The natural color of hair is determined by an oily substance called sebum, which is secreted by the glands that lie beneath the scalp. As one ages, the production of sebum decreases and causes hair to turn gray. However, sometimes hair starts turning gray even when the person is young. This is mostly caused by the deficiency of nutrients like copper, iodine, iron and B vitamins. Lack of proper personal hygiene, washing the hair with hot water and using blow driers are also some of the factors that contribute to premature graying. Emotional shock or trauma, stress and anxiety are also responsible for triggering this problem. It has also been found that heredity is a major predisposing factor in such cases.
There are a few simple home remedies that you may follow to solve the problem of premature graying. One of the most popular natural means of regaining the natural color of hair is to use curry leaves liberally as condiment in cooked food. You may also chew a few raw curry leaves every morning. Adding the juice of a handful of curry leaves into a glass of buttermilk and drinking this mixture every day is also known to help. Alternatively, boil some curry leaves in a cup of coconut oil for 5-10 minutes and collect the clear liquid extract in a jar. Massage your scalp and the roots of your hair every night with this extract before going to bed. This strengthens the roots of your hair and makes them grow naturally black. For another remedy, dry small pieces of ribbed gourd in shade for a few days and then soak these pieces in a bowl of coconut oil for a couple of days more. Now boil this mixture till a dark solid residue settles at the bottom of the pan. Collect the clear extract and massage your scalp regularly with this oil to treat premature graying. Instead of ribbed gourd, you may also use Indian gooseberry in a similar fashion to induce the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, and thereby turn gray hair dark. You may also consume a small portion of butter made from cow’s milk and simultaneously apply some of this butter on your scalp twice every week to make hair grow black. Besides, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as these are rich natural sources of vitamins and minerals that boost the production of sebum.
answered by G M