Getting gray hair at such an early age can be quite troubling and it is natural for you to want to do something about it. However, you must remember that getting gray hair is a part of the ageing process, much like the wrinkles that appear on the skin.
Graying of hair occurs due to the loss of pigment in the hair shafts. There are many reasons why this happens. External factors such as sunlight and pollution and internal factors such as age and family history etc. all play a role.
Here are a few steps that you can take to prevent further graying of your hair:
- Quitting Smoking: If you are a smoker then you should quit, as smoking has been known to cause premature graying of hair. Smoking may also cause premature balding and a range of other health issues.
- Outdoor Protection: The ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight is another cause of premature graying and other changes in hair color. You should limit your exposure to sunlight during the peak hours by either staying indoors or covering your head with a hat or a scarf while outdoors.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drugs are another cause of premature gray hair.
- Supplements: Ingesting high doses of p-aminobenzoic acid can cause a temporary darkening of hair color. However, the effects will only be apparent after a couple of months of treatment and will fade after about two weeks of discontinuing treatment. In addition to this, there are several unpleasant side effects of this supplement such as gastrointestinal distress.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Practitioners of TCM claim that your hair color is influenced by the health of your kidneys and the quality of blood. Certain remedies such as wheatgrass, hijki seaweed and black sesame seeds are reputed to be good for treating premature graying hair. However, there is no scientific proof to corroborate these claims.
- Diet: While dietary changes have little or no effect on gray hair, it would help to eat a balanced diet if only to maintain your hair health. A dietician or nutritionist can help you formulate a suitable diet plan.
answered by A S