Hair turns white or grey as a person ages. In some cases however, a person may experience 'premature graying' where hair turns grey or white at a young age. This occurs on account of a variety of reasons, mainly when melanin is not produced at the hair root.
Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of hair and when it stops being produced at the hair root, new hair grows out without any color. At the hair follicle base are stem cells that are responsible for producing melanocytes and these are cells that store and produce pigment in skin as well as hair. Graying occurs when melanocyte stem cells die.
The age at which graying of hair begins is genetically determined, however, thyroid or vitamin deficiencies, an unhealthy diet, stress and nature of lifestyle also cause premature graying of hair.
Dyeing your hair is one way to take care of covering up grey hairs but keep in mind that white roots require constant maintenance and certain chemicals in hair dyes tend to make hair brittle and rough. To prevent premature graying naturally you can try to maintain a careful diet and invest some time in hair care. Eating foods that are rich in protein content helps control graying. Meat, cereals, sprouted grains and soy are a rich source of proteins. Include foods that are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, minerals and iron in your diet. Cauliflower, yellow fruits and dark green vegetables, tomatoes, wheat germ and cereals, yogurt and yeast are some important sources of Vitamin A. Likewise, red meat, sunflower seeds, eggs, parsley and wheat are foods rich in iron content.
There are some natural remedies you can try at home to help control premature graying. Coconut oil is one of the most effective remedies for premature graying. Massage coconut oil into the roots of your hair every night and wash it off in the morning. Coconut oil provides essential nutrients to your hair and helps control graying. Ribbed gourd is another effective remedy for graying hair. Dry the ribbed gourd in the sun and then soak it in coconut oil for at least four hours before heating the oil until the gourd is blackened. Apply the residue in the oil after it cools down and massage it into your scalp every night. Apply butter made from cow's milk on your scalp twice a week to control gray hair.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.