Back in the day, grey hair used to be associated with wisdom and knowledge. In many places, it still is, for men at least. But our society still seems to have a collective issue with the natural aging process of the female human being, so reaching for the dye as soon as the first silvery sprouts appear is de rigueur for the vast majority of women in their 20s. How you cope with grey hairing, however, is up to you.

The silvery strands that make your hair look older than you are, are caused by the reduced production of melanin in the body (which is responsible for hair pigmentation). If you have noticed that your hair is greying prematurely, we list out the causes…

Smoking kills (and ages your hair!)

Not only is smoking terrible for your lungs, it’s also one of the major reasons for prematurely greying hair. The oxidative stress caused in the body by smoking leads to reduced production of melanin, which in turn causes grey hair.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Loss of hair pigment is directly related to deficiency of vitamin B12, which helps in the production of Melanocytes cells that are responsible for hair colour. This vitamin deficiency also causes fatigue and poor immunity so you should definitely see your doctor to help treat it.

Unbalanced diets

A balanced diet is essential for good and healthy hair. People who are addicted to junk food are more likely to experience premature whitening of hair, as their dietary needs are not being met.

Stressed? Tensed? Worried?

Have you heard the story of the old man who was so worried that his hair turned white overnight? Turns out that this old man’s tale might just have some truth to it. Too much stress can lead to health complications, which in turn can cause premature greying of hair.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disease that is caused when the pigment producing cells in your skin and hair are damaged. Once the cells in your scalp are damaged, melanin production is reduced and hair begins to turn grey.

And the remedies…

Amazing amla

Amla or Indian Gooseberry may be bitter to taste, but its health benefits are amazing. You can increase your intake of amla to combat hair that is turning white too soon. You can also make a homemade pack of dried amla, fenugreek seeds and coconut oil to apply on your hair. This pack, left in overnight, will help promote blacker and thicker hair.

Black tea for black hair!

One of the easiest way to fight greying hair is with black tea. Boil tea leaves in water, let them steep and strain the water. After the water has cooled down, apply it on your scalp. Let it sit for one hour and rinse with water. This will add a black shine to your hair and also improve hair elasticity.

Cure with curry leaves

Considered to be one of the most effective treatments for greying hair, curry leaves or kadi patta are a part of every Pakistani’s staple diet. You can boil curry leaves in coconut oil and apply the paste on your hair at least once a week to get rid of grey hair.

Henna for healthy hair colour

While henna cannot prevent the greying of hair, it can certainly act as a natural colourant that masks grey hair. You can make a paste of henna and coffee powder to apply on your hair, or you can buy a readymade pack.

Vitamin supplements to nourish

With our hectic lifestyles, we often don’t get proper nutrients. Sometimes, the vitamins we do take do not get properly absorbed by the body. To combat this, many people resort to vitamin supplements to make up for the nutrients their diets lack. If you notice premature greying in your hair and want to take supplements, you must consult your doctor before you do so.

Hibiscus flowers

Hibiscus is good for hair growth, dandruff clearance and also delays premature greying. What’s more, it is a mild cleanser that eliminates impurities on the hair.

Onion juice

Apart from restoring natural hair colour, onion juice also helps treat hair loss and thinning. For best results, mix three teaspoons of onion juice with two teaspoons of lemon juice. Apply the mixture evenly on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for half an hour then wash off with mild shampoo. Repeat the process at least every day for two weeks.