The aging process, while usually associated with wrinkle formation, also affects our hair. Gray hair is not uncommon in the elderly. Yet some of us may have a head of gray hair in our forties, while others find the gray coming out while still in their twenties or thirties. Although unusual, it is not uncommon for people who are still in their teens to also start sporting a few gray hairs.
In many instances, people try to cover up their gray hair because they feel it makes them look or feel older than their actual age. One of the favorite means of doing so is the use of harsh chemical hair dyes that may damage both your hair and health(1) in the long run.
Why Does Hair Turn Gray?
Your hair loses color, in other words, it turns gray, when your hair follicles lose pigment cells (2) containing melanin. This process is normally associated with aging. Yet people are increasingly showing signs of turning gray. In many cases the aging process is not the cause. Something else is.
Your Genes
If your family has a history of early graying, the chances are good that premature gray hair may be in your genes. If this is the case, there is not much you can do about it except try to slow the process as much as you can.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Today’s diet and lifestyle results in our bodies not getting all the vitamins (3) it needs to function properly. Thus, certain functions become affected. One such is the way in which our hair grows.
Vitamin deficiencies that may contribute to premature graying of hair include vitamins B6, B12, D, and E.
Your Medical History
Certain health issues may promote premature graying. Compromised thyroid function (4), for example, may result in a decline in hair growth and/or premature graying.
Smoking
According to research (5), smoking increases your chances of premature aging in those under the age of thirty years.
Stress
Stress comes in all forms. It may result from worries over your work situation, i.e. psychological stress, or physical stress due to an injury, for example. An article published in Nature Medicine (6) strongly suggests a link between physical stress and premature graying.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress, which may result in the loss of skin pigments resulting in the condition known as vitiligo (7). While vitiligo usually results in blotchy white patches on the skin, your hair may also lose color and become gray.
How to Prevent (and Possibly Reverse) Graying Hair
Before going out and buying a bottle of hair dye, please first consider more natural, beneficial solutions to the problem.
Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil, made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, contains large quantities of herbal melatonin (8). It also has the ability to spread melatonin (9) within the skin. It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are commonly associated with hair loss or premature graying and has strong antioxidant properties.
Argan Oil
Argan oil has a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids beneficial to your health. It also has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties (10). The various compounds and properties in Argan oil may promote healthy hair and prevent premature graying. This it may do by promoting hair follicle shaft development while helping control melanin production.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Research (11) into the Indian Gooseberry shows its effectiveness as a holistic supplement. In India, it has long been used to encourage lush hair growth and combat premature graying of hair.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has amazing anti-stress and antioxidant properties. It also easily absorbs into your hair shaft and follicles. The oil may thus improve scalp health and help prevent your hair from graying prematurely.
Herbal Supplements and Diet
If you have a deficiency in certain vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, do consider taking herbal supplements and looking at your diet.
Antioxidants, found in foods, reduce oxidative stress. This means eating foods like fish and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and using antioxidant-rich oil like olive oil or coconut oil when cooking. Also consider a cup of two of green tea each day. Green tea has amazing health benefits and is rich in antioxidants.
In Closing
Going gray may be a part of life. Premature graying, however, may be due to factors you have some measure of control over. By making the proper adjustments to your diet and using certain products like Black Seed Oil on your hair, you may slow down or even reverse graying hair.
If interested in our range of Black Seed Oil products, please visit our products page.
