The appearance of grey hair is accepted by most as an inevitable part of aging. There may be ways to delay this occurrence, which some people experience prematurely. Graying of the hair is known to be a loss of pigment in the shaft. Melanocytes, cells in the hair follicles, generate the pigment responsible for hair color, melanin. When melanocytes stop producing melanin, the hair becomes transparent. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors are responsible for this loss of pigmentation. Factors beyond our control include age and family history. While you cannot control those intrinsic factors, you have control over extrinsic factors.
Lifestyle Modification
Step 1
Stop smoking tobacco products. Smoking has been shown to prematurely cause hair to turn grey. Smoking also influences the development of premature balding not to mention a plethora of health risks. Secondhand smoke has a negative impact on others. Many options are available to assist smoking cessation. Do yourself and everyone else around you a favor and stop smoking.
Step 2
Take precautionary measures when outdoors. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is another cause of premature greying. UVA radiation is responsible for hair color changes. The hair pigment is degraded by this radiation thereby resulting in grey hair. Limit your exposure during peak hours, which are between 10 am and 3 pm. Avoid the use of tanning beds entirely. Wear a hat when outdoors.
Step 3
Don't do drugs. Substance abuse can influence the presence of grey hair. This includes alcohol. Drink in moderation if at all.
Step 4
Try supplementation. Studies conducted in the 1940s and 1950s found that by ingesting large amounts of p-aminobenzoic acid, temporary hair darkening could occur. Be aware that it takes time. Darkening of the hair was apparent after two to four months of treatment with p-aminobenzoic acid. Overall, the success rate was 82 percent. Unfortunately, the effects are temporary and fade after two weeks of discontinued use. Even worse, undesirable side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, occur often.
Tips and Warnings
- There are a number of products on the market that claim to reduce and even reverse grey hair growth. None of the products are backed by substantial research. Consult your physician before using them, and purchase with caution.
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