HHave you noticed it on your scalp or that of someone you know in their teens or early 20s? Recognizing the signs of premature aging can be a real hassle.
Your hair color comes from melanin, a pigment found in the follicles. When our body stops making melanin, the hair starts turning white. And this happens to most people as we get older.
Premature whitening is called premature canities in medical language. For many, it starts early and with no family history.
Cause
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This is a common cause of premature graying (PHG). If this is the cause of your gray hair, taking a vitamin B12 supplement may help reverse it.
Deficiency of Vitamin D3, Calcium and S ferritin: These are the next common causes of PHG prevalent these days. And of course, graying can be reversed if the deficiencies are corrected in time.
Sun exposure and Vitamin D: If you don’t have enough vitamin D, you may notice that your hair turns gray earlier than expected. This is because it affects the production of melanin in your hair follicles. Also, too much sun exposure can damage your hair and turn it white faster than you age.
chemical treatment: Teens who color or bleach their hair or use harsh chemical shampoos on a regular basis are prone to premature greying. Anti dandruff shampoos also cause early graying if used for a long time. It is ideal to limit the use of anti-dandruff shampoo to once a week and use a gentle shampoo that is free from sulphates, parabens, silicones, perfumes and dyes that can damage your hair.
Tension: Studies show that stress can cause gray hair. The body’s fight-or-flight response plays an important role in graying hair. So, if you are under a lot of stress, it could be the reason behind your premature graying of hair.
Genetics: While scientists don’t know exactly why some people turn gray early, genes seem to play an important role. If graying of hair is due to genetics, it cannot be stopped but can be delayed.
hormonal imbalance: Pituitary or thyroid gland problems can cause premature graying of hair, but these can be reversed with proper treatment.
environmental factors: Early depletion of melanin is seen from environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants or toxins. Both smoking and passive smoking can cause it. Because the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke also cause oxidative stress, which can accelerate the aging process and contribute to PMG.
Inflammation or psychological stress: Some research suggests that inflammation or psychological stress can cause premature graying of hair. If so, finding ways to reduce inflammation or manage stress may help prevent or delay hair graying.
While premature graying of hair may be a clear sign of an underlying cause, you can dig deeper and take preventive measures. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and reverse graying of hair, such as eating a healthy diet and lifestyle, eliminating deficiencies, and using natural remedies.
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Redressal
Eating more antioxidants: Antioxidants are known to combat oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can lead to premature graying of hair. Adding citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, berries and cantaloupe to your diet may also help. Consumption of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beans can be beneficial. Red meat, chicken liver and fish are other antioxidant options.
Removal of deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, D3 and iron, can contribute to premature graying of hair. Supplements or adding nutrient-rich foods to your diet can help address these deficiencies.
Quitting and reducing smoking: Smoking is a known culprit that can cause premature graying of hair, as it reduces blood flow to the scalp, which can negatively impact hair health. Therefore, quitting smoking is an essential step in preventing and reversing graying of hair. Additionally, reducing exposure to second-hand smoke may also help prevent premature graying of hair.
Placenta Extract Cream: Placenta extract cream may help prevent premature graying of hair by promoting hair growth and improving the overall health of the hair.
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natural remedy
Natural remedies can be effective in preventing and reversing premature graying of hair. Amla, a herbal hair supplement, is known to reverse the problem of graying of hair. It can be applied to the hair and can also be consumed orally. To apply as an oil, heat 2 teaspoons of amla powder in 3 tablespoons of coconut oil until it turns black. Cool the mixture and apply it to your hair. Aloe vera gel can also be applied to the hair by mixing it with coconut oil. Curry leaves are another natural remedy that can be very helpful. Heating a handful of curry leaves in coconut oil till it turns black and then cooling it and applying it on the scalp can be effective. Including curry leaves, sesame seeds, amla, bitter gourd and cow ghee in your diet will also help. It is also important to avoid washing your hair with hot water as it can damage your hair and cause PMG.
Significantly, even after the age of 30, if there is a reason for PMG deficiency, it can be cured. This is no big deal, and simple measures such as basic home remedies, a healthy lifestyle, going to bed early, having less stress and correcting vitamin deficiencies like B12 can make a significant difference. As a dermatologist, I would recommend avoiding excessive use of hair products that contain chemicals that can damage hair and contribute to premature greying.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Dermatologist, Anti-allergy specialist, Laser Surgeon and Internationally trained Esthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Thoughts are personal.
(Editing by Anurag Choubey)