Introduction to white hair
white hair can appear at almost any time in a person's life. Even teenagers in their twenties may notice strands of white hair.
Over time, hair follicles lose pigment cells, which in turn causes hair to turn white.
In this article, we look at some of the common causes of prematurely white hair, along with ways to slow or prevent white hair from turning gray and return it to its natural black color.
Facts about white hair
- Vitamin deficiency can cause hair to turn white.
- Smoking has something to do with hair turning gray.
- Preventing white hair or bringing it back to black depends on why it turned white in the first place.
Causes of white hair
There are many reasons besides age that cause a person's hair to turn white.
Vitamin deficiency
- Any deficiency in vitamin B-6, B-12, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin E can cause premature graying.
- A 2015 report in the Journal of Development mentions several studies of deficiency of vitamin D3, vitamin B12, and copper and their relationship to white or gray hair. Nutritional deficiencies have been found to affect hair pigmentation, which indicates that color can return with the right vitamin supplement.
- Another 2016 study in the International Journal of Trichology looked at factors related to premature graying in young Indians under the age of 25. It found that low blood levels of ferritin, which stores iron in the body, vitamin B-12, and HDL-C cholesterol were common in study participants with early hair color.
Genetics
- Premature hair color is largely genetic, according to a 2013 report in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology.
- Ethnicity also plays a big role, as premature graying of white people can begin as early as 20 years old, while a person can live up to 25 years old among Asians and 30 years old in African Americans, according to the same 2013 study.
oxidative stress
- Oxidative stress is defined as a state of imbalance in the system of oxidants and anti-oxidants towards the production of more oxidizing factors.
- While white hair is mostly genetic, oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body may play a role when premature graying appears.
- Increased oxidative stress can promote the development of diseases, including skin pigmentation such as vitiligo. Vitiligo may also cause hair to turn white due to the death of melanin cells or loss of cell function.
Certain medical conditions
White hair is also common in cases of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. When hair grows back, it turns white due to a premature lack of melanin.
life pressures
- There are conflicting research studies about life stressors, such as stressors from injury, that lead to premature graying.
- One New York University study, reported in Nature Medicine, found that cells responsible for hair color can become depleted when the body is under stress.
- Although stress may play a role, studies suggest that it is a small part of a larger picture that disease and other factors contribute to.
smoking
- A 2013 study published in the Italian Journal of Dermatology Online showed that smokers are two and a half times more likely to develop gray hair before the age of thirty compared to non-smokers.
- Another 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that smoking is associated with white hair in young adults.
Hair products and chemical hair dyes
- Chemical hair dyes, hair products, and even shampoos can contribute to premature white hair, as many of these products contain harmful ingredients that may reduce melanin.
- Hydrogen peroxide, which is found in many hair dyes, is one of these harmful chemicals. Excessive use of hair products and dyes may eventually turn white.
Early white hair treatment
- If the genetic factor is the reason for the appearance of white hair, unfortunately, nothing can prevent or reverse the damage. However, treating gray hair can allow the black color to return if the loss is due to a medical condition.
- When the cause of white hair is due to diet and vitamin deficiency, correcting these symptoms may reverse the problem or prevent it from increasing.
Eat antioxidants
A good diet plays an important role in preventing the appearance of white hair.
Foods rich in antioxidants include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Green tea
- virgin olive oil
- fish
Vitamin deficiency treatment
- Everyone with white hair caused by vitamin deficiency should eat more foods loaded with these vitamins.
- Also, nutritional supplements are available in pharmacies and do not require a prescription, but any nutritional supplement should be taken under the supervision of a specialist.
natural remedies
- There are many hair dyes on the market to dye white hair, but many of them contribute to the premature appearance of the color and may cause allergic and harmful reactions.
- Natural remedies offer an alternative to slow the onset of white hair without harming the body or causing further damage that hair dyes do.
- An International Journal of PharmTech Research report highlights the traditional use of curry leaves to maintain black hair color and prevent premature whites from appearing. Curry leaves can be purchased from Indian supermarkets, as well as from regular perfumery stores.
- BHRINGRAJ Known as Maca, Eclipta Alba, or bhringraj is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that is considered to be one of the very useful natural ways to encourage hair growth, darken its color, and prevent it from becoming white prematurely. Boil the juice of the leaves with coconut or sesame oil and massage it into the hair.
- Bring leaves are available as an oil.
- Indian Gooseberry AMLA is a herbal supplement recognized for reversing the process of white hair by enhancing the pigmentation process. It is believed that its effectiveness is very great as it is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties.
- Available as fruit in Indian grocery stores. It can be found as a powder or supplement online or in traditional health food stores.
- Copper Early onset of white hair may occur due to low levels of copper, according to a 2012 study. Liver, lentils, almonds, dark chocolate, and asparagus are good sources of copper.
- Bitter gourd oil is famous for restoring hair pigment and revitalizing its roots. Through regular massage with pumpkin oil, prevent premature white hair from appearing. The oil can be purchased online or at a perfumer's store.
bitter gourd
With the right diagnosis and treatment, the development of white hair can be stopped and reversed in some cases.
Regular use of natural remedies may slow down and possibly reverse the process of turning white hairs. But everyone's hair eventually begins to turn white, and one has to decide whether they are comfortable with white hair or whether they prefer to try to curb the natural aging process.