wellhealthorganic com – know the causes of white hair and easy ways to prevent it naturally
White Hair: Know the reasons for having white hair and easy ways to prevent it naturally.
How to Prevent Gray Hair Naturally
White hair is one of the most common side effects of the modern lifestyle, and it scares you when your first white strand appears. That’s why you’ll want to look for treatments and remedies to help you avoid excessive gray hair. So let us know how you can get rid of white hair.
White hair is associated with the aging process. However, being diagnosed with it in your mid-thirties or early twenties is disappointing. Gray and gray hair are the result of loss of hair pigment. Gray hair occurs when hair pigment is significantly reduced. When pigment is not available it becomes completely white. Unfortunately, the root cause of this condition is still unknown. In this article, we have listed some options to stop gray hair from growing. read on.
What is the cause of white hair?
Hair growth occurs when old cells are pushed out of the hair follicle due to the production of new cells.
It occurs in three phases – growth (anagen), termination (catagen), and resting (telogen).
During the resting period, your hair reaches its lifespan and falls out, and a new strand grows in its place. Hair color is produced by melanin, which is produced by melanocytes. Unlike skin, pigmentation in hair is not continuous.
Hair is actively pigmented in the anagen phase.
Pigmentation is reduced in the catagen phase and absent in the telogen phase.
With age, the amount of pigment injected into each strand of hair decreases, which is why it turns gray and eventually white. Know the factors causing gray hair and how to prevent gray hair in the section below
White hair starts due to the following reasons:
Genes
“Genes are a major factor in determining at what age your hair loses pigment,” says Dr. For some people, this may even happen before the age of 20. For others, the first strands of white appear late.
Melanin Deficiency
In most cases, melanin deficiency is the major cause of graying of hair. Melanin production depends on proper nutrition and protein supplements. Deficiency of these nutrients causes melanin to fall below acceptable levels.
Hormones
Research suggests that hormonal imbalances can trigger or aggravate premature graying of hair. If your hair is becoming more gray and are not sure whether you have a hormonal imbalance, please consult a doctor.
Smoking
Studies have shown that smoking is one of the major factors causing premature graying of hair. Reactive oxygen species from smoking damage hair follicle melanocytes, leading to premature graying of hair.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
Deficiency of iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12 and selenium can also cause hair follicles to turn white. People with premature graying of hair were found to have low levels of biotin, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency.
Tension
Emotional stress also plays a role here. Studies have shown that oxidative load caused by psychological stress can cause premature graying of hair. Stress can also cause premature hair loss
Chemicals
Many times the use of chemical based shampoo, soap, hair dye etc. can directly cause this problem. However, it can also result from certain allergic infections.
Natural remedies to reduce white hair
Gooseberry
1. Amla and coconut oil
Amla is a rich storehouse of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and has anti-aging benefits and revives the pigment in your hair follicles. Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. It improves hair health
Material
3-5 Indian gooseberries
1 cup coconut oil
Process
- To make oil, boil 3-4 gooseberries in 1 cup coconut oil.
- Later, store this oil in a jar and take about two tablespoons for each use.
- Massage the oil into your scalp and apply it throughout your hair.
- Massage for 15 minutes and leave it for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil overnight.
- Wash with mild sulphate-free shampoo.
How often?
2-4 times a week.
2. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can help prevent free radical damage to hair. Along with adding shine, it also helps in darkening the hair color. Black tea is also known to help relieve stress. As discussed, stress is a significant factor in premature graying of hair.
Material
2 tbsp black tea
1 cup water
Process
- Boil two tablespoons of black tea in a cup of water until it is cooked well.
- Keep the decoction (water boiled with black tea) aside to cool.
- Filter this decoction and apply it on your hair and scalp.
- Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes and wait for about an hour.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulphate-free shampoo.
How often?
2-3 times a week.
3. Curry leaves and coconut oil
Curry leaves are used to condition and maintain
natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair follicles to nourish the hair from the root and promote hair growth.
Material
A handful of curry leaves
3 tbsp coconut oil
Process
- To make the oil solution, boil a handful of curry leaves in 3 tablespoons coconut oil.
- Keep the oil aside to cool.
- Once it cools, strain the oil and massage it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
- After massaging for 15 minutes, leave the oil for another 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil overnight.
- Wash with mild sulphate-free shampoo.
How often?
2-3 times a week.
4. Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil
Lemon contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and protect hair from damage. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that lemon juice can reverse graying of hair. Coconut oil nourishes your hair and promotes hair growth.
Material
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tbsp coconut oil
Process
- Add two tablespoons of lemon juice to two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the mixture for a few seconds until slightly warm.
- Massage your scalp with this mixture and apply it all over your hair.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulphate-free shampoo.
How often?
2 times a week.
5. Onion Juice and Olive Oil
One study indicates that onion juice may help reduce hair loss and regrow hair in some people. Onion juice also contains catalase which can help reduce the buildup of hydrogen peroxide on your hair and scalp, thus helping reduce gray hair and improving the health of your hair. However, the only drawback of using this remedy is that it is difficult to remove the onion smell from your hair. Olive oil is an emollient and conditions your hair.
Material
1 medium sized onion
teaspoon olive oil
a cheesecloth
Process
- Cut a medium-sized onion into small pieces and mix it with about a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Press the juice out of the pulp using a cheesecloth.
- Apply this juice on your scalp and massage for about 10 minutes.
- Let the juice sit for an additional 30-35 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulphate-free shampoo and condition.
How often?
2 times a week.
Tips to reduce white hair
- Increase intake of Vitamin B12
- Increase intake of Vitamin B5
- Keep thyroid levels under control
- Quit smoking
- Load up on antioxidants
- Protect your hair from UV rays
