What Causes Of White Hair And How To Prevent It

Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Andrew

White hair is one of the most frequent side effects of the modern lifestyle, and when your first white strand shows up, you dread it. That’s why you will look for treatment and remedies to help you avoid excessive graying of hair. So let’s know how you can get rid of white hair.

White hairs are associated with the aging process. However, to be diagnosed with it in your mid-thirties or early twenties is disappointing. White and gray hairs are the result of loss of hair pigment. Gray hair occurs when the pigment of the hair is significantly reduced. It turns completely white when the pigment is not available. Unfortunately, the root cause of this condition is still unknown. In this article, we have listed some options to prevent gray hair from growing. read on.

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What is the reason for White Hair? (What is the cause of white hair?)

Hair growth occurs when old cells are pushed out of the hair follicle due to the production of new cells.

It occurs in three phases – growth (anagen), shedding (catagen), and rest (telogen).

During the resting period, your hair reaches its lifespan and falls out, and a new strand grows in its place. Hair color is produced by melanin, which is produced by melanocytes. Unlike skin, pigmentation in hair is not continuous.

Hair growth occurs when old cells are pushed out of the hair follicle due to the production of new cells.

It occurs in three phases – growth (anagen), shedding (catagen), and rest (telogen).

During the resting period, your hair reaches its lifespan and falls out, and a new strand grows in its place. Hair color is produced by melanin, which is produced by melanocytes. Unlike skin, pigmentation in hair is not continuous.

Hair is actively pigmented in the anagen phase.

Pigmentation is reduced in the catagen phase and absent in the telogen phase.

With age, the amount of pigment injected into each strand of hair decreases, which is why it turns gray and eventually white. Know the factors causing gray hair and how to prevent gray hair in the below section

The beginning of having white hair is due to the following reasons:

1. Gene

“Genes are a major factor in determining at what age your hair loses pigment,” says Dr. For some people, it can even happen before the age of 20. For others, the first varieties of white appear late.

2. Lack of melanin

In most of the cases, the lack of melanin is the major cause of graying of hair. The production of melanin depends on proper nutrition and protein supplements. Deficiency of these nutrients causes melanin to drop below acceptable levels.

3. Hormones

Research suggests that an imbalance in hormones can trigger or exacerbate premature graying of hair. If you are experiencing excessive graying of hair and are not sure whether you have a hormonal imbalance, please consult a doctor.

4. Smoking

Studies have shown that smoking is one of the major factors in premature graying of hair. Reactive oxygen species from smoking damage hair follicle melanocytes, leading to premature graying of hair.

5. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12 and selenium can also cause graying of hair follicles. People with premature graying of hair have been found to be deficient in vitamin B12 and folic acid with low levels of biotin.

6. Stress

Emotional stress also plays a role here. Studies have shown that oxidative load caused by psychological stress can lead to premature graying of hair. Stress can also cause premature hair loss

7. Chemistry

Many times the use of chemical based shampoos, soaps, hair dye etc. can directly cause this problem. However, it can also result from certain allergic infections.

Natural remedies to reduce white hair. Natural Remedies To Reduce White Hair

gooseberry

1. Amla and coconut oil

Amla is a rich storehouse of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and has anti-ageing benefits and regenerates the pigment in your hair follicles. Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. It improves hair health

Material

3-5 Indian gooseberries

1 cup coconut oil

Process

1. To make oil, boil 3-4 gooseberries in 1 cup of coconut oil.
2. Later store this oil in a jar and take about two tablespoons for each use.
3. Massage the oil into your scalp and apply it throughout your hair.
4. Massage for 15 minutes and leave it like this for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil on overnight.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

how often?

2-4 times a week.

2. Black Tea
   Black tea is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can help prevent free radical damage to hair. It helps in darkening the hair color along with adding shine. Black tea is also known to help relieve stress. As discussed, stress is a significant factor in premature graying of hair.

Material

2 tbsp black tea

1 cup water

Process

1. Boil two tablespoons of black tea in a cup of water until it is well cooked.
2. Keep the decoction (water boiled with black tea) aside to cool down.
3. Strain this decoction and apply it on your hair and scalp.
4. Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes and wait for about an hour.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

how often?

2-3 times a week.

Also Read  : wellhealthorganic.com/know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally

3. Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil

Curry leaves are used to restore and maintain the natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair follicles to nourish the hair from the root and promote hair growth.

Material

handful curry leaves

3 tbsp coconut oil

Process

1. To make the oil solution, boil a handful of curry leaves in 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Keep the oil aside to cool down.
3. Once it cools down, strain the oil and massage it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
4. After massaging for 15 minutes, leave the oil like this for another 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil on overnight.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

how often?

2-3 times a week.

4. Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil

Lemon contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and protect hair from damage. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that lemon juice can reverse graying of hair. Coconut oil nourishes your hair and promotes hair growth.

Material

2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tbsp coconut oil

Process

1. Add two teaspoons of lemon juice to two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the mixture for a few seconds until it is lukewarm.
2. Massage your scalp with this mixture and apply it all over your hair.
3. Leave it for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

how often?

2 times a week.

5. Onion Juice and Olive Oil

One study indicated that onion juice may help reduce hair loss and regrow hair in some people. Onion juice also contains catalase which can help reduce the build-up of hydrogen peroxide on your hair and scalp, thus helping in reducing graying of hair and improving the health of your hair. However, the only drawback of using this remedy is that onion smell is difficult to remove from your hair. Olive oil is an emollient and conditions your hair.

Material

1 medium sized onion

T spoon olive oil

a cheesecloth

Process

1. Cut a medium sized onion into small pieces and mix it with about one tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Using a cheesecloth, squeeze out the juice from the pulp.
3. Apply this juice on your scalp and massage for about 10 minutes.
4. Let the juice soak for an additional 30-35 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and condition.

how often?

2 times a week

Tips to reduce white hair

1. Increase intake of Vitamin B12
2. Increase intake of Vitamin B5
3. Keep thyroid levels under control
4. Quit smoking
5. Load Up on Antioxidants
6. Protect Your Hair From UV Rays