Understanding the Causes of White Hair and How to Prevent It Naturally: A comprehensive guide by wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally.
Introduction
White hair or grey hair is a naturally grow on our head as we age. It is not to be perceived negatively, or in a derogatory way. Typically as we grow older, we see that our hair starts turning grey, but if it happens before time, due to unnatural causes, it can be recognised as an issue by many people. Apart from ageing, there are many reasons as to why hair turns grey. The colour of the hair changes to white or grey when the melanin production in the hair follicles decreases. Melanin is the substance that gives colour to our hair. A decrease in its production can mean a loss of pigmentation. One of the primary reasons why this happens is ageing, but there are also other different factors that affect it. There are several natural methods that help to prevent unwanted greying of hair or slow it down. So, let’s find out “wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally” in detail.
Causes of White Hair
1. Genetics
Genetics is one of the most significant factors that causes the early or late greying of hair because production of melanin in the body is regulated by some specific genes. For example, if your parents and grandparents got grey hair sooner in life, there is a chance that you might get grey hair at an early age too. According to researchers, the specific gene predisposition to white hair can be inherited from previous generations. Premature white hair may also be a result of genetic variations or mutations because they sometimes lead to loss of melanin.
2. Aging
The most common and natural cause of white hair is ageing. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin in the body. Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for the colour of your skin. As we grow older, the melanocytes begin to slow down. This decreases the melanin production, and it eventually stops producing. This process can differ from person to person. The rate at which your hair turns grey is influenced by both genetics and lifestyle. Usually, hair starts greying during the middle age, for some people it can also start earlier.
3. Stress
Stress is responsible for numerous health and body issues. Premature greying of hair is another problem that can be affected by stress. Cortisol is a hormone in the body that is produced as a response to stress. When the stress reaches a chronic level, it can cause an increase in the production of cortisol in the body. The main reason for oxidative stress is increased cortisol levels. This damages the melanocytes in the hair follicles. This inturn leads to the loss of pigmentation. It is true that stress isn’t the only reason for white hair, but it can definitely speed up the greying process.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamins and minerals are important for hair-health. Vitamin B12 helps in maintaining your natural hair colours. B12 helps in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the hair follicles. If there is a shortage of B12, it can result in a reduced oxygen supply. This eventually leads to not only greying of hair but also weakening. Other minerals and vitamins whose deficiency can cause a loss of natural hair colour are vitamin D, iron, copper, and zinc. These nutrients are important to maintain the overall health and function of hair follicles.
5. Autoimmune Conditions
Some autoimmune disorders that can significantly affect hair pigmentation are alopecia areata, vitiligo, and thyroid issues. When the body’s immune system attacks its cells, the melanocytes in hair follicles are also destroyed in this process including the melanocytes in hair follicles. After the melanin is destroyed, white patches of hair, or even complete loss of hair colour is observed. For example, if a person has vitiligo, their immune system attacks the melanocytes in their skin and it leads to depigmentation of the skin and hair. Thyroid disorders can also disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, affecting hair growth and pigmentation.
6. Smoking
Smoking is another common reason for so many health problems. One of the most common ill-effects of smoking is that it makes you age faster, and eventually causes your hair to grey. Toxins in cigarette smoke can lead to nicotine addiction that causes sometimes stress. An increase in cortisol levels damages the hair follicles. This causes hair to grey earlier than it should. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can also reduce blood flow to the hair follicles, thus preventing essential nutrients from reaching.
7. Environmental Factors
When exposed to UV radiation, pollution in the environment, harsh chemicals etc., your hair and skin can get damaged. This is again related to damaged melanocytes. Pollutants and toxins can lead to oxidative stress, which damages the melanocytes, and UV rays can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to greying. The dirt and dust can also lead to the buildup of free radicals in the body, further accelerating the ageing process, and causing the premature greying of hair.
Natural Remedies to deal with White Hair
1. Curry Leaves
Curry Leaves are a reservoir of vitamin B. They can restore the natural hair colour. Besides this, they also have antioxidants and amino acids. These nutrients help strengthen hair follicles, improve hair health, and prevent premature greying. The way to use curry leaves for your hair is to boil the curry leaves in coconut oil till it turns black and prepare a tonic. After boiling it, strain the oil and let it cool. Then, you can massage the tonic into your scalp before going to bed. Rinse it off with a good and mild shampoo in the morning, After straining the oil, let it cool down, and then massage it into your scalp before going to bed. You can sleep with the oil in your hair, and the next morning you can wash your hair with shampoo. By doing this regularly, you can improve the condition of your hair, restores the hair colour.
2. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla contains a lot of nutrients. It contains Vitamin C, antioxidants and more which are essential for healthy hair. In Ayurveda, the benefits of incorporating Amla in your diet are described at length. This is why Ayurvedic medicines that treat hair problems contain amla. For good hair, make a hair mask by mixing two teaspoons of amla powder with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your hair and scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with water. You can also use amla oil as a hair massage oil to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
3. Henna
Very popular in South Asian countries, Henna is a natural dye. It not only colours your hair but also conditions and strengthens it. You can mix henna powder with water to create a thick paste and apply the paste to your hair. After leaving it on for 2-3 hours, you can rinse it off with water. It makes your hair strong and shiny.
4. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice
Coconut oil contains a lot of fatty acids, and antioxidants, and lemon juice is rich in vitamin C. Both these nutrients are important for good hair. You can make a mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice and apply it on your hair and scale to see better results.
Dietary Choices to Prevent White Hair:
- Eggs: It contains biotin that helps the production of keratin in our hair, a protein that makes up the structure of hair. They also contain B-vitamin that helps in maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.
- Leafy Greens: They are particularly high in vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are important for the production of red blood cells and melanin. Examples of leafy greens that you can consume are spinach, kale, and Swiss chard.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients like copper, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Copper is needed for melanin production. Omega-3 fatty acids provide essential fats that nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds are some of the nuts and seeds that you can use.
- Fish: Fish are rich in omega-3, fatty acids and vitamin D. These minerals play a role in hair follicle cycling and preventing hair loss. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are some of the fish that you can include in your diet.
- Berries: These food are rich in antioxidants that protect the hair from oxidative stress and damage. They have good amounts of Vitamin C that aids in the absorption of iron. Some of the berries you can consume are strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed by the skin to produce sebum.
- Lentils: Lentils are rich in iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the hair follicles. They also contain protein, and folic acid.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Hair suggested by -wellhealthorganic.com
- Reduce Stress: You can reduce your stress by practising meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity.
- Quit Smoking: If you quit smoking, you can improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, reduce oxidative stress, and slow down the greying process.
- Protection against Environmental Damage: You can wear a hat or a scarf to cover yourself from exposure to direct sunlight. You stray away from using harsh chemical products on your hair, and use organic and natural products instead.
- Hydration: Dehydration can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to greying.
- Get Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, which helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Exercise can also help manage stress, which is a contributing factor to premature greying.
Conclusion
White hair or grey hair is a natural part of growing old. Some people even believe that it is an experience of its own kind. While some people embrace it, for some it might be an insecurity. Various factors such as genetics, stress, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune also cause the untimely greying of hair. By applying natural and organic remedies by wellheathorganic, you can prevent the premature greying of hair, and slow down the entire process. Eating foods rich in biotin, vitamin B12, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, along with using natural treatments like curry leaves, amla, henna, black tea, and coconut oil, can help maintain your hair’s natural colour and keep it healthy.
Also, Read About:- How to Build Muscle: Essential Tips and Strategies
