Developing gray hair is a normal and natural effect of growing older. The pigment cells that give your hair its color die as you advance in age. Generally, you will see this emerge in your late 30s through your 40s, although the color change can happen earlier or later. Since you lack pigment in your hair follicles, it is not unusual for gray to hair to show foreign materials picked up from the environment, including your diet. Carotenoids, a form of vitamin A, are dark-colored dyes present in vegetables that can cause yellowing of your gray locks.
Step 1
Moderate your intake of carotene-containing vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. You can consume alternate foods, such as spinach, pumpkin and grapefruit, which are not as richly orange, indicating a lower beta-carotene content.
Step 2
Stop taking beta-carotene supplements if you're experiencing yellowing of the hair, unless directed to do so by your physician. Generally, beta-carotene supplements are necessary for aging because they help treat age-related macular degeneration. Dosing is usually 15 mg a day, which is a relatively low amount. Combined with high amounts of carotene-containing foods, however, may increase yellowing.
Step 3
Avoid smoking or using products that can cause buildup in your hair. Smoking can stain your hair yellow and make already yellowing gray hair due to beta-carotene worse.
Step 4
Get your needed vitamin A through alternate means, such as supplements or dark green leafy vegetables. This will deliver essential vitamin amounts, about 700 mcg needed per day, without yellowing your hair.
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