A chemical called melanin helps produce the color of hair. As a person ages, the pigment inside the hair follicle dies. The result is less melanin in the hair, giving it a grey or white appearance. Unfortunately, this does not just occur with old age. Genetics or a medical condition can cause hairs to grey prematurely.
Deficiency Correction
The Dr Greene website explains that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause premature greying of the hair. This is typically due to a dietary deficiency. To remedy, be sure to include a variety of vitamin B12 rich foods in your diet. These include fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, yogurt, milk and fortified cereals.
Occasionally, a medical condition such as tuberculosis, fish tapeworms or diverticulosis may block the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. A doctor can provide the proper medication and treatment. Once the condition is remedied, graying of the hair should cease.
Hair Dye
According to the Prevention website, prematurely greying hair can be remedied with hair dye. If you suffer from just a few grey hairs, try using a demi-permanent dye, meaning that it will wash out after a few weeks. For more than 40 percent grey hair, select a more permanent hair dye. Because hair is naturally lightest at the tips, it is important to apply hair dye to the roots, leaving the tips untouched.
Heat helps to open hair cuticles, so consider wrapping a warm towel around your hair while the dye sits. Three minutes before rinsing out the dye, splash a little cool water onto your scalp and comb through your hair. Water will help to dilute the hair dye, helping to naturalize the final result.
Thyroid Control
The Dr Greene site says that thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, can reduce the activity of the body’s melanocytes, resulting in premature grey hair. To treat thyroid conditions, a doctor may prescribe oral radioactive iodine. This treatment can shrink the thyroid gland, ceasing symptoms. Other anti-thyroid medications, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, work by reducing hormone production of the thyroid gland. If you do not respond well to other treatment options, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove portions of the thyroid.
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