A common problem that is emerging is white hair at an early age. This issue is severely hitting the self-esteem of the sufferers. However, it is a condition that can occur due to various factors like genetics, any medical condition, deficiencies and more. This condition has no reversal. It is common for the color of hair to change as we grow older. White or gray hair can show up at any time in the course of life. We understand your depressing condition and this is why we covered some major reasons for you to understand the process of White hair : easy ways to prevent it naturally.
White Hair- A Depressing Situation For Sufferers
The human body is home to thousands of hair follicles which are tiny sacs that line the skin. Follicles are the source of hair and color cells that are brimming with melanin. With time, hair follicles shed pigment cells, resulting in the white hair appearance. White hair appears more prominent when you have darker hair shades. Though white hair is the hallmark of aging, colorlessness is common at any time- even if you’re still in college or high school. If you’re a teen you can still witness white hair strands.
Major White Hair Causes
Listed below are a few major white hair causes:
1. Excessive Stress
This is something we all experience throughout our hectic lives. Chronic stress may cause some issues which include premature white hair. This releases Cortisol and Noradrenaline that can trigger the depletion of stem cells, spoiling the pigment responsible for the hair color.
Some signs that you suffer from chronic stress include:
- Low energy
- Irregular Appetite
- Irregular sleeping pattern
- Frequent body ache
2. Genetic
- Genetics form the reason for the deficiency in the cells responsible for melanin production.
- White hair finds its roots in genetics and you might witness white hair highlights at 15 years age.
- Genetics greatly influence your hair color. This limits the ways you can reverse this change.
- We have plenty of choices in the cosmetics industry for semi-permanent or temporary changes in our hair color.
3. Medical Conditions
These include:
- Thyroid Imbalances: Hormone balance that regulates melanin production can impact from this condition. An underactive or overactive thyroid may cause premature graying.
- Autoimmune Diseases: This include conditions like alopecia areata, auto-immune disorder. These can greatly affect hair follicles, and disturb melanin production.
- Vitiligo: A skin disorder that refers to the absence of pigmentation on the skin. This may also cause heights in hair color graying.
4. Hair Care Habits
These include:
- Harsh Styling: Excess use of hair styling heating tools or harsh chemicals can majorly damage hair follicles, affecting melanin production.
- Scalp Health: A soiled scalp can affect the normal functioning of melanocytes, causing premature graying.
5. UV Rays Exposure
- Exposing yourself under the UV Rays for a longer time can damage the protective layer of the hair.
- This exposure can create free radicals emitted by the rays that can damage the melanin content of hair.
- These harmful rays can damage hair follicles, particularly their pigmentation.
- Essentially, cover your hair with a cap or a scarf whenever the sun is shining hot over your head.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutrition deficiency can also cause hair and it is of many types. These include:
- Vitamin B12: A lack of intake in vitamin B12 can interfere with melanin production. This vital vitamin helps to maintain melanocytes’ health and helps maintain the color of hair.
- Vitamin D, Iron, and Copper: Inappropriate levels of these nutrients can lead to premature hair graying. These share an essential role in the synthesis of melanin and health of hair.
7. Smoking
- White hair shares a deep connection with smoking.
- This activity can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and heart diseases.
- The long-term consequences may impact hair.
- This can constrict blood vessels which cuts off the blood flow to hair follicles.
- Toxins in cigarettes can damage body tissues, leading to premature white hair.
Measures For White Hair
Mentioned below are a few measures that you can apply to prevent premature graying:
1. Take Dietary Changes
Listed below are a few foods elements that can help you cover nutritional problems:
| Nutrient | Role in Hair Pigmentation | Key Foods |
| Vitamin B12 | Red blood cell and DNA production | Meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, fortified cereals |
| Copper | Melanin production via enzyme activation | Nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark chocolate |
| Zinc | Cell division, growth, and follicle health | Meat, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy products |
| Iron | Oxygen transport and hemoglobin formation | Red meat, spinach, lentils, chickpeas, tofu |
2. Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurvedic treatments and medicines are a known natural method of treating health issues always. These do not pose any adverse side effects to your health. Listed below are a few herbal remedies to help you avoid white hair.
- Indian Gooseberry and Coconut Oil
- Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil
- Onion Juice and Olive Oil
- Sage Leaves
- Amla and Methi Hair Oil
3. Practice Stress Management
When you exercise stress management activities, you can reduce white hair amounts. These include yoga, running, walking and other ways to reduce anxiety. These activities are good for coping stress and helping maintain your hair color.
4. Use Gentle Hair Products
- Hair products like shampoos and hair masks are a common pick today.
- When it comes to hygiene, you must consider the amount of chemicals loaded in the product. You must avoid picking hair care products with harmful chemicals. This may impact your hair color severely.
- You can prefer using gentle products that can improve the health of hair follicles.
5. Scalp Massage and Hydration
- Calming Massage: Get yourself a gentle scalp massage to increase blood circulation. This improves hair follicles health, while encouraging melanin production.
- Hydration: Make sure your scalp and hair are hydrated with plenty of water and apply natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil to moisturize.
Easy Ways To Slow White Hair Process
Check out below:
- Quitting smoking. This can be difficult but you can take a doctor’s intervention in this process.
- Maintaining your weight.
- Reducing exposure to chemicals and pollution.
- wearing scarves and caps to shield your hair from the sun.
- Concentrate on treating the underlying illnesses.
Wrapping Up!
We tried our best to cover every relatable aspect about the white hair and home measures to help with this condition. Since every person has a different hair journey, the outcomes can differ. Understanding the causes we mentioned above can help you face the situation better. By combining the methods we listed above, you can help with perseverance and a consistent approach to maintaining your natural hair color. If you notice a sudden increase, you must see a dermatologist expert to receive expert advice specific to your needs.