Premature white hair, also known as canities, is the appearance of grey or white hair before the age of 30. It is a common condition that affects about 20% of the population. The exact cause of premature white hair is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for premature white hair, but there are treatments that can help to slow down the process.
However, it is important to note that white hair is not a medical condition and can be a sign of good health, so there is no need to be overly concerned about it. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways to get rid of prematurely white hair, including lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and treatments.
Keep in mind that everyone’s hair is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s also important to talk to a doctor before trying any new treatments or remedies.
What are the Causes of Premature White Hair?
There are several factors that can cause premature white hair, including:
Genetics
Some people may inherit the tendency for their hair to turn white at an earlier age from their parents.
Vitiligo
This is a skin condition where the pigmentation cells responsible for hair colour die, leading to white hair.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions like alopecia, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid problems can cause white hair.
Stress
Chronic stress can cause a rapid decline in melanin production, leading to white hair.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and folate, can lead to premature white hair.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during menopause, can cause hair to turn white.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to harsh chemicals, radiation, and pollution can also contribute to white hair.
It is important to note that white hair is a natural part of ageing and not everyone will experience it as premature. If you are concerned about your white hair, it is best to speak to a doctor or dermatologist who can help determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatments. Environmental factors have a great impact on premature white hair.
What are the Options for Medical Treatment?
There are several medical treatments that can help reduce the appearance of prematurely white hair, including:
Topical Creams
Minoxidil is a topical cream that can help stimulate hair growth and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Melanin Injections
Injections of melanin into the scalp can help restore some of the hair’s natural colour.
Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy can help increase melanin production and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Hair Dyes
Colouring your hair can help cover up the white hairs, but it will not address the underlying cause.
Vitamins and Supplements
Taking vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin B12, iron, and folate can help prevent further hair whitening.
It is important to note that these treatments may not work for everyone, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the cause of the prematurely white hair. It is also important to talk to a doctor or dermatologist before starting any new treatments, as some treatments can have side effects or interact with other medications.
Additionally, some treatments may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions.
Home Remedies to Control Premature White Hair
Always use natural oils to get rid of prematurely white hair
Coconut Oil
Regular massage of the scalp with warm coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of white hair.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and can help prevent hair whitening when consumed regularly or applied topically to the scalp.
Henna
Henna can help cover up white hair and restore some of its natural colours when applied to the hair regularly.
Curry Leaves
Boil curry leaves in coconut oil and massage the mixture into the scalp to reduce white hair.
Onion Juice
Applying onion juice to the scalp can help restore some of the hair’s natural colour.
Ginger
Ginger has antifungal and antioxidant properties that can help reduce hair whitening.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and reducing the appearance of white hair.
Black Tea
Rinse the hair with brewed black tea to help restore its natural colour and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Sage
Boil sage leaves in water and use the solution as a rinse to help reduce the appearance of white hair.
Rosemary
Massage the scalp with rosemary oil to improve hair growth and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Fenugreek
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a paste to apply to the scalp to reduce white hair.
Bhringraj
Bhringraj is a herb that can be used as a hair oil to improve hair growth and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Liquorice Root
Apply a mixture of liquorice root paste and saffron to the scalp to help reduce the appearance of white hair.
Sesame Oil
Regular massage of the scalp with warm sesame oil can help reduce the appearance of white hair.
Green Tea
Rinse the hair with brewed green tea to help reduce the appearance of white hair and improve hair health.
Prevention Tips
Here are some tips to help prevent premature white hair:
Reduce Stress
Chronic stress can lead to premature hair whitening, so it is important to find ways to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate can help prevent hair whitening.
Limit Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Exposure to chemicals, such as hair dyes and bleach, can damage the hair and contribute to premature hair whitening.
Protect Hair from Sun Damage
Wearing a hat or using a hair product with SPF can help protect hair from sun damage and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can contribute to premature hair whitening, so it is best to quit or avoid smoking altogether.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity can help improve blood flow to the scalp and reduce the appearance of white hair.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and a lack of sleep can contribute to premature hair whitening.
Limit Heat Styling
Overuse of heat styling tools, such as blow dryers and straighteners, can damage the hair and contribute to premature hair whitening.
It is important to remember that everyone’s hair is unique and some people may be more prone to premature hair whitening than others. Taking care of your overall health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of prematurely white hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prematurely white hair can be a sign of ageing, genetics, or underlying health conditions. There are various medical treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the appearance of white hair. Medical treatments, such as melanin injections and laser therapy, can help restore some of the hair’s natural colour.
Home remedies, such as coconut oil and amla, can help improve hair health and reduce the appearance of white hair. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding harmful chemicals, can also help prevent premature white hair.
It is important to talk to a doctor or dermatologist before starting any new treatments, as some treatments can have side effects or interact with other medications. Additionally, some treatments may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions.
By taking care of your overall health and incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine, you can reduce the risk of prematurely white hair and maintain healthy, vibrant hair.
FAQs
The reversal of prematurely white hair depends on the cause. In some cases, medical treatments such as melanin injections or laser therapy can help restore some of the hair’s natural colour. However, it is not always possible to fully reverse premature white hair.
Some of the best medical treatments for premature white hair include melanin injections, laser therapy, and hair transplantation. Your doctor or dermatologist can help determine the best treatment option for you based on the underlying cause of your premature white hair.
Yes, there are several natural and home remedies that can help reduce the appearance of prematurely white hair, including the use of coconut oil, amla, and curry leaves. It is important to keep in mind that these remedies may not work for everyone and results may vary.
Yes, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent premature white hair. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate can help prevent hair whitening. Reducing stress, avoiding harmful chemicals, and protecting hair from sun damage can also help prevent premature white hair.
Yes, there may be side effects to medical treatments for premature white hair. For example, melanin injections can cause itching and redness at the injection site. Laser therapy may also cause redness and skin irritation. It is important to speak with your doctor or dermatologist about the potential side effects of any medical treatment before starting it.
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