Supplements to reverse gray hair. Reverse Gray Hair: 20 Nutrients, Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs to Prevent Premature Graying
What nutrients can help reverse gray hair? What vitamins and supplements can prevent premature graying? What herbs may delay hair graying? Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.
Reversing Gray Hair: The Role of Nutrients and Supplements
While you can’t restore hair that’s already gone gray to its former color, making certain lifestyle changes may help preserve the rest of your hair’s natural pigmentation and delay the overall graying process. Genetics play a significant role in when and how quickly someone’s hair starts turning gray, but eating the right nutrients and taking proactive measures can make a difference.
Key Nutrients for Preventing Premature Graying
Certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy hair pigmentation. If you’re not getting enough of these in your diet, you may be more prone to premature graying. Let’s explore some of the most important ones:
Calcium
Calcium isn’t just important for bone health – it also supports nerve, heart, and muscle function. Dairy products, dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fish are all good sources of calcium. Aim for at least three servings per day.
Copper
Copper deficiency can interfere with energy production and affect your blood cells and connective tissues. This mineral also plays a role in melanin production, which gives hair its color. You can find copper in peanuts, almonds, lentils, beef liver, crabmeat, and white mushrooms.
Iron
Low iron levels are common in people with premature hair graying. Iron is essential for creating hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Good sources of iron include meats, lentils, and dark leafy greens. Vegetarians and vegans should pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption.
Protein (Keratin)
Keratin is a type of protein found in the surface cells of hair. When keratin breaks down in the hair follicles, it can lead to pigmentation changes and other issues. While you can’t directly consume keratin, getting enough protein in your diet allows your body to produce this essential structural component.
Vitamins for Preventing Gray Hair
In addition to key minerals, certain vitamins can also play a role in maintaining natural hair color and delaying graying:
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B-5 helps your body convert food into energy. Animal studies have shown it may even reverse graying, though more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. Good sources include fish, beef liver, and yogurt.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is important for metabolism and immune function. Deficiency can lead to dry hair, cracked lips, and fatigue. You can find vitamin B-6 in fish, poultry, potatoes, and non-citrus fruits.
Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B-9 helps your body metabolize amino acids and supports important metabolic and DNA functions. Without enough folic acid in your diet, you may experience hair, skin, and nail changes. Good sources include leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans.
Supplements for Reversing Gray Hair
While a balanced diet is the best way to get essential nutrients, some people may benefit from targeted supplements to help prevent or reverse gray hair:
Catalase Supplements
Catalase is an enzyme that helps break down hydrogen peroxide, which can build up in hair follicles and cause graying. Supplementing with catalase may slow the graying process.
Antioxidant Supplements
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione can help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, which is linked to premature graying.
Herbal Supplements
Certain herbs like ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha, and fo-ti have been traditionally used to support hair pigmentation. However, more research is needed on their efficacy.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Gray Hair
While genetics play a major role, your lifestyle and environmental exposures can also impact when and how quickly your hair starts turning gray:
Stress
Chronic stress has been shown to accelerate the graying process, potentially by triggering an autoimmune response or disrupting melanin production.
Smoking
Smoking can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to premature graying. Quitting smoking may help slow the graying process.
Sun Exposure
Excessive UV exposure from the sun can damage hair follicles and lead to premature graying. Protecting your hair with hats or hair products with SPF can help.
Conclusion
While you can’t completely reverse gray hair that has already developed, making sure you get adequate levels of key nutrients like calcium, copper, iron, and various B vitamins can help preserve your natural hair color and delay the overall graying process. Incorporating supplements and making certain lifestyle changes may also be beneficial for those experiencing premature graying.
20 Nutrients, Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs, More
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
Unless you’re willing to dye your hair, you can’t restore hair that’s already gone gray to its former color.
However, you may be able to preserve the rest of your color and delay the inevitable for a bit longer by making a few lifestyle changes.
Your overall success will ultimately depend on your genetics.
Most people begin developing gray or silver hair before the age of 50. What typically starts as a few stray strands may gradually increase over time to cover large areas of the hair.
Eating the right nutrients and taking other proactive measures may help preserve existing pigmentation, delaying overall graying.
People who begin to experience “premature” graying, which refers to graying before the age of 30, may be particularly keen to try these preventive actions.
Curious? Read on to find out what you should add to your diet, whether supplements can help, and more.
Although it’s mostly genetically driven, premature graying also has a dietary component.
Certain vitamins and minerals help ensure that your hair follicles produce the pigments (melanin) that the hair needs to retain its natural color.
Consider whether you’re getting enough of these nutrients in your diet.
Calcium
Calcium isn’t just important for your bones. It also promotes nerve, heart, and muscle health.
Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are prominent sources of this mineral.
You can also find calcium in dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fish.
Aim for at least three servings per day.
Copper
Copper deficiency can interfere with energy production throughout your body, affecting your blood cells and connective tissues.
This mineral also helps your body metabolize iron and create new blood cells. Copper plays a role in melanin production too.
Getting enough copper in your diet can ensure that these processes remain intact.
You can find it in peanuts, almonds, and lentils, as well as beef liver, crabmeat, and white mushrooms.
Iron
It’s not uncommon to have low iron levels if you have premature hair graying.
Iron is an essential mineral that helps create hemoglobin in your blood cells. Hemoglobin, in turn, is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
You can ensure that you’re getting enough iron in your diet by eating meats, lentils, and dark leafy greens.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, make sure that you eat vitamin C-rich foods at the same time, as this helps your body absorb more of the iron.
Protein (keratin)
You may have heard about keratin treatments for hair straightening and smoothing, but internal keratin can also affect your overall hair health.
Keratin is a type of protein that’s present in surface cells. When keratin proteins break down in the hair follicles, this can lead to hair loss and pigmentation changes, among other issues.
You can’t eat keratin, per se, but ensuring that you get enough protein in your diet can allow your body to extract amino acids and turn them into keratin.
Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B-5 is an essential nutrient that helps your body produce energy from the foods you eat. It also helps make red blood cells.
Although studies in mice have shown that vitamin B-5 can reverse graying fur, there aren’t any clinical studies to show that such effects can happen in humans.
However, getting enough vitamin B-5 can ensure that your body is properly converting food into energy.
Foods rich in vitamin B-5 include fish, beef liver, and yogurt.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is important for both your metabolism and your immunity.
If you don’t get enough vitamin B-6, you may develop symptoms like dry hair, cracked lips, and fatigue.
The good news is that you can get vitamin B-6 from a variety of different foods, including fish, poultry, potatoes, and non-citrus fruits.
Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
Vitamin B-9 (folate or folic acid) helps your body metabolize amino acids. It’s also important for metabolic and DNA functions.
When you’re not getting enough vitamin B-9 in your diet, you might experience hair, skin, and nail pigmentation changes.
Examples of folate-rich foods include beans, asparagus, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of prematurely graying hair.
Researchers have noted that vitamin B-12 deficiencies are often concurrent with folic acid and biotin deficiencies in people whose hair has started to turn gray early.
Vitamin B-12 is another nutrient that’s essential for your metabolism, DNA production, and overall energy levels.
You can ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin B-12 by eating foods like meats, dairy products, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. It also helps your body absorb calcium more efficiently.
Research has found that people with prematurely graying hair also tend to have vitamin D deficiencies.
This finding suggests that the nutrient also affects melanin production in the hair follicles.
You can get vitamin D from moderate sun exposure, and it’s also in foods that include eggs, fatty fish, and fortified products.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that’s responsible for protecting your cells and DNA from invaders, which is why people often tout it as a cold remedy.
It also helps your body make protein. Zinc deficiency may affect your hair health.
The mineral is widely available in beans, whole grains, red meat, and oysters.
If you’re not getting enough of the above nutrients in your diet, taking one or more supplements could help.
Certain nutrients can ensure that your hair follicles are producing pigmentation as they should, especially in the case of premature graying.
Talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider before taking any of the following supplements. These professionals can help determine whether you’re truly deficient in these nutrients and advise you on any next steps.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 deficiency tends to be more prominent among people who don’t eat meat.
Certain autoimmune and kidney conditions can also change how your body takes in vitamin B-6.
The daily recommendation for most adults is 1.3 milligrams (mg), but older adults and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding require slightly more.
Vitamin B-6 is available as a standalone supplement. Alternatively, many multivitamins contain this nutrient.
Shop for vitamin B-6 supplements.
Vitamin B-9
In terms of hair health, vitamin B-9 can ensure correct pigmentation. If you aren’t eating enough folate-rich foods, you might wish to consider supplementation.
The daily recommendation for most adults is 400 micrograms (mcg).
Not all multivitamins contain vitamin B-9, so it’s important to read product labels carefully. Your doctor may even recommend a separate folic acid supplement.
Shop for vitamin B-9 supplements.
Vitamin B-12
Research has found that many young adults with gray hair may also have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Vegetarians and vegans are more prone to B-12 deficiencies because the nutrient primarily occurs in animal products.
The daily vitamin B-12 recommendation for most adults is 2.4 mcg.
If you don’t get enough vitamin B-12, your doctor may recommend supplements, injections, or a multivitamin.
Shop for vitamin B-12 supplements.
Fish oil or copper
Fish oil supplements could be another option if your doctor suggests taking them.
One study found that participants with prematurely graying hair had higher cholesterol levels. Taking fish oil supplements could potentially be one way to address this.
Shop for fish oil supplements.
Copper can also be present in seafood. The daily recommendation for most adults is 900 mcg.
Your doctor may recommend copper supplements if a confirmed deficiency has affected your blood cells and energy production. These effects could result in gray hair and other noticeable symptoms.
Shop for copper supplements.
Biotin
Many people believe that biotin supplements can make hair thicker and stronger.
Research also suggests that biotin deficiency may play a role in premature graying.
The daily recommendation for most adults is 30 mcg.
Shop for biotin supplements.
Catalase enzyme
Catalase enzymes are responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Some people have a condition called acatalasemia, which causes low levels of these enzymes. Over time, these low levels can cause toxins to build up in the body.
Catalase supplements are only helpful if your body is low in these enzymes. Your doctor will be able to make this diagnosis.
Shop for catalase supplements.
To improve overall hair health, some people turn to herbal remedies.
For example, people have used a Chinese herb called Polygonum multiflorum for alopecia (hair loss), as well as for liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, research shows that this popular herb might do more harm than good by damaging your liver.
Therefore, use herbal remedies for gray hair and other health concerns with caution. When in doubt, consult a doctor or another healthcare provider.
Herbs can be just as powerful as conventional medications and may interact with any drugs or supplements that you’re already taking.
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. It may even contribute to premature graying, especially before the age of 30.
If you’re ready to quit, talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider. They can advise you on how best to go about this and connect you to helpful resources.
Joining a smoking cessation group can provide extra support, which can also be helpful.
The association of high stress with sudden hair whitening is questionable.
There’s even some debate over whether there’s really an established link between long-term stress and premature graying.
If stress is indeed contributing to your gray hairs, better stress management could help. Plus, a less stressful lifestyle certainly doesn’t hurt!
You may be able to manage your stress better and improve your overall health by using the following tips:
- Prioritize your commitments so that you’re not cutting time out of your home life.
- Work on saying “no” to extra tasks if you already have a full plate.
- Set aside time each week for your favorite hobby.
- Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises every day, even if it’s just for five minutes at a time.
- Exercise daily to help minimize stress and boost serotonin in the brain.
While diet and an overall healthy lifestyle can help minimize gray hairs, there’s only so much that you can do to control the natural loss of melanin in your hair follicles.
There’s also a significant genetic component to graying hair. If your parents dealt with premature grays, the chances are that you will too.
Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t try to slow down the graying process.
Just remember that if a supplement or alternative treatment sounds too good to be true, then that’s probably the case.
You should address any concerns about premature grays or hair loss with a doctor.
20 Nutrients, Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs, More
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
Unless you’re willing to dye your hair, you can’t restore hair that’s already gone gray to its former color.
However, you may be able to preserve the rest of your color and delay the inevitable for a bit longer by making a few lifestyle changes.
Your overall success will ultimately depend on your genetics.
Most people begin developing gray or silver hair before the age of 50. What typically starts as a few stray strands may gradually increase over time to cover large areas of the hair.
Eating the right nutrients and taking other proactive measures may help preserve existing pigmentation, delaying overall graying.
People who begin to experience “premature” graying, which refers to graying before the age of 30, may be particularly keen to try these preventive actions.
Curious? Read on to find out what you should add to your diet, whether supplements can help, and more.
Although it’s mostly genetically driven, premature graying also has a dietary component.
Certain vitamins and minerals help ensure that your hair follicles produce the pigments (melanin) that the hair needs to retain its natural color.
Consider whether you’re getting enough of these nutrients in your diet.
Calcium
Calcium isn’t just important for your bones. It also promotes nerve, heart, and muscle health.
Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are prominent sources of this mineral.
You can also find calcium in dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fish.
Aim for at least three servings per day.
Copper
Copper deficiency can interfere with energy production throughout your body, affecting your blood cells and connective tissues.
This mineral also helps your body metabolize iron and create new blood cells. Copper plays a role in melanin production too.
Getting enough copper in your diet can ensure that these processes remain intact.
You can find it in peanuts, almonds, and lentils, as well as beef liver, crabmeat, and white mushrooms.
Iron
It’s not uncommon to have low iron levels if you have premature hair graying.
Iron is an essential mineral that helps create hemoglobin in your blood cells. Hemoglobin, in turn, is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
You can ensure that you’re getting enough iron in your diet by eating meats, lentils, and dark leafy greens.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, make sure that you eat vitamin C-rich foods at the same time, as this helps your body absorb more of the iron.
Protein (keratin)
You may have heard about keratin treatments for hair straightening and smoothing, but internal keratin can also affect your overall hair health.
Keratin is a type of protein that’s present in surface cells. When keratin proteins break down in the hair follicles, this can lead to hair loss and pigmentation changes, among other issues.
You can’t eat keratin, per se, but ensuring that you get enough protein in your diet can allow your body to extract amino acids and turn them into keratin.
Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B-5 is an essential nutrient that helps your body produce energy from the foods you eat. It also helps make red blood cells.
Although studies in mice have shown that vitamin B-5 can reverse graying fur, there aren’t any clinical studies to show that such effects can happen in humans.
However, getting enough vitamin B-5 can ensure that your body is properly converting food into energy.
Foods rich in vitamin B-5 include fish, beef liver, and yogurt.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is important for both your metabolism and your immunity.
If you don’t get enough vitamin B-6, you may develop symptoms like dry hair, cracked lips, and fatigue.
The good news is that you can get vitamin B-6 from a variety of different foods, including fish, poultry, potatoes, and non-citrus fruits.
Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
Vitamin B-9 (folate or folic acid) helps your body metabolize amino acids. It’s also important for metabolic and DNA functions.
When you’re not getting enough vitamin B-9 in your diet, you might experience hair, skin, and nail pigmentation changes.
Examples of folate-rich foods include beans, asparagus, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of prematurely graying hair.
Researchers have noted that vitamin B-12 deficiencies are often concurrent with folic acid and biotin deficiencies in people whose hair has started to turn gray early.
Vitamin B-12 is another nutrient that’s essential for your metabolism, DNA production, and overall energy levels.
You can ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin B-12 by eating foods like meats, dairy products, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. It also helps your body absorb calcium more efficiently.
Research has found that people with prematurely graying hair also tend to have vitamin D deficiencies.
This finding suggests that the nutrient also affects melanin production in the hair follicles.
You can get vitamin D from moderate sun exposure, and it’s also in foods that include eggs, fatty fish, and fortified products.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that’s responsible for protecting your cells and DNA from invaders, which is why people often tout it as a cold remedy.
It also helps your body make protein. Zinc deficiency may affect your hair health.
The mineral is widely available in beans, whole grains, red meat, and oysters.
If you’re not getting enough of the above nutrients in your diet, taking one or more supplements could help.
Certain nutrients can ensure that your hair follicles are producing pigmentation as they should, especially in the case of premature graying.
Talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider before taking any of the following supplements. These professionals can help determine whether you’re truly deficient in these nutrients and advise you on any next steps.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 deficiency tends to be more prominent among people who don’t eat meat.
Certain autoimmune and kidney conditions can also change how your body takes in vitamin B-6.
The daily recommendation for most adults is 1.3 milligrams (mg), but older adults and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding require slightly more.
Vitamin B-6 is available as a standalone supplement. Alternatively, many multivitamins contain this nutrient.
Shop for vitamin B-6 supplements.
Vitamin B-9
In terms of hair health, vitamin B-9 can ensure correct pigmentation. If you aren’t eating enough folate-rich foods, you might wish to consider supplementation.
The daily recommendation for most adults is 400 micrograms (mcg).
Not all multivitamins contain vitamin B-9, so it’s important to read product labels carefully. Your doctor may even recommend a separate folic acid supplement.
Shop for vitamin B-9 supplements.
Vitamin B-12
Research has found that many young adults with gray hair may also have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Vegetarians and vegans are more prone to B-12 deficiencies because the nutrient primarily occurs in animal products.
The daily vitamin B-12 recommendation for most adults is 2.4 mcg.
If you don’t get enough vitamin B-12, your doctor may recommend supplements, injections, or a multivitamin.
Shop for vitamin B-12 supplements.
Fish oil or copper
Fish oil supplements could be another option if your doctor suggests taking them.
One study found that participants with prematurely graying hair had higher cholesterol levels. Taking fish oil supplements could potentially be one way to address this.
Shop for fish oil supplements.
Copper can also be present in seafood. The daily recommendation for most adults is 900 mcg.
Your doctor may recommend copper supplements if a confirmed deficiency has affected your blood cells and energy production. These effects could result in gray hair and other noticeable symptoms.
Shop for copper supplements.
Biotin
Many people believe that biotin supplements can make hair thicker and stronger.
Research also suggests that biotin deficiency may play a role in premature graying.
The daily recommendation for most adults is 30 mcg.
Shop for biotin supplements.
Catalase enzyme
Catalase enzymes are responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Some people have a condition called acatalasemia, which causes low levels of these enzymes. Over time, these low levels can cause toxins to build up in the body.
Catalase supplements are only helpful if your body is low in these enzymes. Your doctor will be able to make this diagnosis.
Shop for catalase supplements.
To improve overall hair health, some people turn to herbal remedies.
For example, people have used a Chinese herb called Polygonum multiflorum for alopecia (hair loss), as well as for liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, research shows that this popular herb might do more harm than good by damaging your liver.
Therefore, use herbal remedies for gray hair and other health concerns with caution. When in doubt, consult a doctor or another healthcare provider.
Herbs can be just as powerful as conventional medications and may interact with any drugs or supplements that you’re already taking.
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. It may even contribute to premature graying, especially before the age of 30.
If you’re ready to quit, talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider. They can advise you on how best to go about this and connect you to helpful resources.
Joining a smoking cessation group can provide extra support, which can also be helpful.
The association of high stress with sudden hair whitening is questionable.
There’s even some debate over whether there’s really an established link between long-term stress and premature graying.
If stress is indeed contributing to your gray hairs, better stress management could help. Plus, a less stressful lifestyle certainly doesn’t hurt!
You may be able to manage your stress better and improve your overall health by using the following tips:
- Prioritize your commitments so that you’re not cutting time out of your home life.
- Work on saying “no” to extra tasks if you already have a full plate.
- Set aside time each week for your favorite hobby.
- Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises every day, even if it’s just for five minutes at a time.
- Exercise daily to help minimize stress and boost serotonin in the brain.
While diet and an overall healthy lifestyle can help minimize gray hairs, there’s only so much that you can do to control the natural loss of melanin in your hair follicles.
There’s also a significant genetic component to graying hair. If your parents dealt with premature grays, the chances are that you will too.
Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t try to slow down the graying process.
Just remember that if a supplement or alternative treatment sounds too good to be true, then that’s probably the case.
You should address any concerns about premature grays or hair loss with a doctor.
Natural hair beauty: Rausch anti-graying shampoo – Hair Care – Care for graying hair – Blog
Gray hair can appear on the hair as a result of age-related changes, as well as due to stress or due to the characteristics of the body. Seeing the first gray hair is a real disaster for many, but do not panic. Be that as it may, maintaining a beautiful and natural shade of hair is important for each of us, so we keep calm and start working in this direction.
New Anti-Gray Shampoo by Rausch re-activates melanin production to restore the original hair color and slow down the graying process.
A very interesting novelty, isn’t it? Let’s test it together! 🙂
The formula of the shampoo is based on an extract of chokeberry (chokeberry), known for its beneficial properties and ability to prevent early gray hair.
Shampoo is housed in a traditional Rausch bottle of 200 ml.
The cover is “soldered” with a special sticker.
The dispenser is ordinary and quite convenient. 🙂
Shampoo has a very pleasant aroma and a light translucent texture of a berry shade. Every time you take a shower, you immerse yourself in this aroma and dreams of summer. 🙂
Shampoo lathers well and washes hair for 5+. And, of course, after washing your hair, it is better to use an additional conditioner or balm so that your hair does not tangle. There is no conditioner in this Rausch line, but there is a serum, which, I believe, will perfectly complement the action of the cleanser and will solve the cause of the problem even more directly. Comprehensive care is always the most effective, do not forget about it. 🙂
Serum against the first signs of graying 30 ml
Re-activates the natural production of melanin, slows down the process of graying
4130 ₽
Receipt expected
After washing the hair, the hair is unusually light, soft and silky. Personally, I don’t have gray hair at the moment (hooray!), so I can’t say anything about the result in this direction. 🙂 But as a hair cleanser, I definitely like this shampoo very much.
Shampoo against the first signs of gray hair, 200 ml
Solution for the first gray hair
1310 ₽
Receipt expected
Shampoo against the first signs of gray hair from Rausch impresses with its incredible fragrance and delicate effect. Even if you do not have the first signs of gray hair, but you want to please yourself with a special summer care, then you will definitely like this novelty. 🙂
Author – Alexandra Maksimova, beauty editor of Pharmacosmetica.
Gray hair – causes, treatment. Is it possible to restore gray hair
May 1, 2020
8 comments
A common cause of hair color changes is the loss of melanin. This substance is involved in the generation of a pigment called melanocyte. It is responsible for the natural color of hair and skin. And the lower the melanin content in the blood, the lighter the color of your hair. According to studies, gray hair has a minimal amount of melanin, while white hair does not have it at all. The process of reducing the level of melanin is quite natural. It is believed that the probability of graying after 30 years increases every decade by 20 percent.
However, there is a lot of misinformation that there is a way to get your natural hair color back, even if you are going gray. Even though certain nutrient deficiencies and poor health conditions can cause gray hair, the natural color can’t be restored. Especially in cases where gray hair is a genetic feature or the result of aging.
But if you want to prevent the growth of gray hair, changing your diet can help.
In this article, we will look at the most common myths about gray hair and analyze ways to influence hair color.
Why it is impossible to restore hair color if the gray hair is genetic
By its natural structure, the hair has a natural white color. Melanin is responsible for their coloration. The same substance determines hair color at the genetic level. Each person’s hair follicles contain cells that use melanin to create pigment, which combines with protein keratins to form natural hair color.
Reducing the level of melanin in the hair occurs naturally. However, the highest intensity of this process is observed after 30 years. The exact rate of hair color loss is largely determined by genes. If parents gray prematurely, then the likelihood that their child will be subject to the same effect is very high. Therefore, the claims made by marketers about the possibility of restoring hair color are false, especially if the cause is genetic.
Once hair follicles lose melanin, the ability to generate it on their own is also lost. And as a result, after a while, gray hair forms in the hair. Before temporary gray hair, which occurs between the ages of 20 and 30, is most often hereditary. However, in some cases, the reason for the decrease in melanin production may be a lack of nutrients and certain diseases. In this regard, both options should be discussed with your doctor.
Nutrient deficiencies
If you eat a balanced diet, most likely your gray hair is not due to a lack of nutrients. At the same time, a deficiency of certain nutrients can greatly affect the production of melanin.
The most common cause of gray hair growth is vitamin B12 deficiency. It provokes the formation of copper and iron deficiency, which also increases the risk of early color loss. In this case, nutritional supplements may be the solution. Thanks to their reception, you can see how the hair restores its natural color. However, before including them in the diet, you should consult your doctor. He will take blood tests and find out if you really need them.
Health disorders
Premature graying may be associated with certain diseases, namely:
- vitiligo;
- thyroid disease;
- alopecia areata.
Changes in hormone levels also affect the condition of the hair. Treatment of these diseases and disorders can lead to normalization of melanin levels and hair color over time.
Hair color restoration myths
Gray hair growth is a natural process that is affected by aging, genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies and health conditions. Despite this, there are companies that continue to advertise natural remedies and promote products that purportedly can help restore natural color.
Supplements
Given the role of nutrients in melanin production, some companies sell hair color supplements. The most popular among them contain components such as biotin, zinc and selenium, as well as vitamins B12 and D3. When taking them, it should be borne in mind that, provided there is no nutritional deficiency, these trace elements will not have any effect on the process of melanin production.
Hair masks
There are many recipes for hair masks on the Internet that can restore natural color. Their composition includes coconut oil, lemon juice and essential oils. However, the action of all these ingredients is aimed at eliminating inflammation and increasing the level of antioxidants in the scalp. Of course, these masks can improve the condition of the hair, ensure their shine and restore the structure. However, they cannot increase melanin production.
Potato skins
Another myth is that potato skins are used to get rid of gray hair. The idea is that the starches in the skin of the potato gradually darken and cover the gray hair. In addition to the fact that this method is not scientifically validated, any results that can be achieved will disappear after the first shampoo.
How to slow down the appearance of gray hairUnless you have a nutritional deficiency or health problem, there is no way to prevent gray hair once and for all. But there are medications and good habits that can slow down the graying process:
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What can be done if you don’t like gray hair
the process of gray hair formation is impossible. In this case, you should talk to the hairdresser about the use of permanent or permanent dyes. To mask the problem, root coloring powders and color correcting creams can also help.
Natural dyes are another option. Their use is especially relevant if you want to avoid possible hair damage. These include henna and Indian gooseberry.
On the other hand, you can accentuate gray hair and give it a noble look. This idea can be realized at the expense of care products. They will not only improve the color, but also prevent yellowing and reduce breakage.
Conclusion
The likelihood of premature graying of hair directly depends on the production of melanin. Sometimes stress, nutritional deficiencies, and other lifestyle factors can cause low levels of this substance. Once these problems are resolved, the hair color will be restored.
But in most cases, the cause of gray hair is age and genetic characteristics. In these cases, it is impossible to return the hair to its natural color. Despite this, there are many paints that will mask the problem.
Sources
- Chakrabarty S, et al. (2016). Factors associated with premature hair graying in a young Indian population.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4830165/ - Jo SK, et al. (2018). Three streams for the mechanism of hair graying.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6029974/ - Kumar AB, et al. (2018). Premature graying of hair: Review with updates.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6290285/
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100% remedy for gray hair – cut your head bald!
Answer
According to the latest data from British scientists, sewage treatment workers practically do not suffer from early gray hair.