Understanding The Causes Of White Hair And Natural Prevention Methods

Introduction:

White Hair Can Emerge At Any Stage Of Life And Is Frequently Associated With Aging. Premature Greying Is Caused By A Variety Of Conditions, And Knowing These Causes Can Help Avoid Or Delay The Start Naturally. This Manual Examines The Reasons Behind White Hair And Offers Safe, All-Natural Ways To Avoid It.

White hair is one of the most perplexing side effects of modern living, and nothing compares to the terror you feel when your first white strand appears. You know there will be many more, so you hunt for cures and therapies to help you avoid the obvious. So, learn how you can get rid of white hair right here.

What Causes White Hair?

Hair growth happens when old cells are pushed out by the hair follicles due to the production of new cells. It occurs in three stages – growth (anagen), cessation (catagen), and rest (telogen). During the rest period, your hair reaches its lifespan and falls out, and a new strand grows in its place. Hair color is produced by hair melanin, which is formed by melanocytes. Hair pigmentation, unlike in skin, is not continuous. The hair is actively pigmented in the anagen phase. Pigmentation reduces in the catagen phase and is absent in the telogen phase.

Casey Simmons, a curly hair expert, says, “Hair can change in color and shape as you age due to changes in skin cells and hormones.” She also adds, “Other health factors like thyroid issues, lack of iron, iodine, and vitamin B12 may also cause hair to gray.”

With age, the amount of pigment that is injected into each strand of hair gets reduced, which is why it turns gray and eventually white. In the section below, let’s discuss common white hair causes and how to prevent white hair.

Early-onset of gray hair occurs due to the following factors:

Genes:

Dr. K. Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, says, “Genes are the predominant factor in determining at what age your hair loses pigment.” For some people, it can happen even before they turn 20. For others, the first strands of white appear rather late.

A blogger using the pseudonym Pepper, who candidly shares her day-to-day experiences, opens up about her white strands, expressing frustration at people’s reactions. She shares, “It really sucks that my mother-in-law does not have a single strand of grey at 58, whereas I, despite being under 30 have a million. People tend to compare and I feel like smacking them and telling them I didn’t get my genes from my in-laws. I got them from my parents. My mother has been suffering from premature greying from the time she was a teen (i)”.

Deficiency Of Melanin:

In most of the cases, a deficiency of melanin is the leading cause of hair whitening. The production of melanin depends on appropriate hair nutrition and protein supplements. The lack of these nutrients causes melanin to fall below acceptable levels.

Hormones:

Research suggests that an imbalance in hormones can trigger or increase premature graying of hair. If you have excess graying of hair and aren’t sure if you have a hormonal imbalance, please consult a doctor.

Medical Conditions:

Certain underlying medical conditions can trigger a loss of pigment in your hair. PGH is also triggered by autoimmuneⁱ  diseases like vitiligoⁱ  , pernicious anemia, thyroid diseases, and premature aging syndromes.

Vitamin And Mineral Deficiency:

Deficiency in iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and selenium may also cause the whitening of hair follicles. Deficiencies of Vitamin B12 and folic acid with lower levels of biotin were found in people having premature graying of hair.

Stress:

Emotional stress also plays a role here. Studies have shown that the oxidative load caused by psychological stress can trigger premature graying of hair.

Chemicals:

Sometimes, the use of chemical-based shampoos, soaps, hair dyes, etc. may directly cause this problem. However, it can result from some allergic infections as well.

Oxidative Stress:

Oxidative stress can cause premature graying. It is caused due to an overproduction of oxidants in the body, which are also affected by extrinsic factors like ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution, emotional factors, or inflammatory causes.

Smoking:

Studies have shown that smoking is one of the major factors leading to premature graying of hair. Smoking causes reactive oxygen species damage to hair follicle melanocytes, which leads to premature graying.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

The hair follicles produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which gets accumulated overtime on the hair shafts. It bleaches the hair and causes it to turn gray, and eventually white. Removing this build-up may help your hair regain its natural color.

Can You Get Rid Of White Hair?

Whether or not hair graying can be reversed to help white hair turn black largely depends on the cause of graying. If genetics are responsible, there is not much one can do to reverse the change.

If the cause is an underlying health problem, consulting a doctor to see what can be done is the best course of action. Once the problem is treated, it may help restore pigment to your hair. However, this cannot be guaranteed.

Re-pigmentation is sometimes possible after hormone therapy treatment. Another way to promote pigmentation is by taking shots or pills of vitamin B12. You can also try the natural remedies mentioned below and know how to reduce white hair.

Natural Remedies To Reduce White (Gray) Hair:

Indian Gooseberry And Coconut Oil:

Indian gooseberry (amla) has a rich reserve of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and has anti-aging benefits and revitalizes the pigment in your hair follicles. Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. This improves hair health. Thus, coconut hair oil massage proves very effective.

You Will Need:

• 3-5 Indian gooseberries
• 1 cup of coconut oil

Process:

1. Boil 3-4 Indian gooseberries with one cup of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution.
2. Store this oil in a jar and take about two tablespoons for each use.
3. Massage the oil into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
4. After massaging for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil in overnight.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-4 times a week.

Black Tea:

Black tea is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can help prevent free radical damage to hair, and thus, premature graying. It also helps darken hair color while adding shine. Black tea is also known to help relieve stress. As discussed, stress is a contributing factor to the premature graying of hair.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of black tea
• 1 cup of water

Process:

1. Boil two tablespoons of black tea in a cup of water until it is well brewed.
2. Set the brew aside to cool.
3. Strain the liquid and apply it to your hair and scalp.
4. Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes and wait for about an hour with the tea in your hair.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil:

Curry leaves are popularly used to retain and maintain natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair follicles to nourish the hair right from the root and promote hair growth.

You Will Need:

• A handful of curry leaves
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process:

1. Boil a handful of curry leaves with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution.
2. Set the oil aside to cool.
3. Once it has cooled, strain the oil and massage it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
4. After massaging for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil in overnight.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Lemon Juice And Coconut Oil:

Lemon contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and prevent hair damage. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that lemon juice can reverse the graying of hair. Coconut oil nourishes your hair and promotes hair growth.

You Will Need:

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process:

1. Pour two teaspoons of lemon juice into two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the mixture for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage this mixture into your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2 times a week.

Castor Oil With Coconut Oil:

Castor oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles. It contains omega-6 essential fatty acids that promote hair health and hair darkening.

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process:

1. Combine one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the blend for a couple of minutes until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage this oil mixture onto your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. After massaging your scalp for about 15 minutes, leave it on for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Fenugreek Seeds:

Fenugreek is rich in B vitamins and saponins that prevent hair loss. It is popularly used to preserve the natural hair color, prevent dandruff, and keep the hair silky.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 cup of water

Process:

1. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a quarter cup of water overnight.
2. In the morning, grind the seeds with enough water to get a smooth, consistent paste.
3. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for about 45 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Onion Juice And Olive Oil:

A study indicated that onion juice might help reduce hair fall and aid hair regrowth in a few people. Onion juice also contains catalase that can help reduce hydrogen peroxide build-up on your hair and scalp, thus helping reverse graying and improving the health of your hair. However, the only drawback to using this remedy is that it is hard to get the onion smell out of your hair. Olive oil is an emollient and conditions your hair.

You Will Need:

• 1 medium-sized onion
• t tablespoon of olive oil
• A cheesecloth

Process:

1. Chop a medium-sized onion into small pieces and blend it with about a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Squeeze the juice out of the pulp using a cheesecloth.
3. Apply this juice onto your scalp and massage for about 10 minutes.
4. Leave the juice on for an additional 30-35 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and condition.

How Often?

2 times a week.

Henna And Coffee:

Henna helps cover up the appearance of white hair by adding rich reddish tones to your hair due to the presence of lawsone. Coffee is another popular hair colorant that can impart a reddish-brown to blackish-brown tinge to your hair.

Note: Ensure that you are using pure henna powder as some powders contain chemicals.

You Will Need:

• 5 tablespoons of henna powder
• 1 tablespoon of coffee
• 1 cup of water

Process:

1. Brew one tablespoon of coffee in a cup of water.
2. Add five tablespoons of henna powder to the brew, stirring as you do to avoid lumps.
3. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for about 3-4 hours.
4. Rinse with warm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once every three weeks.

Sage Leaves:

Sage leaves help in preserving the color of your hair and prevent graying. In some cases, they also help restore pigment to white hair patches.

You Will Need:

• A handful of sage leaves
• Water
• Spray bottle

Process:

1. Boil a handful of sage leaves in water until it is well brewed.
2. Let the concoction cool and then collect the liquid in a spray bottle.
3. Spritz your hair until all of your hair is saturated with the sage tea.
4. Leave the tea on for about 2 hours.
5. Wash the sage solution out of your hair with a mild shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Ridge Gourd And Coconut Oil:

Ridge gourd can help restore natural hair pigment and prevent premature graying of hair. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes your hair.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of chopped and dried ridge gourd
• 1 cup of coconut oil

Process:

1. Soak half a cup of chopped and dried ridge gourd in a cup of coconut oil in an airtight jar for about 3-4 days.
2. After 4 days, take about two tablespoons of the oil and heat it until it is slightly warm.
3. Massage the oil into your scalp and then work it down to the tips of your hair.
4. After massaging your hair for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Sesame Seed Oil And Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is one of the most penetrative hair oils with a rich source of fatty acids that help condition your hair. In combination with sesame seed oil, it helps promote melanocyte activity, ensuring that each strand is deeply pigmented. Sesame seed oil also helps darken the color of your hair with regular use.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Hot towel

Process:

1. Combine two tablespoons each of sesame seed oil and coconut oil and heat the mixture until it is slightly warm.
2. Apply the oil onto your scalp and then work it through the length of your hair.
3. After massaging for about 15 minutes, cover your hair with a hot towel, and leave the oil in for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Indian Gooseberry And Hibiscus Flower:

This mask may help in hair follicles stimulation, strengthening and nourishing your hair. It may help maintain scalp health and boost healthy hair growth. Hibiscus may help prevent premature graying being a hair conditioning technique, making it manageable.

You Will Need:

• 3 tablespoons of crushed hibiscus leaves and flowers
• 3 tablespoons of amla powder
• Water

Process:

1. Blend the hibiscus paste with amla powder to get a smooth paste. You can add a little water to the mixture to ensure that the paste is smooth and consistent.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Leave the mask on for about 45 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2 times a week.

Ashwagandha:

Anecdotal evidence suggests that ashwagandha may stimulate melanin production owing to its tyrosine (an amino acid one needs to make proteins) content. Restoration of lost melanin (the substance responsible for pigmentation of hair and skin) could potentially reverse premature hair graying (1).

You Will Need:

• 2-3 tablespoons ashwagandha powder
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut or almond oil

Process:

1. Mix ashwagandha powder with coconut or almond oil to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste on your scalp and hair.
3. Gently massage it into your scalp.
4. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
5. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week

In addition to following the remedies listed above, you can also follow these tips to reduce gray hair.

Reasons Behind White Hair:

The Loss Of Pigment-Producing Cells In The Hair Follicles Causes White Hair. The Following Are The Main Reasons:

Genetics:

O The Onset Of White Hair Is Mostly Determined By Genetic Predisposition.

O You May Be More Susceptible To Premature White Hair Development If Your Parents Or Grandparents Had Early Greying.

Growing Older:

O White Or Gray Hair Results From A Decrease In Melanin Production Brought On By Aging.

O While The Course Of This Process Is Unavoidable, Each Person Will Experience It Differently At First.

Stress:

O Prolonged Stress Impairs The Body’s Capacity To Make Melanin, Which Causes Early Thinning Of The Hair.

O Hormonal Changes Brought On By Stress Can Interfere With Hair Follicles’ Natural Activity.

Deficits In Nutrients:

O Premature Greying May Result From Deficiencies In Minerals Like Copper And Zinc, As Well As Vitamins B12, D3, And E.

O A Poor Diet Impacts Many Aspects Of Health, Including The Color Of The Hair.

Medical Conditions:

O Early Greying Can Be Brought On By Conditions Such As Vitiligo, Thyroid Issues, And Autoimmune Diseases.

O The Body’s Capacity To Preserve Natural Hair Pigmentation Is Impacted By Several Health Conditions.

Aspects Of Lifestyle:

O The Greying Process Is Accelerated By Smoking, Binge Drinking, And Exposure To Toxins In The Environment.

O Bad Lifestyle Decisions Have An Effect On One’s General Health, Which Includes One’s Hair.

Natural Remedies For White Hair Prevention:

While Completely Preventing White Hair May Not Be Feasible, There Are Some Natural Ways To Slow Down Its Development:

A Well-Balanced Diet:

O Eating A Diet High In Vitamins And Minerals Promotes Both The Color Of Hair And General Health.

O To Guarantee A Proper Intake Of Nutrients, Include Foods Such As Dairy Products, Eggs, Almonds, And Leafy Greens.

Water Absorption:

O Hydrating Your Hair With Lots Of Water Maintains It Healthy And Nourished.

O Adequate Hydration Promotes All Body Processes, Including The Synthesis Of Melanin.

Managing Stress:

O Engage In Stress-Relieving Practices Including Yoga, Meditation, And Deep Breathing.

O Stress Management Improves General Health And Can Postpone The Emergence Of Gray Hair.

Consistent Exercise:

O Regular Physical Exercise Enhances Blood Circulation And Enhances General Wellbeing.

O Exercise Ensures That Hair Follicles Receive Enough Nutrients, Which Contributes To The Maintenance Of Healthy Hair.

Herbal Treatments:

O Amla, Also Known As Indian Gooseberry: Packed With Vitamin C And Antioxidants, Amla Helps To Strengthen Hair Follicles And Encourages Pigmentation.

O Curry Leaves: Regular Ingestion Or Use Of Curry Leaf Oil Can Help Hair Follicles Produce More Melanin.

O Henna: In Addition To Being A Natural Conditioner, Henna Can Improve Hair Color And Delay The Onset Of Gray Hair.

Adequate Hair Care:

O Employ Gentle Shampoos And Conditioners To Preserve The Health Of Your Hair.

O Refrain From Overusing Chemical Treatments, Heat Styling, And Hair Colors Since These Can Cause Damage To Hair And Hasten The Onset Of Graying.

Vital Oils:

O Rosemary Oil: Applying Rosemary Oil To The Scalp Can Increase Blood Flow And Encourage The Creation Of Pigment.

O Bhringraj Oil: This Oil, Well-Known For Revitalizing Hair, Might Postpone The Onset Of Gray Hair.

Natural Ways To Avoid White Hair:

Use These Easy DIY Solutions As Part Of Your Regimen To Prevent Or Lessen The Appearance Of White Hair:

Lemon Juice And Coconut Oil:

O Massage The Scalp With A Mixture Of Coconut Oil And A Few Drops Of Lemon Juice.

O After An Hour, Leave It On And Wash It Off. This Supports Preserving The Health And Color Of Hair.

Rinse With Black Tea:

O Make Black Tea And Allow It To Settle. Rinse Your Hair With It After Shampooing.

O Black Tea’s Tannins And Antioxidants Can Postpone Greying And Deepen Hair.

Juice From Onions:

O After Applying Fresh Onion Juice To The Scalp, Let It Sit There For Half An Hour Before Washing It Off.

O Catalase, Which Is Found In Onion Juice, Can Help Lessen The Accumulation Of Hydrogen Peroxide In Hair Follicles, Which Is A Factor In Greying.

Sesame Seeds:

O Grind Fenugreek Seeds Into A Paste After Soaking Them For A Whole Night.

O After Applying The Paste To The Scalp And Hair, Rinse It Off After An Hour. Fenugreek Keeps Premature Greying At Bay And Nourishes Hair.

Modifying Your Lifestyle To Avoid White Hair:

Healthy Living Has A Major Impact On Hair Health And Can Postpone The Start Of White Hair:

Give Up Smoking:

O Smoking Damages Hair Health And Speeds Up Aging, Which Causes Premature Greying.

O Giving Up Smoking Can Slow Down The Aging Process And Enhance General Health.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake:

O Drinking Too Much Alcohol Damages Hair Health And Depletes Vital Nutrients.

O Reducing Alcohol Intake Promotes Improved General Health, Which Includes Pigmentation Of The Hair.

Diminish Toxin Exposure:

O Reduce Your Exposure To Pollution From The Environment And Harsh Chemicals Found In Hair Products.

O To Keep Your Hair Healthy, Use Natural And Organic Hair Care Products.

Sufficient Sleep:

O Make Sure You Receive Seven To Eight Hours Of Good Sleep Every Night.

O Getting Enough Sleep Improves General Health, Lowers Stress, And Has A Knock-On Effect On Hair Health.

Summary:

While White Hair Is A Normal Aspect Of Aging, Hair Color Can Be Preserved For Longer By Being Aware Of Its Causes And Using Natural Preventative Techniques. You Can Successfully Postpone The Start Of White Hair By Leading A Healthy Lifestyle, Controlling Your Stress, And Including Nutrient-Rich Foods And Natural Cures Into Your Daily Routine. Accept These All-Encompassing Methods To Support Hair Health In General And Maintain A Young Appearance For Years To Come.