Premature graying of hair is becoming a common problem these days and so, unfortunately, no one is able to get rid of this. Though, graying of hair is a natural process it is becoming more common among people of all age groups & gender- male, female, teenagers and children too! In this article let us find out what actually causes the phenomena of premature graying of hair, the remedies, and the possible ways to get rid of this!

How do we define premature graying of hair?

A well-known dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio says premature graying of hair is a natural phenomenon wherein the cells fail to produce the pigment (melanin) which gives the black color to the hair. As people get older, it is quite natural that the body eventually loses its ability to synthesize melanin. This ultimately results in graying or whitening of hair.

This may not be of matter among the elderly people as gray hair adds more beauty to their age! But, that is not the same case when it comes to youngsters. This is when we need to look for solutions and remedies!

What causes premature graying of hair?

The exact cause for premature graying of hair is still an area of debate and new research studies are being conducted to find a conclusion to this condition. The following are some of the reasons;

• Genetics
• Vitamins
• Smoking habits
• Lack of proper diet

The main reason for premature graying of hair is the genes. Genes are the information carriers from one generation to another. It not only determines certain characteristics of the parent but certain defects too! So if the parent had the problem of premature graying of hair, the offspring is more prone to suffer the same.

Lack of vitamins and minerals especially vitamin B12, vitamin C, and E, zinc, copper and calcium are responsible for proper nourishment of the hair. These vitamins and minerals also help in the synthesis of melanin and metabolic processes that give the hair its natural color. Lack of these nourishments will affect the hair color.

Smoking, not only injurious to health but affects the hair growth as well. Smoking gives rise to a large number of free radicals in the body of the smoker. These free radicals give rise to oxidative stress in the body which decreases the amount of melanin secretion in the body thereby causing premature graying of hair.

Lack of nutritious diet may also be one of the cause for premature graying of hair. People who are very much addicted to junk foods than healthy foods are more prone to lose their  silky black hair at a very young age,

Some tips to get rid of premature graying of hair

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight
• Use of antioxidants
• Elemental zinc and copper also reduces the risk

Nature always gives the best medicine for all our pains. Here are some natural ways of avoiding premature graying of hair.

• Natural herbs are a rich source of antioxidants mainly flavanoids which help prevent graying of hair.
• Curry leaves, sea foods, zinc, and copper rich foods have the power to boost up melanin production and are good at fighting against graying of hair.
• Lack walnuts can impart a black color to your hair and is also an economical remedy that one could follow.
• A mixture of sesame oil, carrot juice, and fenugreek seeds is used by ayurvedic practitioners to prevent gray hair.

Take a sample of all of this in equal proportions and mix it well in a clear bottle. Keep it in sunlight for 21 days. Apply this mixture to your hair for 3 months and you will overcome graying of hair.

If none of the above remedies works for you, then you may possibly have to consult a trichologist or a dermatologist to help fight against premature graying of hair.

But usually, a healthy eating habit and keeping yourself fit and stress-free can help a long way to prevent or fight against premature graying of hair.