Hair gets its color from a pigment called melanin that's produced by hair follicles. As you age, a decline in melanin production leads to gray or colorless hair, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your genetics largely determine exactly when you hair will begin to gray. While some people turn gray prematurely, it is typically regarded as classic sign of aging. A few vitamins and herbs along with lifestyle considerations might help prolong the inevitable loss of hair color.
Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is a common and effective herbal remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair, according to Home Remedies for You. Indian gooseberry is touted to maintain hair pigmentation and stimulate hair growth. One suggested treatment consists of mixing 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry juice with 1 teaspoon of almond oil and a hint of lime juice and massaging into the scalp daily.
Vitamin B5 and Folic Acid
Folic acid and pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, might help manage the production of melanin, according to Home Remedies for You. When taken together, they might help maintain hair color and possibly reverse premature graying. Dietary sources of essential B vitamins include wheat germ, liver and yogurt.
Nutrtionally Balanced Diet
Eating a nutritionally balanced diet can support hair health and help it maintain its color, according to LifeScript. Foods that might encourage healthy hair include citrus fruits, melons, pineapples, dried beans, green vegetables and green peppers. Eating foods that are rich in iodine and iron might help discourage premature graying, according to Fat Free Kitchen. Foods high in iodine include bananas, cheddar cheese, seafood and carrots. Liver, sardines, eggs, wheat and sunflower seeds are packed with iron.
Natural Hair Dyes
Coloring your hair can instantly cover gray hair for a time. Hair dyes traditionally contain chemicals like peroxide and ammonia. Newer, more natural hair colors such as henna use vegetable-based colorings. Henna, which is the plant jawsonia inermis, might be the most natural hair color available, according to Natural Living for Women. Henna coats hair strands with color.
Stress Management
Effectively managing stress might prevent premature graying. A German study published in July 2006 by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology concluded that psycho-emotional stress might accelerate graying . According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation, deep-breathing exercises and yoga all can help alleviate stress.
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