Natural Ingredients to Banish Grey Hair

Overview

Just like your skin, your hair also undergoes changes as you age. It is natural to have grey strands in your 40s. However, it is understandable that many individuals may feel concerned about having grey hair at a very young age.

Premature greying of hair is one of the most common issues that affects both men and women, particularly in India, where grey hair is often linked to old age.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage and improve this condition. In this blog, we will explore the causes of premature grey hair, factors that can exacerbate the problem, and effective solutions to address it.

What causes grey hair?

Melanocytes, found in each hair follicle, are responsible for producing two pigments known as pheomelanin and eumelanin, based on your DNA. Eumelanin is predominantly found in brown and black hair, while pheomelanin is present in red and blond hair. The pigments produced in scalp hair degrade at a slower rate compared to the melanin that colours the skin. This allows the hair to maintain its colour as it grows for an average of 3.5 years.

The development of grey hair occurs when the number of melanocytes decreases. However, the timing of this decrease varies from person to person. There are several factors that can contribute to hair greying:

Vitamin deficiency

Furthermore, a deficiency in vitamin B12 has been linked to PHG. This deficiency can be reversed by supplementing with vitamin B12, which is commonly found in dairy products and meat. This is why a vegetarian diet may contribute to the development of PHG. Additionally, older individuals may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 through digestion.

Genes

Genes play a role in the greying of hair, as specific genes related to this process have been discovered. One study even identified the gene responsible for controlling melanin production and storage. Interestingly, individuals with a family history of premature hair greying (PHG) and a genetic predisposition to allergic diseases like asthma or eczema are more likely to experience PHG.

Stress

Stress is one of the major factors that can accelerate the greying process. Stressors that trigger a fight-or-flight response can deplete the reserve of stem cells in hair follicles, which are essential for producing pigment cells during hair growth.

Diseases

Certain diseases, such as vitiligo and alopecia areata, have also been associated with premature greying. Vitiligo occurs when melanin-producing cells stop functioning or die, resulting in patches of depigmented skin that can also affect hair colour. In alopecia areata, there can be a sudden loss of hair colour, making grey hair more noticeable.

Obesity

Obesity also increases the likelihood of developing grey hair. Additionally, a study found that smokers are at a higher risk of premature hair greying compared to nonsmokers. Smoking may increase oxidative stress, which can damage the cells responsible for producing melanin.

Natural Ingredients to Banish Grey Hair

• Curry leaves
• Coconut oil
• Black tea
• Almond oil and lemon juice
• Onion juice
• Amla 
• Henna
• Bhringraj
• Black tea rinse
• Indian gooseberry
• Rosemary
• Black pepper and lemon
• Black sesame seeds
• Ghee
• Hibiscus
• Almond oil
• Blackstrap Molasses
• Fenugreek
• Sesame oil
• Shikakai

Natural home remedies for grey hair

If you are in search of a safe and effective solution for premature grey hair, there are natural home remedies that can help.

Lemon and Almond Mask

This mask not only prevents premature greying but may also reverse the damage. 

• To make the mask, mix two parts lemon juice with three parts almond oil. 
• Use a hair-dye brush to apply the mixture to your scalp, gently massaging it into the roots. 
• After leaving it on for 30 minutes, rinse it off with normal water and a herbal cleanser.

This hair mask allows you to relax while nourishing your scalp and hair.

Amla and methi (fenugreek) seeds

Amla and Methi are a powerful duo that naturally combat grey hair. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is packed with Vitamin C and has been used in Ayurveda for various hair issues.

Methi seeds, or fenugreek, are loaded with nutrients. Together, they not only prevent premature greying but also stimulate hair growth.

• Mix 6-7 pieces with 3 tbsp of your preferred oil (coconut, olive, almond) and simmer for a few minutes.
• Include 1 tbsp of fenugreek powder. Let it cool, strain, and generously apply all over your scalp before bed. 
• Rinse off in the morning using a gentle herbal shampoo.

Black tea and coffee

Coffee has been used for centuries as a natural solution to reverse the greying of hair. Moreover, when combined with these powerful ingredients, it not only prevents the greying process but also enhances the flexibility of your hair.

• Pour 2 cups of water into a pan. 
• Add 2 tablespoons of coffee powder and 2 black tea bags, allowing them to boil. 
• After cooling, apply the paste to your hair using a brush. Leave it on for approximately an hour before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

Black tea rinse

If you are looking for a simple solution to address your grey hair before a significant event, consider trying a black tea rinse. This method will effectively dye your white hair and provide it with a natural shade that seamlessly blends with your darker hair. 

To prepare the rinse, follow these steps:

• Bring two teaspoons of tea leaves to boil in two cups of water and continue boiling until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Strain the water to remove any tea leaves and allow it to cool.
• Once a week, apply the cooled tea rinse to your hair.

By including this in your hair care routine, you can achieve a desirable outcome for your grey hair and enhance your overall appearance for that important occasion.

Coconut oil and curry leaves

Coconut oil has always been an integral part of the traditional Indian hair care routine for countless generations. When combined with curry leaves, it serves as an effective homemade solution for premature grey hair, dandruff, and hair loss.

• In a saucepan, add a few curry leaves and a cup of coconut oil.
• Apply heat to the pan until the mixture attains a black colour.
• Allow it to cool down and gently massage it onto the scalp.
• For optimal results, repeat this process at least twice a week.

Onion juice

Onion not only provides an effective remedy for greying hair but also stimulates hair growth. By boosting the production of the enzyme Catalase, it effectively restores the natural colour of the hair. Furthermore, when combined with lemon juice, it imparts a lustrous shine and adds volume to the hair.

• Follow the below instructions to create a hair mask or dye 
• Combine 2-3 teaspoons of onion juice, one teaspoon of olive oil and lemon juice. 
• Try gently massaging the paste onto your hair and scalp, then rinse off after 30 minutes.

Henna and coffee

The Henna and coffee mask is an excellent alternative for achieving a dark brown hair colour. This natural DIY recipe provides a rich and shiny result and ensures your hair’s health remains intact. Henna has been used for centuries as a home remedy for hair colouring, but it is essential to select a hyena made from organic sources to avoid the harmful effects of commercially available Henna that contain toxic colours and chemicals.

• To create this mask, you will need coffee powder and one tablespoon of any oil (such as coconut, amla, almond, and henna powder).
• Boil water and add one tablespoon of coffee powder to it.
• Allow the paste to cool down before adding the henna powder. Mix it well until you achieve a smooth paste, and let it rest for a few hours.
• After resting, add one tablespoon of any oil (coconut, amla, almond, etc.) to the paste and apply it evenly all over your hair.
• Leave the mask on for an hour, and then use a mild shampoo to rinse it off.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a natural and effective hair colouring method without compromising the health of your hair.

Black tea and tulsi 

Combining black tea and tulsi creates an exceptional natural solution for grey hair. Tulsi, known for its abundant vitamin C, has long been utilized in Ayurveda to address various hair concerns.

• Add 4 tbsp of black tea and 4-5 tulsi leaves into a pan and bring them to a boil.
• After cooling, generously apply the mixture onto freshly washed hair.
• Repeat this process twice a week to gradually darken grey strands.

Myths to debunk on grey hair

Hair greying is not influenced by your lifestyle at all.

Actually, it does! Smoking can accelerate the greying process of your hair. Additionally, the absence of vitamin B, folic acid, and biotin has been linked to premature greying. Including a healthy and balanced diet in your lifestyle may not completely reverse greying, but it can certainly help delay its onset.

Plucking one grey hair leads to more grey hair.

We’ve all heard this from our friends, coworkers, classmates, and family members. Although pulling out hair is generally not recommended, it doesn’t actually lead to more grey hairs. Pulling out a hair strand can weaken the follicle and cause unintended damage. And if you accidentally pluck a non-grey strand, a new grey hair might sprout in its spot *ouch*.

Grey hair is a sign of getting old.

Getting grey doesn’t mean that the individual is getting old. It can actually appear due to various factors like genetics, Vitamin B12 deficiency, nasal issues, or problems with the pituitary or thyroid glands.

Summary

Try these above home remedies and get rid of grey hair for good! However, It’s always safe to seek advice from a dermatologist before trying any remedy or making any changes to your skincare routine.

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