What Are The Treatments For Premature Grey Hair?

Greying hair is a natural problem that typically occurs in people around age 30 years for men and 35 years for women, although some people in their late teens may experience greying, according to the Scientific American website. Greying is caused by depletion of hair melanin producers, called melanocytes, which lends color to hair cells produced by follicles in the scalp. Although some medical professionals believe that stress may accelerate the depletion of melanocytes, existing research is inconclusive. There are several possible treatments for prematurely greying hair.

Ho-Shou-Wu

Ho-shou-wu is an herb thought to be native to China. The first written reference to ho-shou-wu appears in the Ri Huazi Bencao about 1,300 years ago. This herb appears in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for alopecia, or balding, and greying hair. However, modern research has not conclusively shown that ho-shou-wu is effective for preventing or reversing grey hair. Although ho-shou-wu is generally considered safe, it contains chemicals, called anthraquinones, that may cause diarrhea, according to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, contributor to the Institute of Traditional Medicine website. Consult your doctor before using any alternative remedies such as this.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is an essential vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells and utilization of iron, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Although vitamin B12 deficiencies are rare, the body's ability to retain this vitamin may diminish with age. Also, vegans and strict vegetarians who do not eat animal products may not get enough vitamin B12. Some researchers believe that a vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to the depletion of melanocytes and premature greying of the hair.

Hair Coloring

Hair coloring is the quickest and most effective treatment for premature grey hair. This process involves applying chemicals to the hair strands to alter their color. There are several types of hair dye available, including semi-permanent dyes, which fade after several washings, and permanent dyes, which chemically change the color permanently. Some people with greying hair prefer progressive dyes, which gradually cover grey over several applications, according to the Grey Hair Loss website. Progressive dyes provide a more discreet treatment for greying hair because the grey goes away over time instead of all at once.