Premature White Hair – Causes & Effective Home Remedies

The occurrence of white hair can be considered premature when they begin appearing at a very early stage. Some individuals may start having white hair just when they are in their teenage years. Our hair contains its own natural pigment but due to many factors like genetics, environmental damage and nutritional deficiencies, this pigment may get reduced and ultimately lead to white hair. 

This article brings to you the various home remedies you can follow to get rid of this problem and take preventive measures as well.

CAUSES 

Melanin deficiency

Melanin is a kind of pigment which gives the hair its color. Its deficiency in the body can lead to the growth of white hair which has lost its natural pigment. Melanin production is dependent on several factors like nutrition and hormonal levels. 

Genetic factors

Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to developing white hair at an early age. In such cases, little can be done to avoid white hair.

Stress

Stress and anxiety have an effect on the hormonal system of our body which in turn induces the occurrence of premature white hair.

Environmental damage

Environmental damage like excessive heat and dirt can weaken the hair. Constant exposure to sunlight also makes the hair dry and damages its natural color. Other external factors like using harsh chemicals can also lead to white hair.

Nutritional deficiencies

Deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids, collagen and Vitamin b12 and vitamin C can also alter the pigmentation of hair.

Medical conditions

People with medical conditions like thyroid and diabetes may develop premature white hair.

HOME REMEDIES

Curry leaves

Curry leaves contain iron. The compounds present in curry leaves also help to enhance the colour of the hair. This helps to overcome the occurrence of prematurely white hair. Using curry leaves for hair treatment also promotes the faster growth of hair. 

You will need:

• 20-25 curry leaves (without the stem)
• ½ cup of coconut oil

How to:

1. Place the coconut oil in a pan and allow it to heat up.
2. To check whether the oil is hot enough, put a curry leaf in the oil. If the leaf crackles, then add the rest of the curry leaves as well.
3. Be very careful while adding the leaves to the coconut oil as the oil may splutter.
4. Now let the leaves boil in the coconut oil until the leaves have turned dark brown.
5. Remove the pan from heat and allow the oil to cool down completely.
6. Strain the oil.
7. Massage this oil into your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes, concentrating on the area with white hair. 
8. Leave the hair oil on the hair for at least 40 minutes.
9. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water first.
10. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
11. Use this remedy at least two times a week to see results.

Coconut oil and lemon juice

Coconut oil helps to stimulate the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles and provides nourishment to the growing hair. Lemon juice is a rich source of antioxidants. Using coconut oil and lemon juice prevent the hair from losing their pigment and turning white.

You will need:

• 1/4th cup of coconut oil
• 6-7 tablespoons of lemon juice

How to:

1. Heat up the coconut oil so that it is warm enough to be applied on the scalp.
2. Add lemon juice to the warm coconut oil and mix well.
3. Apply the oil onto your scalp and massage for at least 10 minutes.
4. Avoid applying this oil onto the lengths of your hair as the lemon juice may dry out the hair.
5. Tie your hair in a bun and leave the oil onto your scalp for 3-4 hours.
6. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
7. Do this remedy 2-3 times a week to see results.

Black tea

Black tea is a rich source of antioxidants. The compounds present in black tea help to increase the level of pigment in the hair and also help to prevent any further growth of prematurely white hair. A concentrated black tea solution adds lustre to the hair and also prevents hair fall.

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons of black tea
• 2 cups of water

How to:

1. Boil the black tea leaves in the water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Remove the pan from heat and cover the vessel with a lid.
3. Allow the tea leaves to brew for 1 hour so that you can get a concentrated solution of black tea.
4. Strain the tea.
5. Massage this black tea onto your scalp. It will get absorbed very easily since it is mostly water.
6. Tie your hair in a bun and leave the solution onto your hair for at least 2 hours.
7. Rinse your hair with cold water to remove the tea. 
8. You need not shampoo your hair after this remedy.
9. Follow this remedy 3 times a week.

Fenugreek and curd hair mask

Fenugreek is a rich source of nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Not only does it help to prevent premature occurrence of white hair but also helps to get rid of dandruff and dryness. Curd helps to moisturize the hair.

You will need:

• ½ cup of fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup of water
• 5 tablespoons of curd

How to:

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water, overnight (for 7 to 8 hours).
2. After the seeds have soaked up the water, add them to a blender. Do not remove the excess water.
3. Add curd to the blender as well. 
4. Blend on high speed for 1 minute or until you get a smooth paste.
5. Apply this hair mask evenly onto your scalp.
6. Wrap your hair in a bun and allow the mask to work for 30-40 minutes.
7. Rinse your hair with plain water first,
8. Shampoo and condition as usual.
9. Use this remedy at least 2 times a week.

Henna and coffee hair mask

Henna has been used for decades to dye hair naturally. It helps to make the hair softer and shinier. It also helps to dye the white hair. Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and helps to add pigment to the white strands to reduce their appearance. Egg contains proteins which help to strengthen the hair follicles.

You will need:

• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons of henna powder
• ½ cup of coffee grounds
• 1 cup of water

How to:

1. Boil 1 cup of water,
2. Turn off the heat and add the coffee grounds to the boiled water.
3. Cover the vessel with a lid and allow the coffee to brew for 30 minutes.
4. Now strain the mixture. Make sure it has completely cooled down.
5. Add the water to the henna powder.
6. Mix well to form a paste.
7. Now add the egg to this paste and mix well until the egg is well combined.
8. Cover your shoulders with a towel as the mixture may drip onto your clothes and stain them.
9. Apply this paste onto your hair and scalp.
10. Wrap your hair in a bun and leave the mask on your hair for 4 hours.
11. After 4 hours, rinse your hair with warm water first.
12. Once you get rid of all the excess henna, use a shampoo to remove the mask thoroughly from your hair.
13. Repeat this remedy once in two weeks.

Gooseberry hair mask

Gooseberry, also known as “amla” helps to prevent the occurrence of white hair and helps to enhance the colour of the hair. It is a rich source of vitamin C. The antioxidants present in gooseberries help to revive hair follicles and get rid of white hair naturally.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of amla powder
• 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of curd
• 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice

How to:

1. Mix the gooseberry powder with curd until there are no lumps.
2. Now add coconut oil and lemon juice to the curd mixture.
3. Make sure the oil is well mixed with the curd.
4. Now wet your hair with a little bit of water. This will make the follicles open up and allow them to soak up the compounds of the hair mask better.
5. Once your scalp is damp, apply the hair mask.
6. Wrap your hair in a tight bun and let the hair mask stay for 1 hour.
7. Rinse the hair with plain water first.
8. Shampoo and rinse as usual.
9. Use this remedy twice a week.

LIFESTYLE TIPS 

Avoid heat styling your hair

Direct application of heat on the hair can make them dry and brittle. Using heat styling tools like straighteners or blow dryers, on a regular basis can damage the pigment present naturally in the hair and then turn them white. Constant use of heat on the hair also makes them more prone to breakage and slows down hair growth,

Oil your hair

Although your scalp produces its natural oils, sometimes due to the use of harsh chemicals and products, our scalp may turn dry. This in turn damages the hair follicles and makes us vulnerable to developing white hair. Hence oiling the hair protects them from external damage and helps to nourish the scalp. It is one of the best ways of getting rid of this problem.

Relaxation techniques

Stress can have a detrimental effect on hair health. Stress has been shown to be a cause of prematurely white hair in individuals. Relaxation techniques like mediation, yoga, mild exercising and practising breathing techniques can be powerful methods of getting rid of this problem.

Use mild hair products

Certain chemicals and compounds present in hair products like shampoos, hair spray and artificial hair dyes can damage the natural pigment of the hair and lead to white hair. Amongst these, colouring or bleaching the hair on regular basis can be the most damaging to the hair follicles. Opt for mild hair products like sulfate-free shampoos and natural hair dyes like henna.

DIET TIPS

Have biotin and collagen-rich food

Biotin helps to maintain the natural black color of the hair. Collagen helps to make the hair stronger and prevents them from breaking or getting thinner. Biotin and collagen-rich foods like almonds, berries, leafy vegetables and oats should be consumed on regular basis.

Vitamin B12 and fish oil

Vitamin B12 has immense benefits for the scalp and your hair. Its regular consumption can help to get rid of prematurely white hair. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which also help to keep the hair follicles healthy. Some natural sources of vitamin B12 include berries, yoghurt and tofu. You may even take vitamin B12 supplements.

PRECAUTIONS

• Limit the use of heat styling tools on your hair. 
• When outdoors cover your head with a scarf to prevent the heat from damaging the hair.
• Use a heat protecting serum or hair spray before using any kind of heat styling tools.
• Limit the use of chemicals like artificial hair dyes or bleach.

MYTHS AND FACTS

MYTHS	FACTS
Plucking this hair will cause the growth of more white hair.	If at all the white hair is plucked, there is no side effect associated with it. It is not true that several white hairs will grow back in their place.
Washing your hair every day will prevent this problem.	There is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, washing the hair every day may strip them of the natural oils and prone to more damage.
White hair can be turned black again	Hairs are actually made up of dead cells. If a strand of hair is white then it will stay like that until is dyed using artificial methods.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do the remedies take to work?

Home remedies may take up to a few months to show significant results. However, you must be consistent in following them.

How long does the henna colouring last?

Henna is a natural dye and usually wears off in 3-4 weeks.

Does diet play a role in this issue?

Diet is a very important factor in this. Nutritional deficiencies can make the hair weak and result in white hair as well. Hence it is important to have a balanced diet to resolve this issue.