieces, should be shade-dried and boiled with coconut oil and the remaining black residue can be applied on hair roots.
✳Cow’s Milk:
Butter made from cow’s milk is believed to be an effective cure for gray hair. Apply it on the hair roots. The enzymes in cow’s milk and butter are believed to prevent and reverse the process of graying.
✳Neem Oil:
Neem or Azadirachta indica tree is of great significance in
✳Ayurveda.
Essential oil obtained from neem can be used as a remedy for various problems including gray hair. The oil is also helpful for head lice and dandruff. .
✳Sesame:
Sesame seeds, particularly black sesame seeds and sesame oil are also considered good for gray hair, according to Ayurveda. Massage sesame oil on your scalp regularly. One can also include sesame seeds in the diet.
✳Chyawanprash:
Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic preparation said to be prepared by a sage named Chyawan.
It is has fruit jam-like consistency. Up to 50 herbal, fruit, oil and spices are added to this mixture. The final product gives various benefits including hair growth. A study conducted by Parle M and Bansal N has emphasized on the benefits of chyawanprash.
✳Things to Avoid:
Smoking, tea and coffee consumption, using strong detergents, very hot water and hot dryers on hair, hair dyes at an early age are some of the things that can be avoided to prevent early hair graying.
With such remedies in hand, one can make sure that gray hair is a thing of the past.
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