GREY NO MORE: TIPS AND TRICKS
Is prematurely grey hair bothering you? Here’s how you can effectively deal with it
Over the years, premature greying of hair has become a cause of concern for young people. It’s not uncommon anymore to see people in their early 20s with a mop of grey on their head.
While greying of hair is caused when your hair follicles cease to produce melanin — the pigment that gives hair its colour, .
We got in touch with dermatologist Dr Suruchi Puri and beauty experts Swati Sawadh and Seema Malik, who explain the causes of premature greying and provide a few pointers on how to deal with it.
COMMON CAUSES
Genetic trait
One of the most common reasons for having grey hair in your early 20s, is because of your genes. In such cases, it is extremely difficult to do anything about it.
Dietary deficiencies
Deficiency of vitamin B, zinc, and copper also causes early appearance of grey hair. This is because these nutrients assist the metabolic process involved in giving hair its natural colour.
Environmental pollution
The daily pollution that we encounter makes our hair strands weak. With time, this also leads to grey hair.
Smoking
Smoking leads to free radicals being formed in the body. These free radicals cause oxidative stress, leading to decreased melanin, which promotes greying of hair.
Stress
Hypertension, stress, and anxiety are leading causes of premature greying of hair. The hair you lose due to a stressful event, such as chemotherapy, may grow back grey.
TACKLING GREY HAIR
Increase the intake of green leafy vegetables and vitamin C-rich fruits.
■ Massage your hair with any oil of your choice, then wash with a mixture of 2 tsp shikakai powder, 1/2 tsp reetha, and 1/2 tsp amla powder.
■ Make a paste of curry and/or henna leaves, mixed with any hair oil. Use it an antiaging mask for your hair.
■ Replace harsh shampoos with organic ones.
■ Brew 5-6 tsp of black tea. Mix it with your hair conditioner. Apply on hair and leave for 1-2 hours.