No matter how much you pluck, it won’t disappear.
No matter how much you paint, it won’t fully conceal it.
On a windy day, you become aware and tense.
You can only face the mirror once you’ve coloured it!
Welcome to the increasing number of individuals experiencing premature hair greying, a sign of early wisdom. The rapid pace of life, fast food, pollution, and stress have all contributed to the premature greying of your hair. However, genetics remains the primary factor. If one of your parents or grandparents had premature grey hair, chances are high that you will too.
Grey hair results from the lack of melanin pigment in the hair follicle. As we age, this pigment diminishes, causing the hair to turn grey or white.
Contrary to popular belief, grey hair is not a new phenomenon that today’s generation has to cope with. Dyes and colours have been utilized for a long time. The difference lies in the ingredients our ancestors used – they were pure and natural. Nowadays, a plethora of chemicals with questionable components has overloaded the market, deceiving the consumer.
Therefore, we believe it would be beneficial to draw inspiration from the past and assist you in keeping those unwanted grey hairs at bay.
According to Ayurveda, individuals with a Pitta constitution are more prone to early grey hair. This is due to the excessive heat associated with this constitution. Therefore, it is helpful to avoid foods that aggravate Pitta, such as spicy, sour, and salty dishes.
Also Read: 6 Best Ayurvedic Medicines For Hair Loss
9 Natural Remedies to Prevent Premature Grey Hair
1. Bringamalakadi Taila:
Apply this traditional Ayurvedic oil to your scalp to nourish the roots and prevent excessive heating, ultimately aiding in the prevention of grey hair growth. Massaging with this oil also promotes improved blood circulation to the scalp, contributing to stronger hair.
2. Brahmi Bringaraj Taila:
Use this herbal oil to massage your hair, preventing dryness and nourishing the hair roots, thereby reducing hair fall. It also helps alleviate stress and prevent premature greying.
3. Coconut Oil:
This oil, known for its cooling properties, is widely used in South India. It can be combined with:
- Aloe vera gel – Mix the gel with coconut oil and apply it to the hair.
- Amla (Indian gooseberry) powder – Heat 2 tsp of amla powder in 3 tbsp. of coconut oil, until it turns black, then apply it to your hair after it cools.
- Curry leaves – Heat a handful of curry leaves with coconut oil until it turns black, then apply it to the scalp. You can also consume curry leaves as part of your diet, as they contain multivitamins and iron that help prevent greying.
Tips:
- Gently massage the oil into your scalp using your fingers.
- Leave the oil on your head for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to allow for deeper penetration.
- Repeat the process 3-4 times a week for several months for optimal results.
4. Til or Sesame Seed Oil:
Til or sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help prevent greying. You can include them in your diet or apply the oil directly to your scalp. Combining sesame seed oil with olive, mustard seed, or almond oil can enhance its benefits.
5. Hibiscus:
Using hibiscus leaves and flowers soaked in water as a hair rinse can help darken your hair, as the nutrients in hibiscus contribute to this effect. Also, hibiscus powder can be used as part of a henna mix.
6. Henna:
Henna, when mixed with coffee or tea powder, lime juice, and hot water, serves as a natural hair tonic. This mixture can be applied to the hair and left on for at least an hour to achieve the desired effect.
Tips:
- The resulting colour from henna will depend on your original hair colour. Adding more coffee and tea powder will produce a darker colour.
- Avoid applying oil before using henna, as it may hinder the application. You can apply oil after the treatment to keep your hair well-moisturized.
- Using a shower cap after applying henna is advisable, as henna can easily stain.
7. Walnut Powder:
Similar to henna or mehndi, the outer shell of black walnuts can be used to create a natural dye for colouring hair. Mix the powder with hot water and let it sit for a few hours. It’s important to note that black walnuts are not commonly grown, unlike the English walnuts we typically consume. Also, consuming walnuts or almonds can help prevent hair greying.
Tip: Before applying any hair dye or colour, it’s essential to check for allergies or skin reactions. Perform a test by applying a small amount to a few hair strands and waiting for a day to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
8. Sahadevi (Veronica cineria) Hair Oil:
This Ayurvedic oil serves as a remedy to prevent grey hair, as well as to combat dandruff and promote hair growth. While not a widely known herb, it can be found as a weed.
9. Dashapushpam Oil:
As the name suggests, this oil contains ten different herbs. Traditionally found in Kerala, where these herbs are abundant, women wear these flowers or herbs in their hair due to their influence on emotions and hormones. Applying this oil to your head can help prevent further greying.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair Loss Problem with Ayushakti
Busting 3 Misconceptions about grey hair
1. Reversing Grey Hair:
The belief that grey hair can be reversed is false. Once hair turns grey, there is no permanent solution to reverse the process. While you can colour it, the grey will eventually reappear. Therefore, preventing grey hair is more effective than trying to cure it.
2. Plucking Grey Hair:
Contrary to popular belief, plucking grey hairs does not affect the greying process, as the hair follicle remains intact. Excessive plucking may lead to hair loss without impacting the greying of the hair.
3. Grey Hair and Age:
Grey hair is a result of the absence of melanin in the hair, not necessarily an indicator of age.
Also Read: No More Suffering From Hairfall: Here’s What You Should Eat!
Useful Tips for Preventing Premature Grey Hair:
- Avoid harmful practices such as smoking and drug use.
- Reduce or eliminate the consumption of caffeinated drinks.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm (not hot) water.
- Protect your hair from the sun’s harsh rays and chlorinated swimming pools by wearing a cap.
- Refrain from using chemicals for curling, straightening, or colouring your hair, as their side effects can be unpredictable.
- Lead a stress-free life.
- Incorporate healthy practices such as yoga, pranayama, breathing exercises, and meditation into your daily routine.
- Please note that home remedies typically require consistent usage over a prolonged period to demonstrate results, especially when it comes to hair colour. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and regular in your efforts. The overall health of your hair will be the best indication of your wise choice.
Ageing is inevitable, but there’s no need to let issues like hair fall, dandruff, or premature grey hair detract from the enjoyment of ageing gracefully. Consider trying one or more of these home remedies for grey hair.
You can also discover which remedy aligns with your constitution and tendencies through the Hairshakti program. To find out more about the program, please book your appointment with Ayushakti Ayurved. Click here!
Ayushakti Ayurved helps to promote holistic wellness for men and women via the Hairshakti program. This program provides insights into the importance of proper nutrition via customized diet, lifestyle, home remedies, herbal medicines and detox therapies as well as skin and hair care, in maintaining a healthy mind and body.
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Blog Author: Dr Komal Pitale
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.