Graying hair has always been a nightmare, especially for women, as the problem of graying hair is a widespread and widespread problem all over the world. This occurs when the pigment cells around the hair follicles reduce the amount of melanin pigment they produce or stop producing them completely, as the hair is mainly composed of protein It is called keratin, so the more hair grows, the more melanocytes inject the melanin into the cortex of the hair shaft, which gives the hair its natural dark color, as keratin without melanin is a yellowish-gray color no more, so when melanocytes become slow in their work Hair begins to lose color.
Causes of gray hair
There are many reasons for the appearance of gray hair , the most prominent of which are:
Genetics: The genetic makeup of the individual plays a big role in terms of when or if the individual will develop graying of hair, and if the appearance of gray hair is observed at an early age, it is likely that the parents or grandparents appeared to have gray hair at an early age as well, in this case, it cannot be changed Genetics or genetics, but hair color can be changed if gray hair is present.
Anxiety: Every person is exposed to stress from one period to another, and chronic anxiety can include several factors such as sleep problems, stress or psychological pressure, changes and problems in appetite, high blood pressure, and anxiety may also affect hair, as a study in 2013 found that there is a relationship between anxiety and depletion of stem cells in the hair follicles of mice, so if you notice an increase in the proportion of gray hair in the hair, anxiety may be the cause, and this may also explain why some world leaders are aging or graying their hair faster when in office.
Immune diseases: Autoimmune diseases can also cause premature graying of hair, and this is in the event that the body’s immune system attacks its cells, as in alopecia and vitiligo, as the immune system can attack the hair and cause hair pigment loss.
Thyroid disorder: Hormonal changes are caused by a disorder in the thyroid gland, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. This disorder may be responsible for the early graying of hair, as the thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the bottom of the neck As it helps control many body functions, such as metabolism, and it should be noted that the health of the thyroid gland affects the color of hair, as its excessive activity or deficiency can cause less production of melanin.
Lack of vitamin B12: the emergence of graying hair early may indicate a deficiency in vitamin b12, as this vitamin plays an important role in saving energy for the body as well as it contributes to the healthy growth of hair and the color of hair, it is associated with a lack of vitamin b12 condition called pernicious anemia, which occurs when the body cannot absorb and provide enough of this vitamin to the body, as the human body needs vitamin B12 for healthy red blood cells, as these cells work to carry oxygen and deliver it to all cells in the body, including hair cells, so Vitamin B12 deficiency will weaken hair cells and affect melanin production.
Smoking: There is a link between early graying of hair and smoking, as a study conducted on 107 people showed that there is a relationship between the appearance of graying hair before the age of thirty and smoking, as it is known that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, however, the effects are In the long term, it can bypass the heart and lungs and affect the hair, and also smoking works to shrink and constrict blood vessels, which limits and reduces blood flow to the hair follicles, which leads to hair loss and hair loss, as well as the toxins in cigarettes that can harm parts of the body including This includes hair follicles, causing premature graying of hair.
Symptoms of gray hair
One of the main symptoms of graying of hair is the thinning of the hair as it grows, as the loss of hair color before the age of 35 and the appearance of white is an early age.
Prevention and treatment
The proper diet has a very important role in preventing and undermining the emergence of premature graying of hair and certainly eating fruits and vegetables is very necessary to facilitate the provision of essential vitamins and minerals, as proper nutrition is very important to maintain the texture, shine and growth of hair in good condition, and therefore it is also recommended to use shampoo and conditioner that is appropriate with your hair type, it is recommended to use a mild and gentle shampoo and conditioner for the hair in case of daily washing, but the use of conditioner should not be overrated;
As the frequent use of it makes the hair greasy, and also daily massage of hair with fingertips helps blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates it, and we recommend eating carrots. Because it refreshes and activates the blood in the human body, and also works to maintain the health of the hair.
Natural and home remedies
There are many natural recipes that help and contribute to treating the appearance of graying hair, most notably:
1. Indian gooseberry oil or powder (amla)
Blackcurrant works to repair damage to the hair, and it revitalizes and strengthens the hair, which gives dark hair color and a shiny shine, and blackcurrant contains a rich reserve of vitamin C, which makes it an antioxidant, and thus makes it a rich substance that resists aging, and works to stimulate the pigment in the follicles Hair, gooseberry can also be soaked in water from the night until the morning and upon waking up, the hair can be washed with this water, and you can also mix the blackcurrant powder or powder with lemon and almond oil to prepare a smooth and smooth mixture and compound and put it on the scalp regularly, and its method is:
Ingredients:
- From 3-4 dried amla grapes.
- One cup of coconut oil.
Method of preparation and use:
Boil Indian gooseberry and coconut oil for 10 minutes to make an oiled mixture. Store the oil in a jar and take about 2 tablespoons for each use. Massage the scalp with two tablespoons of this oil, and massage the length of the hair until the end of the ends of the hair for 15 minutes. Leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes or leave it overnight. Wash hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo, then conditioner afterward. Repeat the process regularly 2-4 times a week.
3. Black tea to get rid of gray hair
Black tea rejuvenates the hair because it contains antioxidants and helps prevent the growth of white hair, and works to increase the dark color of the hair and increase its shine, and its method is
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of black tea.
- One cup of water.
Method of preparation and use:
Boil black tea in a cup of water until it is well brewed for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool. Pour the mixture cool on the scalp and hair. Massage the scalp for a few minutes, then leave the mixture on the hair for an hour. Wash hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner afterward. Repeat the process regularly 2-3 times a week.
3. Curry leaves to reduce gray hair
Helps restore melanin pigment in hair follicles, and it is also a rich source of vitamin B, which is the vitamin responsible for pigmentation and vital hair growth, and its method is:
Ingredients:
A bunch of curry leaves. Three tablespoons of coconut oil. Method of preparation and use: Boil curry leaves with coconut oil to prepare the oil mixture for 15 minutes. Set the oil aside to cool. Massage the scalp with the oil mixture, and massage the hair until the end of the hair ends for 15 minutes. Leave the oil mixture on the hair for 30 minutes as well, or it can be left overnight. Wash hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and then wash it with conditioner as well. Repeat the process regularly 2-3 times a week.
4. Sage leaves
Sage leaves are a preservative for the natural hair color and keep it from losing color, and in some cases help restore the natural pigment of white hair strands.
Ingredients:
- A bunch of sage leaves.
- One cup of water.
- Spray bottle.
Method of preparation and use:
Boil the sage leaves with the water and leave them until they are well fermented for 15 minutes. Leave the mixture to cool and then put it in a spray bottle. Spray the entire hair with the mixture via a spray bottle. Leave the mixture on the hair for two hours. Wash hair with a mild shampoo, then wash it with conditioner. Repeat the process regularly 2-3 times a week.