It is common knowledge that gray hair is hereditary, but did you know about the other factors that can make you go gray earlier? Like many other parts of your body, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is essential to hair health. Vitamins help to keep your hair strong, resilient and moisturized and to retain its color for longer. Unfortunately, if you are lacking vitamins or aren't meeting your daily requirements, your hair can suffer. To keep your hair looking its best and to help prevent grays for longer, consume a nutrient-rich diet and consider taking a multivitamin.
Vitamin B12
You can consume vitamin B12, which is commonly found in animal products, to help you retain the life of your hair. This particular vitamin can help keep your hair healthier by preventing hair loss and graying. A lack of vitamin B12 is common among people who don't consume animal products -- for example someone who is a vegetarian. To get more of vitamin B12 in your diet, try consuming more dairy products, eggs and chicken.
Vitamin B6
Similar to vitamin B12 in function, vitamin B6 also helps prevent hair loss and create melanin. Melanin is not only what gives your skin color, but also your hair. Although vitamin B6 deficiencies are rare, if you follow a poor diet, you may be missing this nutrient. Heavy drinkers are also more prone to a B6 deficiency because alcohol depletes the vitamin from your body. To get more B6 in your diet, consume fish, meat, poultry and fortified cereals.
Biotin or Vitamin H
Another nutrient that helps to keep both your skin, hair and nails healthy is keratin. Keratin is a type of protein that makes up the majority of your skin. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is another member of the B vitamin family, helps your body to produce keratin. Boosting your keratin production can help you to preserve the quality and color of your hair. To get more biotin, eat animal products like eggs and dairy products.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also a B vitamin, is important to hair health as well. The main function of folic acid is to help your cells grow and function properly. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body can't store it long term. A folic acid deficiency can cause gray hair because your body needs this B vitamin to support healthy hair growth and function. You can find folic acid in dark vegetables and citrus fruits.
Antioxidants
In addition to the family of B vitamins, you also need antioxidants for healthy hair. The term "antioxidant" most often refers to vitamins A, E and C. Although each of these vitamins serves different functions within your body, each also helps with creating and maintaining healthy hair. If you are lacking any of these vitamins in your daily diet, it is likely that your hair will begin to show signs of aging and graying. You can find these healthy antioxidants in fruits, vegetables and grain products.
Other Vitamins
In addition to the mentioned vitamins, there are a number of other, lesser known vitamins that contribute to your general hair health. Taking adequate amounts of these can help you to not only prevent grays, but also keep your hair stronger. Look for a multivitamin containing the vitamins inositol, niacin and pantothenic acid.
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