How to Get Rid of Gray Hair

Imagine looking in a mirror one morning and noticing a few strands of gray or white hair on
your head. Well, this may not be much of a problem if you`re already in your late 50s or 60s, after all, white hair is considered to be one of the gifts of longevity. But what happens if you`re in your early 20s or 30s and you have a strand or two of white hair? I doubt there`d be so much excitement about that! Premature graying can be disheartening. Unfortunately, we`re yet to discover the exact cause of this condition. All we know is that when there is a significant reduction in your hair`s pigmentation, it turns gray, and when there`s no pigment at all, it turns white. Regardless, here are a few pointers as to why you may be going grey or white in your 20s.

What Happens When you Go Gray?

Typically, hair growth occurs in three stages: growth stage, cessation stage and rest stage. During the rest period, your hair falls off, and a new one grows in its place. As it grows, it is impregnated with pigments that give it its colors. However, as you grow older, typically, the quantity of hair pigment reduces until your hair turns gray, then white.

5 Causes of Graying

As mentioned earlier, no one knows exactly why some people experience premature graying. Regardless, there are some factors that may accelerate premature greying. Let`s examine a number of them.

Genes

Your genes determine a lot of your physiological properties, including your hair pigmentation. Usually, if one or both of your parents have experienced premature graying, there are high chances that you will too. In fact, once you have genetic traces of early graying, whether dominant or recessive, you may well be on your way to experiencing this condition too.

Melanin Deficiency

Melanin is the body`s pigmentation hormone. In many cases, reduced secretion of melanin
may lead to hair graying and eventual whitening.

Stress

Here`s one more thing that stress does to your body. Regular hectic schedules together with poor feeding habits and little rest can trigger premature graying too. Also, vitamin B12
deficiency can increase one`s chances of going gray.

Chemical Substances

Some chemical-based hair products like dyes and shampoos can trigger hair discoloration, leading to premature graying.

Environmental Changes

Changes to your environment can speed up the aging process, leading to premature graying. Environmental pollution is one of the major causes of premature graying.

How to Deal with Hair Graying

Heads up! If your cause of premature graying is genetic, then there`s almost nothing that you can do. Science has discovered that during the hair growth process, hair follicles secrete a minute amount of hydrogen peroxide that bleaches the hair as it accumulates over time. This is another possible cause of premature graying and graying, in general. If this is the case, then removing accumulated hydrogen peroxide may help your hair regain its natural pigmentation. Another possible process that can help persons suffering from premature graying is re-pigmentation. This basically means restoring pigment to your hair. It is usually possible after hormonal therapy treatment. You can naturally trigger re-pigmentation by adding vitamin B12 pills to your everyday diet. Apart from these, some home remedies can help you deal with premature hair whitening. I`ll share four of them with you.

4 Ways of Deal with Hair Graying

Amla Powder/Oil for White Hair

It takes about ten minutes to prepare this. Amla solution helps hair coloration by revitalizing your hair pigment. It contains gooseberry which helps repair damaged hair. This home remedy also acts as a hair tonic, giving your hair a deep shine. There are different methods for creating this solution. You`d need 3-4 pieces of dried Indian gooseberry (amla) and 1 cup of coconut oil. Alternatively, you can make use of lemon and almond oil.

• First, boil the amla in coconut oil to form an oil-based solution.
• Store the oil-based mixture in a jar.
• Take out 2 tablespoons of the mixture and massage into your scalp through the length
  of your hair for about 15 minutes.
• Leave this mixture in your hair for about an hour, then wash it off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
• Finally, apply your hair conditioner.
• Repeat this process 4 times a week.

Alternatively, soak the amla overnight in water then rinse your hair with this water the following morning. You can also mix the amla with lemon and almond oil to form a smooth mixture for your scalp.

Onion Juice Treatment

Onion is a potent vegetable that is used as a natural remedy for many conditions, including premature greying. Onion juice is scientifically proven to reduce hair fall while improving your hair health. The onion juice treatment is used twice a week. Fortunately, it is straightforward to prepare. You`d need 1 medium-sized onion, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a cheesecloth.

The first thing to do is to chop your onion into tiny pieces, then blend it into the olive oil. Next, squeeze the onion juice out using the cheesecloth. Rub the mixture into your scalp, massaging it for about 10 minutes. Leave the mixture in your hair for another 35 minutes before washing it off. The onion juice treatment is swift and effective. The only setback is that you`d have to deal with pungent onion smell in your hair all day!

Curry Leaves Natural Hair Treatment

Curry leaves also come in handy in combatting gray and white hair. Curry leaves contain vitamin B, which helps hair growth and pigmentation. It also helps your body to secrete more melanin. For this treatment, you`d need a handful of curry leaves and 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.

• First, boil the curry leaves in coconut oil to form an oil-based solution.
• Now, set the solution aside to cool for some time.
• Once it is cool enough, massage your scalp thoroughly with the oil for about 15 minutes, then rinse with mild shampoo and conditioner.
• Repeat this process thrice a week.

Castor Oil and Mustard Seed

I particularly like this treatment because it helps to maintain your hair color by moisturizing
your hair follicles. You need only one tablespoon of castor oil combined with 2 tablespoons of mustard seed oil.

• Heat both oils together to create an oil-based mixture.
• Leave the mixture to cool for some time, then apply it on your hair, starting with the scalp area.
• Leave the mixture in your hair for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then rinse it with organic shampoo and conditioner.
• Repeat this process 2 to 3 times every week.

What about your Diet?

Eating the right foods in the right quantity can also help you battle premature graying. As already stated, vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the factors that accelerate premature graying. Eating foods rich in vitamin B12 may help you deal with white hair. Also, foods rich in antioxidants like berries and grapes can help this condition. Eat lots of vegetables and nuts in your diet. Remember to add shellfish and meat liver as these help to improve overall hair pigmentation.

Now that you Know…

Premature graying can be quite disturbing. On the flip side, it can help you stand out and
make a huge fashion statement. Try out any of these home remedies to help you manage
this condition. However, if nothing works, then get ready to rock your grays!