Your hair holds the capability to alter your overall physical appearance and even self-perception. Natural, healthy, dark hair represents youthfulness, whereas gray hair is often associated with old age.
You may experience hair graying in your early 20s, known as premature hair graying. This can occur due to a number of factors.
While it is often not possible to reverse hair graying, you can take measures to help control and even prevent premature graying of hair.
Your hair can start turning gray at a young age due to genetics, some medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and various other reasons.
Hair graying associated with serious medical problems or genes requires proper medical treatment. However, you can treat milder causes with home remedies.
# Oil your hair regularly
Premature graying of hair is often a result of oxidative stress. In such a case, oiling your hair may be beneficial as oils contain various vitamins and antioxidant molecules.
You can use almond oil rich in vitamin E or black sesame seed oil along with almond or coconut oil. Alternatively, you may consume black sesame seeds daily.
Coconut oil is also beneficial due to its antioxidant phenol content. It also contains copper and iron, which are vital for melanin production; a deficiency of these minerals can often cause premature graying.
Additionally, you can try using bhringraj oil used in Ayurveda for hair growth and delaying graying of hair.
# Use Indian gooseberryIndian gooseberry, or amla, also contains various antioxidant molecules, including vitamins A and C.
The application of amla is a popular Ayurvedic remedy, and it can be found in various hair products that claim to help improve hair growth, pigmentation, and overall hair health.
How to use: Mix amla juice in almond oil and apply it to your scalp. You can also boil dried amla with coconut oil until it gets charred, and use it to massage your head. Alternatively, you may consume amla water.
# Apply curry leavesThe leaves of Murraya koenigii trees are rich in vitamin B, a deficiency of which can cause premature graying of hair.
Moreover, curry leaves contain antioxidants that can help curb oxidative stress. You may use them orally or topically.
How to use: Make a paste of curry leaves, mix it with yogurt, and apply it to your scalp. Alternatively, boil a few leaves in coconut oil until they turn black, and massage your head with it.
# Consume blackstrap molassesBlackstrap molasses are potential sources of vitamin B6, selenium, copper, magnesium, and iron, all of which are required for melanin synthesis.
How to use: Consume 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses either directly or by mixing it in tea or breakfast meals.