Gray hair is the result of a decrease in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. Gray hair can be caused by heredity, age and poor diet. In addition, hair care choices such as styling tools and products and washing your hair with hot water may also precipitate graying. Gray hair is unpreventable. However, understanding the causes may help you find a suitable method of gray-hair reduction.
Get More Copper
The degree of melanization depends on the amount of copper present in the body, says the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Thus, your lack of melanin production may be caused by a low intake of copper. For foods rich in this mineral, try shiitake, portobello and white mushrooms, potatoes and turnip greens. For meats, try seafood such as crabs and oysters and poultry such as quail.
Try Herbal Hair Dyes
Although temporary, herbal hair dyes can give you a darker hair tone while keeping the harsh chemicals of commercial dying products out of your hair. Herbs such as sage, tea and rosemary will coat your hair shaft in a darker tone when applied daily for a few weeks. To make a dye, combine equal parts sage and rosemary to one cup of water and brew. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the herbs and apply the liquid to your hair. Leave in for five minutes and rinse, following up with your regular hair-cleansing routine. Regular black tea can also be substituted for rosemary and sage. Upon discontinued use, your hair will return to gray.
Increase Omega-3 Intake
Omega-3 fatty acids help your melanocytes produce a sufficient amount of melanin pigment needed for hair coloration, says the Look Beauty website. Omega-3 can also help with the brittleness of hair, which often accompanies grays. For omega-3 sources, try seafood such as tuna, herring, trout, anchovy, bass, sardines and salmon. For alternative sources, try tofu, soybeans, walnuts and flaxseeds.
Considerations
The amount of intake of copper and omega-3 fatty acids should be catered to how much you already ingest and how well your body absorbs it. Too much copper in the system can cause spikes in estrogen and impair thyroid and liver function. In addition, too much omega-3 in the system can cause allergic reactions, such as redness and swelling, gastrointestinal discomfort and increased risk of bleeding. Thus, it may be best to talk with your physician before initiating any significant increase in copper or omega-3 intake.
Warning
Applying herbs directly to the skin may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Thus, if you experience localized or general redness, inflammation, itchiness or hives, discontinue use and consult a physician. Because these reactions may occur, it's best to test the herb, herbal paste or liquid on a small, inconspicuous spot for these reactions prior to use on large areas on the body.
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