It is a given fact that our colour will change as we age. However, when grey hair appears in people in their teens to early thirties, this is not normal. We all have millions of hair follicles that contain pigment cells called melanin, over time these hair follicles lose their pigment cells, resulting in white or grey hair.

However, there are reasons other than age that can cause grey hair, and these are:

Vitamin deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamin B-6, B-12, Biotin, Vitamin D-3 and Vitamin E may contribute to premature graying of the hair.

Mineral and other deficiencies

Deficiencies in Copper, Iron (serum ferritin) and HDL Cholesterol (good Cholesterol) may also contribute to premature hair graying.

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is when we do not consume enough antioxidant rich foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, teas and other natural foods that can counteract the effects of free radicals in the body. The free radicals are dangerous and unstable molecules that are found in a lot of chemicals in our processed foods and the environment. These chemicals do not only cause graying of the hair but can lead to other diseases such as cancers, tumours or even vitiligo.

Smoking

Smoking can cause early graying of the hair due to the exposure of copious amounts of free radicals and other chemicals in the cigarette smoke.

Chemical Hair dyes

Some chemical hair dyes may accelerate graying of the hair, especially hair colouring compounds containing Hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching agents.

Severe injury

Severe injury and other stressors may also lead to premature or accelerated graying of the hair.

Certain medical conditions

Auto immune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, alopecia areata and thyroid dysfunction can result in premature graying of the hair

Can graying hair be reversed?

The answer is yes if it is not due to natural aging or genetics. Below are a few suggestions on how to reverse graying hair naturally.

1. Use of vitamin and mineral supplements if you suspect nutritional deficiency as the cause of the premature graying. Eat antioxidant rich foods such as Moringa, tea, olive oil, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables especially the red or purple coloured fruits and vegetables. Copper deficiency can be addressed by consuming more lentils, dark chocolate, asparagus, etc.
2. Quit smoking if you suspect it may be the cause of early graying. Also, this may have other beneficial health outcomes.

The use of natural remedies to reverse graying hair

Natural remedies offer an alternative to slow down hair-whitening without harming the body or causing further hair pigment damage.

Black tea. Black tea can make hair darker, shinier and softer. It can be used by steeping 3 to 5 tea bags in 2 cups of boiling water, cooling and adding to clean, wet hair. Tea can also be mixed with conditioner, left in the hair for 1 hour, and then rinsed out.

Curry leaves. The medicinal use of curry leaves goes back centuries. When combined with hair oil and applied to the scalp, curry leaves can slow premature graying.

Indian gooseberry. Also called Amla, this is an herbal supplement recognized for reversing premature graying by promoting pigmentation. Its effectiveness is believed to be because the gooseberry is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties.

Amla is available as a fruit in Indian grocery stores. It can also be found, as a powder or supplement, available online or in a traditional health food stores. The powder can be mixed with coconut oil and applied directly to the scalp.

Natural or premature graying of the hair may be addressed but it entirely up to the individual. What we have observed with our hair growing products is that most often the new hair growth is black or dark brown even in people who were previously blond; it may have something to do with the antioxidant activity of the herbs in the hair products.