Hair follicles have different stem cells for hair growth and pigment. These cells often work together, but fall out of synch as the body gets older.
The growth stem cell makes a strand of hair for about one to three years. After shedding that strand, it grows a new one.
Every time it regenerates, the pigment stem cells get tired. This leads to the gray coming out.
Several studies list what causes grey hair and premature greying. Disorders sometimes happen where the body attacks their own cells. This results in grey hair to appear prematurely.
Common ones include ethnicity and nutrient deficiencies. Here are some other examples:
Race affects the pace of grey hair. Caucasians often reach their crown of gray before other ethnicities. The grey usually comes out once they hit 30.Asians follow in their late 30s. African-Americans get gray strands when they hit their mid-40s.
Lack of essential amino acids and Vitamin B 12 deficiency makes hair lose their pigment. Get enough vitamins and minerals to protect cells from toxins.
Stress can be one of the culprits in many hair and skin concerns. It may not have a direct connection with gray hair appearances, but it’s often still linked. Poor diet and lack of exercise also weaken hair health.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is in the chemicals used for bleaching hair. It is also present in hair follicles, and builds up as we age. This blockage stops or slows down melanin production, which is the pigment in our hair and skin.
The most obvious reason is the natural cycle of life. Cells tire themselves out. They slow down and can’t keep up with normal production.
An estimated 50% of the population in the US has their hair half covered with grey strands. This happens when they are 50 years of age.
Yet, there are many young adults who begin to lose the pigment early in life. Some people who are not even 25 years old are looking for answers to what causes grey hair.
There are other specific causes to the premature growth of grey hair in young people. Those who have anemia may see their hair turning grey sooner than expected. Harmful hair dyes and bleaches are also to blame.
If one of your parents had grey hair early in their lives, you may experience the same outcome. A record of premature graying in your family tree raises your chances of developing one.
Aside from the common reasons for early grey hair, there are also serious health concerns. People in their 20s may miss out on some key nutrients. Poor life choices and bad habits also have their place in pushing the grey outwards.
Sometimes, the immune system attacks the body. Autoimmune disorders like vitiligo attack pigment cells, which causes discoloration. Some areas of skin appear off color.
Prevention of Grey Hair
You can’t stop the process of grey hair completely. You can only slow it down by taking active measures that promote hair health.
- Researches show that young smokers have more grey strands than those who don’t light a cigarette. Smoking makes hair brittle and causes them to fall out. The addiction you get from nicotine makes it hard for you to stop, so find a friend who will hold you accountable.
- Brushing your wet tangles after a shower can cause breakage and hair loss. Use combs that have wide teeth.
- Hair dryers and curling irons damage the hair through heating. The heat seeps through the follicles even when you apply a protectant. Ditch the straighteners and let your hair dry in the wind.
- Bleaching your hair makes it prone to falling out. It is common knowledge that bleaching kills the hair’s protein. That's why the color becomes a lighter shade.
- Keratin makes up the hair. This is a type of protein that is important in the construction of healthy strands. Eggs and fish contain good amounts of these essential amino acids.
- Vegetarians may have problems in getting the right kind of protein. Animal based protein is easier to absorb than the ones found in plants.
- Supplements can help maintain the shine and luster of hair. Make sure that the multivitamins you buy contain plenty of iron, copper, and zinc.
- Copper helps to prevent premature greying. Consume a lot of turnips, mushrooms, oysters, and spinach.
- The whole vitamin B complex group is important for healthy hair and skin. Hair color sometimes fades when we get sick. Vitamin B-6 restores color to the hair after an illness.
- Reports say that Folic Acid and Pantothenic Acid taken together help reverse greys. You can find these in yoghurt and bran.
- You should also add in some Omega 3 to moisturize dry hair. This reduces scalp flakes and dandruff.
- Iodine maintains hair color. Grab carrots and bananas for snacks.
- Nuts and seeds have selenium that may help stop the quick forming of grey hair. Buy walnuts, soybeans, and corn to get proper amounts of selenium.
- Horsetail breaks down the natural hydrogen peroxide found in hair.
- Beans contain inositol that may boost hair health. Niacin helps in the nourishment of hair follicles through scalp circulation.
Blood Flow and Circulation
- Massaging the scalp stimulates blood flow. The good news is that you’re already doing this in the shower. Put in a couple of extra minutes in massaging your scalp as you shampoo and condition.
- Exercising promotes proper blood circulation. Proper blood flow helps in carrying the nutrients up to the hair. If you lay passive all day, the nutrients you consume won’t reach all the corners in your system.
There are a couple of home remedies you can try to reduce the appearance of grey hair. Studies show that some methods are effective to an extent.
They may help in preventing and reducing the growth of grey hair, but they’re not a miracle solution. Feel free to test out each one, and stick with those that work well for you.
- One of the best hair care remedies at home is an Indian gooseberry called amla. Rub the paste on your scalp to prevent grey hair. Coconut oil and lemon can also do the trick.
- Boil the berries with the oil and store it in a jar. Use only two tablespoons with every hair massage. Coat it on your hair for about 15 minutes, and leave it on for half an hour or overnight.
- Amla has plenty of vitamin C in its reserves. This has anti-aging benefits and awakens your hair follicles. You can also leave amla oil in water for the night and use it as a rinse come morning.
- Curry leaves can be an alternative to gooseberries if you don’t have them. The process is the same for amla. Mix with coconut oil and leave on your hair after massaging for a while.
- This solution has rich sources of vitamin B that helps with pigmentation and hair growth.
- Studies have proven that onion juice reduces hair fall. It reverses the grey color by improving the health of your hair.
- Chop an onion into little pieces for easy blending. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Get the juice by squeezing the pulp with cheesecloth. Massage on hair, but don’t leave the juice overnight. Wash it after half an hour.
- You can even mix different kinds of oils to nourish the hair. Add one tablespoon of castor, jojoba, or blackseed oil to two tablespoons of mustard oil.
- Warm them up first before massaging onto hair, then leave as usual.
- Fenugreek contains iron, potassium, and lysine. These nutrients prevent scalp dryness that causes the appearance of premature grey strands.
- Soak two tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds overnight in a quarter cup of water. In the morning, make a smooth paste of it by grinding the seeds with more water.
If oil’s not your thing, you can soak your hair in black tea for an hour if you want. The antioxidants in the tea darken the hair with an added shine.
Chinese use fo-ti as a longevity tonic. Not only does the herb prevent the appearances of premature grey hair, but signs of aging as well.
Eggs aren’t only for eating. You could also apply beaten eggs on your hair and leave the substance overnight. Eggs are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin that may stop premature greying.
Grey Hair Management
Grey hair is more resistant to coat with hair dyes. Some light coloring doesn’t stick well to fine hair. Go for darker hues of brown and black to make sure they hold.
There are options for semi-permanent and permanent hair colorings. People try the semi-permanent ones first when their grey hair is starting to come out. When they’ve got half a head full, they often switch to permanent.
Spray-on airbrushes also mask the grey. These concealers wash away with shampoo. Some people may want to cover grey hair for only a day or when attending an event.
Welcoming the Grey
There is nothing wrong with having grey hair. It’s but a natural part of life.
You shouldn't worry about what causes grey hair, especially if it’s genetic. You can talk to your parents about it. Ask advice based on how they handled their own premature greying.
Always adopt a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition should always have an important role in the maintenance of the body. Even if the results don’t show in your outward appearance, your system will thank you for the care.
Embracing your grey hair will give you a boost of optimism. Think about it as a fashion trend. Some people bleach their hair to get the color, while you have them on natural display.