Causes:
Melanin–
Our hair is originally white in color. It is the cells in the hair follicles melanocytes that produce a pigment called melanin which gives color to our hair. When the production of melanin decreases to a large extent, the hair becomes transparent which looks grey against our dark hair. If the content of melanin is too high at a young age, the hair turns grey earlier.
Vitamin B12–
According to Leonica Kei, director, and senior trichologist at Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre in Singapore, premature greying of hair is due to Vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is caused by the body’s inability to absorb Vitamin B12, because of which there is not enough production of red blood cells. It is thus suggested to eat food that contains more Vitamin B12 or take supplements to reduce the effects.
Ethnicity–
Your genes and your ethnicity can also be responsible for grey hair at an early age. It has been found that the Anglo Australians, Caucasians and especially redheads get grey hair early, in their mid-30s. While Asians start getting grey hair by their late 30s and African-Americans tend to get grey hair by their mid to late 40s. If the parents have had premature grey hair, there is a high chance of their children having the same fate.
Cigarette Smoking–
A study published in Indian Dermatology Online Journal proves that smoking causes hair to get yellowish and grey. Shedding of hair also increases due to smoking, which can lead to balding.
Hydrogen Peroxide–
Hydrogen Peroxide is known to be a bleaching agent. Our bodies naturally produce hydrogen peroxide, it is a process of metabolism which is a process that helps the body cells break it to produce energy. As we age, the quantity builds up but our bodies are not equipped enough to break it down at a faster rate, which leads to greying of hair.
Stress–
We have all read or heard about stress being one of the causes of grey hair at a young age. Stress doesn’t particularly have to be mental, neither are its effects immediately felt. It has been said that stress may have an impact on the production of melanin in the body but no direct evidence has been found yet between stress and grey hair. Stress can be responsible for triggering telogen effluvium, which is a common condition that causes hair to shed at a rate that’s thrice as fast as normal. Though the hair grows back in this condition and does not cause patches, the hair that grows back can be grey instead of the original color.
Diseases-
Problems in the thyroid gland or the pituitary gland may cause people to go grey at an earlier age.
Home Remedies:
- Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves
Boil a handful of curry leaves in coconut oil. Let it cool and massage it to your scalp regularly.
- Onion and Lemon Juice
Mix onion juice with lemon juice and apply it to your scalp along with honey and aloe vera. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo half an hour later.
- Shikakai
Shikakai is known to be a natural form of shampoo/soap. Apply some sour curd along with 3-4 pods of shikakai and wash thoroughly after 15-20 minutes.
Improve your diet:
- Eating onion seeds or kalaonji every day helps strengthen the hair and prevents it from greying.
- Eat more seasonal and local fruits. Fresh fruits can be more nutritious and healthier.
- According to Ayurveda, excessive body heat causes grey hair. Amla is known to be a great ingredient to consume that prevents grey hair.
- Almonds reduce the levels of hydrogen peroxide in the body which is controlled by an enzyme called catalase in the body. Almonds are anti-oxidant and help in increasing the production of catalase and thus helping with the greys.
- Eating a tablespoon of grated ginger and honey every day can help with the hair too.
- You should make sure your diet includes green leafy vegetables. They also make your body healthier and increase your immunity.
- Berries are also rich in antioxidants and good for your hair.