Natural Home Remedies to Slow Down Hair-Whitening
Abstract
This article is all about premature graying of hair. We will discuss here all about causes, signs, home remedies and natural treatment for it.
Introduction
White hair is usually a part of the aging process, but even young people or teenagers may have excess of white hair. The body has millions of hair follicles which are small sacs lining the skin. The follicles generate hair and color or pigment cells known as melanin. But over time, hair follicles lose pigment cells or no longer to produce melanin which leads to a change in color of hair.
Causes of White Hair
There are many causes of person’s hair turning white.
1. Certain Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can trigger a loss of pigment in your hair. PGH is also trigger by autoimmune disease like thyroid disease, premature aging syndromes, vitiligo; pernicious anemia may increase a person risk for graying early.
2. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
Any deficiencies of vitamin D, iron, folate, vitamin B6, B12 or vitamin E and selenium may cause the whitening of hair follicles or premature graying. Deficiencies of folic acid, copper and vitamin B12 with lower level of biotin were found in people having premature graying of hair.
3. Chemical Containing Hair Dyes and Hair Products
Hair dyes, hair products, shampoos which are chemical based may directly contribute to premature hair graying. Chemical based these products contain harmful ingredients that decrease melanin and cause some allergic reactions as well.
4. Deficiency of Melanin
The lack of appropriate nutrition and protein causes melanin to fall below the standard acceptable levels. A deficiency of melanin is the major factor leading to hair whitening.
5. Stress
Stress is a major spoiler for a lot of issues in the body. Stress is a major cause of whitening of hair and premature graying, and it gets worse when we have stressful or unhealthy life or a hectic lifestyle or an excess of eating junk food.
6. Smoking
Smoking is one of the major causes of premature graying and whitening of hair in young men. Heavy smokers are four times more likely to have damages to hair follicle melanocytes, which leads to premature graying in comparison to non-smokers.
7. Genetic Trait
It is common to inherit a genetic trait from parent or grandparents who also had gray hair or white hair at an early age.
8. Hormones Imbalance
Hormones imbalances can trigger or increase premature whitening of hair.
9. Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress can cause overproduction of oxidants in the body.
Home Remedies for White Hair
Natural home remedies an alternative to slow down hair-whitening without harming the body or causing further hair pigment damage are listed below:
1. Bhringraj Leaves
Bhringraj leaves boiled in 4 tsp of coconut oil and massaged into the hair. Apply 2-3 times a week.
2. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are natural hair toner and slow premature graying of hair. When combined with coconut oil and applied to the scalp area.
Method
Boil 5 to 7 curry leaves with 4 tsp of coconut oil to prepare oil. Once it cools, strain and massage it into the scalp and through the length of hair. Gently massage the hair and scalp and cover with plastic cap and leave for 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse the hair thoroughly with shampoo.
3. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidants and anti-aging properties and revitalizes pigment in hair follicles. The powder can be mixed with coconut oil and applied directly to the scalp. It is a natural way to reduce your protein loss and improve hair health.
Method
Boil 2 tsp Indian gooseberries powder with one cup of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution. Store this oil in a jar and gently massage the oil into the scalp and work it through the length of hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and also you can leave the oil overnight. Wash off with mild shampoo. Apply 2-3 times a week.
4. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in antioxidant can help to prevent free radical damage to hair and premature graying. It also helps hair to get darker, shiner softer and relieves stress.
Method
Boil 3 to 4 tea bags or 2 tsp of black tea in a cup of water until it is well brewed. Once it is cool, strain the liquid and apply it to hair and scalp. Gently massage your scalp for a couple of minute and wait for about a 1 hour, and then wash with shampoo, and rinse them with water. Apply 2-3 times a week.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which are antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and prevent hair damage.
Method
Mix lemon juice into 2 tsp of coconut oil and heat the mixture for a second until it is slightly warm. Gently massage this mixture into your scalp for a couple of minute and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Wash your hair with mild sulgate-free shampoo. Apply 2 times a week.
6. Fenugreek Seeds
Method
Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in 500 ml of water overnight. Then, grind the seeds with water to get smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp area and leave it on for about one hour. Wash your hair with mild shampoo. Apply 1-2 times a week.
7. Onion Juice and Olive Oil
Onion juice helps to reduce hair fall, hair regrowth and improving the health of hair.
Method
Chop a medium-sized onion into small pieces and blend it with about a 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this juice onto your scalp area and massage for about 15 minutes and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Apply 2-3 times a week.
8. Sesame Seed Oil and Coconut Oil
Sesame seed oil and coconut oil helps darken the color of your hair with regular use.
Method
Mix sesame oil into 2 tsp of coconut oil and heat the mixture until it is slightly warm. Apply the oil to your scalp area and gently massage 15 minutes and cover with your hair with hot towel and leave for 30 minutes. Wash your hair with mild shampoo. Apply 2-3 times a week.
9. Hair Oiling
Method
Onion juice + Black sesame (Kalongi) + Olive oil + Almond oil + fenugreek seeds (1 hrs).
Mix all ingredients well. Apply the mixture to hair and scalp. Gently massage the hair and scalp and cover with plastic cap and leave for 1 hour. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water.
10. Hair Shampoo
Ingredient
The most effective home-made shampoo is the mixture of reetha, shikakai and dry amla.
Method
- Soak reetha, shikakai and dry amla in 1 liter of water for 6-8 hours.
- Next day boil the mixture till it is reduced to half. Cool and strain.
- Sieve it and wash hair with this water.
Prevention
White hair is a universal and widespread problem that occurs when hair follicle no longer produces melanin. Avoid chemical based hair dyes, shampoo, chemical hair color contain ammonia, which is a bleaching agent and severely harms the hair in the long run. Hair can become white due to malnutrition and unhealthy lifestyle or eating junk food. Malnutrition is one of the most common causes of gray hair and premature hair. Certain medical condition such as thyroid disease, anemia, protein deficiency, and low vitamin levels may cause white hair. Hair grows from the roots, so the healthy hair growth lies in improving the health of the scalp and hair follicles. Protein is the building block of hair as hair follicles are made of mostly protein. Eating natural foods are high in calcium, vitamin, iron and minerals.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle plays an important role in slowing down and reversing premature graying of hair. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help people maintain healthy hair growth. Vitamin C, B6, and B12 provide excellent nourishment for the scalp and hair growth with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. Omega-3 and folic acid are important parts of healthy hair. A lot of toxins present in the body. It may leads to many health problems, including grey hair and premature hair. So, drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water regularly to flush out these harmful toxins.
Conclusion
White hair is usually a part of the aging process, but even young people or teenagers may have excess of white hair. By using these home remedies and modification in lifestyle will help to prevent white hair.
