Say Goodbye to Grey Hair: Top Methods to Restore Your Natural Color
Greying hair has almost always been associated with ageing, stress and losing youthful vitality. While some of us don’t need to worry about grey hair until after we turn about 40, others don’t have that sort of luxury and may see a few grey strands much earlier- in their late 20s or early 30s. Is it something to get really worried about, or do we just need to go about our lives and learn to deal with it better? We think it can be a mix of both- some of us really treasure our dark coloured tresses and may get very stressed about it, while a few others can’t seem to wait to rock a chic salt-and-pepper look which could make them look mature but younger at the same time.
Why Does Hair Turn Grey?
The answer is NOT just stress. Imagine our hair follicle is a printer. The genes present in it are like the ink cartridges. The first few hundred strands of hair or sheets will be printed properly- dark in colour. But after many such cycles, around the age of 35-40 and above, the so-called cartridge in the follicle starts running out of ink or melanin- which is the molecule that gives hair its colour. This results in grey coloured hair. For some of us, the melanin or ink dries out much quicker and we get grey hair earlier than usual. This usually does not happen all over our head but can begin in a few areas. Certain studies have shown that hair colour can lighten due to stress but we do not know why. So, the main cause is definitely our genes. The others include being nutrient deficient, cancerous growths in the body which may be benign, vitiligo, thyroid issues or even balding.
Can Grey Hair Be Reversed?
Well, you already probably know the answer- if it is genetics, then you are better off learning to deal with it. But, if it is due to a medical condition, then chances are it may get normal after you have recovered. Smoking has also been implicated as another cause, but if you stop smoking, your hair will not magically go back to being normal. The most sure fire way to treat grey hair is to stop worrying about it or to get your hair coloured.
Natural Remedies For Grey Hair
We Indians know how to take care of our tresses. How do we do it? By eating good food rich in antioxidants, and investing in proper hair care products. Hair oil that contains hibiscus, gooseberry or amla, fenugreek seeds, aloe vera and curry leaves can greatly help improve hair texture, volume and colour. We normally tend to pick our curry leaves and chuck them far away from our plates of food, but try to make it a habit to eat a few of them everyday for amazing dark hair. We also love our henna on our hands in the form of exquisite designs and apply it on our hair for a nice fiery red colour which can look stunning. Nourishment and no more grey hair- a total win-win in our opinion. Black sesame seeds are another powerhouse. You could also see if biotin hair gummies work for you.
Conclusion
Indians are known world over for their great hair volume, colour and enviable texture. This is because we have some amazing genes. We can also listen to our grandmothers for some great hair care wisdom. They did have luscious, long hair and could make different kinds of braids and styles for days, right? The other main thing to remember- stressing about having grey hair is problematic, so try not to do that. Eat good food and sleep well and look for different ways to destress. Try them all out to see what you would prefer best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grey hair caused by stress?
There is no definitive answer to this question, though some of us may notice more grey hair on our heads if we think our jobs or lives are more stressful than usual. Some studies in mice have shown a link but we are still not sure.
At what age does hair usually turn grey?
At around the age of 35-40, you could expect to see your first grey hairs. What an achievement- having lived for all those years? Share your life stories and wisdom with us, please!
What are the genetic factors behind grey hair?
There are genes which determine how a particular body part should look and function, and hair colour is one such factor which is decided by genes that produce a fixed amount of melanin in our hair follicles. If your genes say make less melanin, then you may have grey hair much sooner than normal.
Do certain diets or vitamins prevent grey hair?
A diet rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E and different forms of Vitamin B are vital for maintaining hair health. Also, ensure that you are not anaemic- as mineral deficiency has also been implicated as a possible factor in this mix.
What medical treatments are available for premature greying?
There is no permanent method that will work for you, but certain agents like Minoxidil, PTP20 and those which stimulate melanin containing cells may be prescribed.