Premature greying of hair is a sign of aging.
Now a days ageing is very common due to pollution. Ageing is due to accumulation of free radicals inside our body which damage the cell membranes.
Physiology of hair colour
Basically we have two types of pigment producing agents known as eumelanin and pheomelanin. These pigment producing cells known as melanocytes are present in the melanosomes. The cortex of hair follicles contain numerous melanocytes that synthesize melanin which is the pigment of hair colour. They give the natural colour to our hair. As aging process starts, the melanocytes start declining the pigment production. The hair also looses shiny and lusterless.
Lots of factors are involved in premature ageing.
Stress
Stress enhances free radical production in our body. Free radicals or the reactive oxygen species have damaging effects on the cell membranes and cells. As the world is more materialistic, work life pressure, peer pressure all contribute towards stress. Ultimately it increase the stress hormone levels with metabolic syndromes. The raised level inflammatory markers enhance the damage by reactive oxygen species.
Micronutrient deficiency
Micronutrient are essential elements required by our body in small quantities but they are equally important.
The common micronutrient deficiency are vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, zinc, magnesium. The micronutrient s help in building the cellular architecture of hair cells.
Air pollution
It is one of major factors nowadays causing premature greying of hairs. Air pollutants like nitric oxides, carbon dioxide, heavy metals have damaging effects on hair follicles.
Genetic
Some genes regulating the colour of hair run in families. The candidate genes are responsible for discoloration of hairs. They regulate the early aging and manifest as familial symptoms.
Smoking
Smoking of tobacco contains hundreds of harmful chemicals. These chemicals are oxidants. They induce free radical potentiated damage. Also smoking cause vasoconstriction leading to decreased blood supply to the hair follicles resulting degeneration of hair follicles with reduced pigment cells formation.
Application of harmful chemicals
Harmful chemicals containing hydrogen peroxide damage the pigment producing cells. The bleaching agents also damage the hair follicles with their oxidative action.
How to prevent greying of hairs?
1. Vitamins and micronutrients
Diet rich in vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin and micronutrients like selenium, iron, magnesium, copper should be taken for nourishment of hair follicles.
2. Avoid stress
We should do body relaxation exercises, yoga to keep stress at bay. It heals our mind and prevent accumulation of free radicals.
3. Quit smoking
As we have discussed earlier, smoking contains many harmful chemicals which generate reactive oxygen species and decrease blood flow to hair roots.
4. Avoid applying harmful chemicals and bleach ing agents
Natural therapies to arrest premature greying of hairs
1. Bhringraj
It is mixed as a paste with oil can restore the natural colour of hair. It nourish es the hair roots and prevent antioxidant damage. The powder form available applied with oil overnight and then washed in morning. It is a powerful ingredient that restores the ability to synthesize the melanin.
It is a very effective ingredient to reverse the greying of hairs.
2. Onion mix
Onion juice can help in reversing the grey hair. It is rich in sulpher which provides nourishment to the hair strand. Onion paste applied along with coconut oil or olive oil has amazing results.
3. Curry leaves mix with oil
Curry leaves are rich in vitamin B complex that provide nutrients to the hair follicles. When mixed with coconut oil, it can be applied to the hair.
4. Amla
Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It prevents damage due to free radicals and nourishes our hair. Amla can be applied as paste Or hair oil.
