Hair turning grey prematurely? Here's what you can do about it

Considering the lifestyle we lead, coupled with environmental factors, premature greying is increasingly on the rise, even occurring as young as 25! While little can be done to completely stop premature greying, you can somewhat slow down the process, or offset it (to some extent) through medication and some lifestyle changes. Let's dig deeper...

What causes it?
Unfortunately, premature greying is a complex condition that is not governed by a single factor. Anything from genetics, lifestyle, and environmental conditions can affect it. Let's see how...


Genetics
Genetics play a huge role in premature greying. If your parents experienced premature greying, there's a high likelihood you will, too. Research shows that genes are one of the strongest factors for premature greying.

Stress
Chronic, and long-term stress can trigger premature greying by robbing the body of melanocyte stem cells, which produce melanin—the pigment responsible for hair color.

Nutritional Deficiency
Deficiency in nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, copper, and zinc can contribute to early greying.

Smoking
Smoking generates reactive oxygen species that damage melanin-producing cells, contributing to the greying process.

Environmental Factors
Prolonged exposure to UV rays and environmental pollutants can damage hair follicles.

Lifestyle Choices
A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with smoking and drinking, also contributes to premature greying, as it damages hair health.

Is there something you can do?
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely stop greying, though you can slow down the process a bit. Here is what you can do....

Dietary Changes
Include foods rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and iron into your diet. Consume a balanced diet with enough protein, to prevent deficiencies that can hamper melanin production, leading to grey hair. Ask your doctor for hair specific supplements that can help you. However, remember that hair greying treatment can last long, and might not be 100% effective.

Lifestyle factors
Wear hats when going out, to protect your hair from UV damage, and use sunscreen sprays, designed specifically for hair. Avoid smoking completely, and limit your alcohol consumption. This apart, ensure enough sleep (at least 7 hours), and regular exercise to improve blood circulation to hair follicles.

Natural treatments
This apart, you can try these home remedies to mask/help grey hair, but these will not reverse the existing ones, and are not considered a form of treatment...

Amla: Fortified with Vitamin C, amla strengthens hair and can prevent further greying. Mix amla powder with coconut oil for an effective overnight treatment.


Black Tea: Black tea (the one that you add to your milk masala chai) contains antioxidants that can help maintain your natural hair color. Use it as a rinse after washing your hair.

Henna Mixture: Natural Henna combined with bhringraj or castor oil, acts like a natural dye that covers grey strands, while nourishing the scalp. It is preferred over the chemical laden colors available in the market. However, if you need to color your hair with those, go for an ammonia free version.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil mixed with lemon juice hydrates the scalp and can help delay further greying caused by chemical damage.

Do not do these
Do not use harsh chemical treatments or shampoos that may hasten the greying process. Opt for mild, herbal shampoos to maintain scalp health. This apart, avoid coloring your hair with chemical colors too often, as it will lead to even more greying. Just stick to covering the roots if you need to.

When to seek help?
If lifestyle changes and home remedies don’t yield results, consult a dermatologist, who can identify underlying conditions like autoimmune diseases or severe nutritional deficiencies contributing to premature greying.