The hair becomes grey or white because of the loss of melanin, a component that produces pigments and melanocytes. They are the basis of the hair’s natural colour and the colour of your skin. The less melanin you’ve got the lighter your hair’s colour. Grey hair is a little melanin in it, while white hair does not have any.

As you get older, it’s normal to shed melanin from your hair. It’s been estimated that the chance of your hair getting grey could increase to as high as 20 percent every decade after the age of 30. Some people experience greying earlier because of their health or genetics.

There’s lots of misconceptions regarding getting back your hair’s natural colour once it’s begun to turn white or grey.

Although certain nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions can cause early greying hairs, it’s not possible to restore your hair’s natural colour if the greys are inherited or result from natural ageing.

If you’re trying to slow the process of greying hair, changing your nutrition could be effective however only if nutritional deficiencies are the primary of the problem. We break down the most commonly-cited myths surrounding the treatment of grey hair, and discuss alternatives to treat your hair’s colour , instead.

grey hair reversible

You can’t change the colour of your hair permanently, if the reason is genetic

In its essence, hair is white by nature. Melanin is the reason for the shade of hair that you are born with, and is determined by genetics. The hair follicles are containing the cells that melanin utilises to make the pigments. They then are combined with protein Keratins.

Hair loss due to Melanin is a natural happening, especially after the 30s. The exact amount of colour loss is dominantly determined by your genetics. If your parents were affected by premature greying, it is likely that you’ll experience a similar situation.

In spite of the claims made on the internet and by the product marketing companies, it’s impossible to reverse the grey hair when the reason is genetic.

When your hair follicles start losing melanin, they’re unable to make the melanin on their own. As melanin production decreases your hair’s hair becomes grey and then the colour turns white once melanin production has stopped completely.

It is possible to treat grey hair

Grey hair due to prematurely aging (before the age of 20 and 30) is typically inherited. It is possible, however, that certain nutritional deficiencies as well as other medical conditions may contribute to it. Consult a physician about the possibilities.

Nutritional deficiencies

If you’re eating a healthy diet, it’s likely that grey hairs aren’t a result of nutritional deficiency.

If your diet is lacking some particular nutrients, they might cause melanin production to decrease in the hair follicles. Vitamin B-12 has been identified as the main commonly cited problem, with folate, copper and iron deficiencies causing a higher risk of causing the gray hair.

Dietary supplements can help with those with deficiencies. You could notice your natural hair colour return after a couple of weeks. But, it is best to check with your physician before purchasing any supplements. They’ll conduct tests on your blood to determine if you actually require them.

Supplements to treat grey hair aren’t effective unless you’ve been diagnosed with a deficit in one or these nutrients.

Image result for diet for hair growth

Underlying Health Issues

Hair that is prematurely greying could be related to specific medical conditions, such as:

  • Thyroid disease
  • Vitiligo
  • Alopecia areata

Hormone fluctuation can be a factor in the greying of hair. Treating these medical issues could theoretically aid in the restoration of melanin and natural hair’s colour over time.

Myths about hair colour restoration

Hair greying is a natural occurrence that is caused by genetics, aging, medical conditions as well as nutritional deficiencies. There are still websites that tout market products and natural remedies, promising to bring back your natural hair colour.

Grey hair supplements

Due to the importance of certain nutrients in all production of melanin, some manufacturers also promote supplements for grey hair. Some of the most sought-after ingredients are zinc, biotin, vitamin D-3 and B-12 as well as selenium.

But, the same rule applies: unless you are diagnosed with a nutritional problem These supplements can’t reverse melanin production, which is the cause of your grey hair.

Hair masks

There are numerous DIY hair-care recipes that are touted as having the ability to darken grey hair. The most common ingredients are essential oils, lemon juice and coconut oil, all of which are aimed at reducing inflammation and increasing antioxidants in your scalp.

Although your hair may appear shiny and soft thereafter, the odds of using hair masks to boost melanin production is low.

Remove grey hair using potato skins

Another myth being circulated is the idea of using potato skins on your hair to eradicate the grey hair. The theory is that natural starches contained in potato skins may help darken your hair’s roots over time gradually.

This method not only does not have a scientific basis and the results will be lost once you cease using potatoes in your hair.

How can we slow the development of grey hair

If you don’t suffer from an underlying medical condition or nutritional issue, there isn’t a specific method to prevent greying hair per se. There are certain remedies that you can employ to delay the onset of greying:

  • Manage your stress, since stress hormones can disrupt melanin production within the hair follicles
  • To quit smoking isn’t easy, but your doctor will be able to come up with an effective plan for you to quit smoking.
  • Being able to maintain your weight
  • Lessening your exposure to harmful pollutants and chemicals
  • Hair protection from sun damage by wearing hair hats and scarves

 What can you accomplish if you do not want the grey hair on your head

If melanin loss in your hair is due to genetics, there’s no way to reverse the greying process.

If you’re not willing to see your hair go grey, discuss with a hair colourist about any alternatives, such as semi-permanent and permanent dyes. Creams and powders for touching up your roots can also be helpful if you’re trying to mask some greys.

Hair dyes that are natural can be also options to think about if you wish to stay clear of hair damage caused from commercial hair dye products. There are a variety of options, including Indian gooseberry and henna.

On the other hand, you can also embrace your hair’s greying. There are products that not only enhance the colour of your hair however, they also stop your grey hairs from becoming brittle and yellow.

Takeaway

The likelihood of greying prematurely depends on the way that the hair follicles in your hair produce melanin. Sometimes other lifestyle factors, nutrition deficiencies along with stress alone could stop melanin production. When these problems are resolved, melanin production can be restored.

Most of the time, however, the age when you begin to notice grey hair — and their severity will be determined by your genetics. The genetic causes of greying hair cannot be reversed.

There are a variety of hair dyes and products you can select from regardless of whether you decide to hide your greys or embrace your grey hair.