Premature Greying: A Growing Epidemic
Premature greying has become a vital concern for thousands of people across the globe. There was a time when the problem of hair greying was only experienced by older people. However, these days, due to pollution and high-stress levels, even girls and boys as young as 16 are dealing with the issue of premature greying. Men and women alike are on the constant lookout for ways to keep their hair dark and dense and prevent getting silver locks, early on. Want to know what causes premature greying of hair & how can it be prevented? Go through the following piece of read to understand premature greying better.
Causes of Premature Greying
The hair follicles contain pigmentation cells called melanin, which are responsible for providing the hair with its natural colour. The more melanin content hair follicles generate, the darker the hair colour becomes. As people grow older, they tend to lose these cells and as a result experience decrease in intensity, and even loss of hair colour. When the amount of melanin reduces considerably at an early age, premature greying of hair occurs. Genetics, thyroid problems, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, lack of nutrition, stress, smoking, hectic lifestyle and some heath problems are the main causes of premature greying.
7 Ways to Prevent Premature Greying
While some medicines and cosmetic treatments can help prevent premature greying, most people wish to opt for natural ways for keeping their hair dark and dense. Premature greying can be prevented by simply:
#1. Reducing Stress to Prevent Premature Greying: Stress can cause a massive change in hair colour. One needs to handle and keep stress in check to prevent premature greying.
#2. Eating Right to Prevent Premature Greying: Eating a right nutritious and balanced diet is important to keep premature greying at bay. The hair and nails require a lot of proteins called Keratin to stay strong and healthy. One should thus include a lot of protein packed foods like dairy products and lentils in their regular diet to prevent premature greying. They should also add sufficient amount of vegetables like celery, spinach, cabbage, capsicum, cucumber and other leafy greens in their diet to get their daily dose of nutrients in order to prevent premature greying. By drinking a big glass of green smoothie each morning, one can prevent premature greying of hair and boost the hair health, naturally. By including fresh fruits and lots of berries like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, gooseberries etc. in their diet, one can supply their body with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins which are useful in controlling premature hair greying. Salmon is a rich source of selenium and protein which together help to balance the hormonal levels in the body and prevent premature greying of hair.
Almond is a storehouse of proteins, vitamin E, and copper which help to keep the hair colour intact and reduce premature hair greying. Not only is it a good tonic for the hair, but the skin as well. Chocolate is enriched with copper which is known to boost melanin production in the body. By eating pure dark chocolate, one can keep their hair black and healthy without adding extra calories to the body. Triphala is a herb which is very beneficial for the hair, skin and eyes. By drinking a glass of triphala water every day, one can prevent their hair from greying prematurely.
#3. Quit Smoking to Prevent Premature Greying: Cigarettes contain carcinogens or cancer causing elements, which affect the hair follicles and cause premature greying, hair fall and breakage. So to prevent these hair problems one must avoid and stop smoking completely.
#4. Keep Thyroid in Check to Prevent Premature Greying: People suffering from thyroid problems, like hyperthyroid or hypothyroid, are also prone to premature greying. One should thus keep a check on their thyroid level to keep their hair healthy and to prevent premature greying.
#5. Avoid the use of Harsh Shampoos to Prevent Premature Greying: Most shampoos and conditioners available in the market contain harsh chemicals that can have many ill-effects on the hair like greying and hair fall. People should thus switch to milder organic shampoos to ensure better hair health and prevent premature greying.
#6. Regular Oiling is a Must to Prevent Premature Greying: Because of lack of moisture, dry and dehydrated hair gives way to premature greying. One should thus oil their hair regularly or treat their tresses with hair spas to keep them well hydrated and conditioned. Use of perfumed hair oil should be completely avoided, as these contain harmful chemicals which can have many side effects on the hair including premature greying.
#7. Best Home Remedies for Premature Greying: Hair fall and premature greying can also be controlled and prevented by using certain home remedies. Ridge gourd boiled in coconut oil is one of the most effective home treatments for greying hair and its prevention. Even, a rinse with concentrated tea can help to prevent the loss of hair colour. One can also treat premature greying by having 1 tsp of fresh grated ginger mixed with honey every day. Boiling curry leaves in coconut oil and applying it on the hair can help to make the hair long, black and shiny. Massaging the hair and scalp with 1 tbsp of common salt mixed in 1 tbsp of strong black tea and letting it rest for an hour, before washing the hair can also boost the hair health. Premature greying can also be prevented by massaging the scalp every night with a mix of almond juice, amla juice and a few drops of lemon. Applying henna on the hair also helps to cover the grey strands and maintain the hair colour.
Conclusion
While some people are fine with the greys, most people hate to experience this dreaded sign of ageing. However, hair greying is no longer just related to age, but is rather associated with poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle and improper hair care practices. So, by practicing a healthy lifestyle, eating habits and hair care regime, one can easily and effectively prevent premature greying of hairs.
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