Grey hair comes to us all in the end. Hair follicles produce pigment cells that contain a substance called melanin. As time passes, the pigmentation of hair follicles weakens and grey hairs are the result.
Most often this is due to age, but there are factors that can bring on those silver streaks even in your early 20s. If this has happened to you, don’t worry. There are ways to prevent premature greying and return your hair to its original colour.
Usual Causes Of Premature Grey Hair
According to one study, between 6 and 23 percent of people below the age of 50 have grey hair. Here are some of the typical reasons why people go grey at an early age.
Genetics
Your genes provide the blueprint for your whole body, hair included. If your parents or predecessors have gone grey in their younger years, there’s a good chance you will too. If that’s the case, you can always dye your hair with the colour of your choice.
Vitamin Deficiency
Premature grey hair can also be a sign that you’re not getting enough vitamin B-12. This vitamin plays a critical role in your body’s production of healthy hair and strong hair colour.
Vitamin B-12 is also crucial because it helps make vital red blood cells. These red blood cells carry oxygen to the rest of your body, including your hair cells. Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been linked to anaemia, a condition that inhibits the body’s ability to produce red blood cells and, therefore, its capacity to maintain the quality of your hair cells. In time, this affects their pigmentation.
Nicotine Consumption
Most people know that smoking can harm your heart and lungs. Studies have also revealed a link between smoking cigarettes and having silver hair. This happens because smoking shrinks your blood vessels. It is therefore difficult for your red blood cells to deliver the nutrients your hair follicles need. The toxins carried by cigarettes can also be the reason why your hair turns grey.
Stress
We’ve all heard people say things like: “It would turn your hair grey overnight.” Such expressions highlight the connection between stress and grey hair. Everyone experiences stress, but if your body and mind are always deeply troubled, it can affect your hair. This is because stress reduces the production of melanin, the substance that provides your hair with its natural colour. Researchers using mice in a study discovered that the more stress the mice experienced, the less pigment they produced.
How To Prevent Or Reverse the Change
There are different ways of preventing the premature appearance of grey hair or slowing its progress. There are also natural remedies that can restore your hair to its original colour.
Consume Enough Vitamins And Minerals
We’ve already seen that vitamin B-12 is important for your hair, but vitamins B-6, D and E also play a role. Getting enough minerals into your system is also crucial, especially zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium.
Try Natural Remedies
Applying curry leaves and oil to your scalp is an age-old trick. Bhringraj oil, widely used in India, can be effective, too. You can also try Fo-ti, a Chinese medicine used to prevent grey hair production.
Conclusion
Premature grey hair can be a sign of underlying medical issues, so if you have any concerns about your health, you should see a doctor. While silver streaks are a natural part of the ageing process, the steps outlined in this blog post will help you keep the grey at bay for as long as possible.
Going grey doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your hair. If your hair is thinning and the part is widening, that’s another matter. If you are worried about hair thinning or hair loss, why not talk to an expert at Vinci Hair Clinic? We offer a free consultation to give you the opportunity to do just that. Get in touch and book your appointment today!
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