Gray hair can be the result of a variety of things, ranging from genetics and aging to vitamin deficiency and hormone imbalance. It can even be the result of an underlying health problem, so it is always a good idea to have a thorough physical to rule out health issues before choosing from among the numerous solutions for gray hair currently available.
Assess Your Diet
Researchers have connected deficiencies in certain nutrients directly to the graying of hair. The B vitamins are essential to healthy hair, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Deficiencies in folic acid and biotin, for example, can directly cause gray hair. Other B vitamins are essential to the processes by which the scalp receives the nutrients and oxygen it needs. That is because they are, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, essential to red blood cell production and the means by which those cells are able to take in and let out oxygen. The Linus Pauling Institute also points out the value of copper. Deficiencies in this mineral can cause gray hair because it has a role in the production of melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation of hair. Eat healthy whole foods--including plenty of leafy green vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products, nuts, whole grain breads and cereals--and a variety of nutrient rich fruits and vegetables each day.
Visit Your Local Indian Store
According to the Daily Glow website, Indian Gooseberries is getting quite a bit of attention as a solution for gray hair. This nutrient packed berry has been a long respected part of Ayurvedic medicine, used to treat a variety of conditions, including those associated with aging. Look for the Indian Gooseberry, called amla, in stores specializing in Indian import groceries. Soak them overnight in water to cover, then take them out and let them dry, reserving the water. Once dry, let them simmer in coconut oil until they crumble. Watch carefully because oil can catch on fire if it gets too hot and is left unattended. Remove from the oil and reserve the oil. Rub the berry paste into hair, and then rinse with the reserved water and oil. Perform this procedure twice a week until the problem is resolved and then once a week for maintenance purposes.
Stimulate Your Scalp
Increasing the blood flow helps to oxygenate your scalp and is good for the blood vessels that deliver nutrients and oxygen to your scalp. Exercise will aid in getting the blood flowing from head to toe. Exercise also has an effect on hormone levels, as noted in the article "Hormones and Resistance Exercise," written by Derek Marks, M.S., and Len Kravitz, Ph.D. Hormone balances affect many aspects of hair, including its graying.
Color Hair
Hair dye is a solution that many do choose. There are some chemically based dyes that are manufactured specifically for covering gray. Research has raised awareness of certain risks associated with using chemical dyes on hair, such as the increased chance of bladder cancer noted by researchers from the Department of Clinical Oncology of the Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center, cited in a U.S. National Library of Medicine article. The National Cancer Institute also published information that associated hair dye with other cancers, such as that of blood and bone marrow. There are also nonchemical hair dye options, such as henna, that can serve as a solution to gray hair. For those with dark hair, using a strong solution of black tea to color gray hair may prove to be an acceptable solution, adding color, without the risks of chemical dyes.
References
- Daily Glow: Home Remedies for Gray Hair
- PubMed: Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (amla): the ayurvedic wonder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference--Vitamin B1
- Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center--Copper
- Len Kravitz, Ph.D.: Hormones and Resistance Exercise
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