Grey hair is a natural sign of aging, but it is becoming more common for people to develop grey hair at a young age, known as premature grey hair. Various factors, including genetics, stress, poor nutrition, and medical conditions, can cause premature grey hair. This blog will discuss the causes, prevention, and remedy of premature grey hair.

Causes of Premature Grey Hair

In this section, we will go into great detail about the various reasons for early grey hair.

Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in determining when an individual’s hair will turn grey. Our genes dictate the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our hair colour. If our parents or grandparents started going grey early, we may too. According to a 2005 Journal of Investigative Dermatology study, specific genetic variants were linked to the early development of greying hair.

Stress

Stress has been linked to premature grey hair. As per a 2013 study in the journal Nature, stress can make stem cells in hair follicles cease creating melanocytes, which create melanin. Free radicals, which damage hair cells and cause hair loss and greying, can also be produced due to stress.

Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition can contribute to premature grey hair. Premature greying can result from a diet lacking vital minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and copper. These nutrients are essential for producing melanin, which gives hair its colour.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, vitiligo, and alopecia areata can also cause premature grey hair. Thyroid disorders can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to hair colour changes. The premature greying of hair is another effect of vitiligo, a disease where the skin loses its colour. Premature greying can also result from the autoimmune condition alopecia areata, which causes hair loss.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Premature Grey Hair

In this section, we will discuss some lifestyle changes that can help prevent premature grey hair.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is significant for healthy hair. Nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and copper are essential for producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. Foods such as leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and seafood are excellent sources of these nutrients. A diet lacking these nutrients can contribute to premature greying.

Stress Management

Stress is a significant contributor to premature grey hair. Managing stress levels is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Engaging in activities such as reading, painting, or listening to music can also help relieve stress.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking has been linked to premature greying. Studies have shown that smoking can accelerate the process of hair greying. Quitting smoking can help slow the process of premature grey hair and improve overall health.

Reducing Exposure to Environmental Pollutants

Exposure to environmental pollutants can damage hair cells and contribute to premature greying. Reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, such as traffic fumes, smoke, and industrial chemicals, is essential.

The Role of Melanin in Hair Colour

In this section, we will discuss the role of melanin in hair colour, how it affects hair colour, and how its production can be boosted.

What is Melanin?

Melanin is a complex polymer made up of amino acids, primarily tyrosine. It is produced by melanocytes, specialized cells located in the hair follicles. Melanin is responsible for skin colour, hair, and eyes. Melanin comes in two varieties: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The hair is coloured black and brown by eumelanin and red and yellow by pheomelanin.

How does Melanin Affect Hair Colour?

Melanin plays a crucial role in determining hair colour. The type and quantity of melanin melanocytes produce determines the colour of the hair. The colour of the hair gets darker as more melanin is produced—the less melanin produced, the lighter the hair colour. Pheomelanin gives hair a reddish or yellowish tone, and a combination of both eumelanin and pheomelanin makes different shades of brown hair.

As we age, the production of melanin decreases, leading to grey hair. The hair follicles lose the ability to produce melanin, resulting in a loss of colour. Premature greying can occur due to several factors, including genetics, stress, poor nutrition, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.

How Can Melanin Production Be Boosted?

Several factors can boost melanin production and maintain healthy hair. A healthy diet full of vital minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and copper, helps support the formation of melanin. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, citrus fruits, and dark chocolate can also help protect hair cells from free radical damage.

Remedy for Premature Grey Hair

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is an excellent remedy for premature grey hair. A healthy diet full of vital minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and copper, helps support the formation of melanin.

Bhringraj (False Daisy): The Ayurvedic herb bhringraj has been used for millennia to treat the early greying of the hair. It includes vital nutrients that can support healthy hair and save against greying.

Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals that help maintain hair health. The antioxidants in curry leaves can help prevent premature greying and promote healthy hair growth.

Onion Juice: Sulfur is abundant in onion juice, which helps increase collagen formation and encourage healthy hair growth. Applying onion juice to the hair can help prevent premature greying and promote healthy hair.

Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice: A mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice can help prevent premature greying. Coconut oil’s fatty acids can strengthen hair, and lemon juice’s vitamin C can increase melanin production.

Organic Hair Colour: Organic hair colour is an alternative solution to cover grey hair naturally. It is made from natural ingredients like plant extracts, herbs, and other organic compounds that are safe and gentle on the hair. Unlike synthetic hair dyes, organic hair colour does not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or parabens that can damage the hair and scalp.

Instead, organic hair colour coats the hair shaft with natural pigments that gradually fade, allowing the grey hair to blend in with the rest of the hair. Additionally, organic hair colour can add shine and texture to the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
Overall, organic hair colour is worth it. If you are looking for a natural solution to cover your grey hair, Radico is your one-stop solution.

Conclusion

Organic colour application can be an alternative to cover your grey hair. Radico is a leading provider of organic hair colour products that are safe and gentle on your hair. Our hair dyes are devoid of harsh chemicals like ammonia and parabens and are manufactured from natural components like herbs and plant extracts.

Thus, premature grey hair can result from various factors, including genetics, stress, poor nutrition, and medical conditions. However, premature greying can be treated effectively with proper prevention and remedies.