Premature Greying Of Hair (PGH) is defined as greying of hair before the age of 20 years of age in Caucasians and before 30 years of age in Blacks. So basically if your hair starts greying before 30 years of age, it is a pure indication of PGH. Here, in this article, we will explain to you everything right from causes to remedies to get rid of grey hair along with scientific researches and proofs.
What causes PGH?
VITILIGO
Vitiligo is assumed to be associated with the early graying of hair. Melanocytes in people with vitiligo are more susceptible to oxidative stress
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATIONS
Research on mice showed that UV radiation could cause oxidative damage on hair follicles causing hair greying. Oxidative stress can also occur as a result of ultraviolet (UV) rays, emotional factors, pollution, or inflammatory causes.
VITAMIN B12 DEFECIENCY
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause PGH through an unknown mechanism.
LOWER LEVELS OF THYROID HORMONES
Reduced amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 AND T4)can cause alopecia, premature graying, and changes in hair morphology.
DRUGS
Several chemotherapeutic drugs and antimalarials can also cause PGH.
SMOKING
Smoking has been examined as an etiological factor in early-onset achromotrichia. Studies showed that there was a notable correlation between smoking and premature hair graying. The prooxidant effect of smoking on the body, which leads to increased ROS damage to hair follicle melanocytes, is one possible explanation.
PROTEIN DEFECIENCY
Reversible hypopigmentation of the hair can be observed in nutritional deficiency disorders like protein-energy malnutrition and diseases of chronic loss of protein.
IRON, CALCIUM AND COPPER DEFECIENCIES
Iron and Copper deficiency also can induce graying of hair. A study described significantly lower levels of copper in patients with PGH when compared to the control group.
Copper, calcium, iron, and zinc have all been thought to affect melanogenesis and thus influence hair pigmentation.
A newer study of the young Indian population stated lesser serum levels of ferritin, calcium, and Vitamin D3 levels in people prone to PGH.
LOWER HDL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS (GOOD CHOLESTEROL) LEVELS
Another study marked the association of PGH with decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Indian patients aged <25 years. They also reported lower Vitamin B12 levels and Vitamin D levels in PGH. Further studies on HDL-C levels and Vitamin D3 in PGH would be helpful.
SUMMARY OF CAUSES OF HAIR GREYING
Hair greying is mostly a hereditary trait. Poor diet, stress, smoking, pollution, hormonal imbalance, chemicals in hair products, and certain health problems, such as persistent colds, sinusitis, and thyroid issues, can all contribute to hair loss.
Not only is grey hair more sensitive to weathering but also more likely to damage by UltraViolet radiation. Moreover, Grey hair needs increased photoprotection and is less likely to bear artificial color due to structural changes in the hair fiber.
The rule of thumb says that by the age of 50 years, 50% of the population would have 50% of their hair become grey.
Characteristics of grey hair :
Grey hair is stiffer, coarser, and harder to maintain than darker hair. The rate of growth and thickness of non-pigmented hair is significantly higher than dark hair. Greybeard hair can grow up to 4 times faster than pigmented hair.
Not only is grey hair more sensitive to weathering but also more likely to damage by UltraViolet radiation. Moreover, Grey hair needs increased photoprotection and is less likely to bear artificial color due to structural changes in the hair fiber.
The rule of thumb says that by the age of 50 years, 50% of the population would have 50% of their hair become grey.
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
However, nowadays, even children as young as ten years old experience greying of hair, which is a major concern.
If you’re experiencing premature hair graying, whatever the cause, you should see a good trichologist to figure out what’s causing the problem.
HOME-MADE NATURAL HAIR MASKS FOR STOPPING GREYING OF HAIR
Making a few lifestyle adjustments, including decreasing stress, avoiding smoking, and eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other healthy foods, can also help to slow down premature hair greying and improve overall hair health. Here are some simple home remedies that will help you preserve your hair color for as long as possible before it starts to fade and will help to get rid of grey hair:
Curry leaves
Curry leaves can assist to prevent premature greying of hair by increasing the synthesis of darker pigmentation – the melanin. It strengthens your hair and returns its elasticity.
METHOD:
Boil a handful of fresh and green curry leaves in 1 tbsp of coconut oil. Strain the oil and apply it to your scalp and hair and let it rest for 30-40 minutes before rinsing off. Try to do it at least once or twice a week.
Curry leaves believed to contain several medicinal properties are used extensively in South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking.
Henna Leaves
Henna proves wonder for your hair – from coloring your hair to conditioning your glossy hair. The natural qualities of henna promote hair growth. Routine use of henna on hair also cures dandruff and prevents hair fall. Make sure you use henna leaves and not artificial, packaged henna powder.
METHOD:
Simply boil some henna leaves in mustard or coconut oil until the leaves become charred. Strain the oil and apply it to your hair and scalp to get rid of grey hair. Keep it at least for 30-40 minutes and rinse off with tap water.
You can also prepare a henna paste at home by mixing a small amount of black tea water and henna powder. Let the mix soak for over 6-7 hours. Now apply the paste to your scalp and hair and let it rest for 1-3 hours before rinsing your hair using a mild shampoo.
Lemon juice and coconut oil
Combine coconut oil with lemon juice and apply it to your hair using your fingertips and massage it gently into your scalp. Leave it for an hour before rinsing off with a mild shampoo.
Amla juice and almond oil
Try massaging your scalp at least once or twice a week using almond oil, amla juice, and a few drops of lemon juice to counter premature hair greying.
Black tea
Boil tea leaves and cool them down. Strain the tea water and apply it thoroughly to the scalp. Leave it at least for an hour and rinse it off with tap water without the use of shampoo. This is an excellent home remedy for treating premature greying of hair.
Also read :Home-Made Hair Masks You Can Make using Your Kitchen kits – V Cure (vcurehealthcare.com)
