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The loss of pigment deposited within hair shafts, which is a visible symptom of ageing, is the cause of grey hair. A number of factors, most notably oxidative damage, influence this process. The complex processes that cause hair ageing include oxidative stress, which is significantly sped up by the loss of the B-cell lymphoma 2 gene (BCL-2) and a drop in antioxidant defences. Oxidative stress increases with ageing due to decreased production of antioxidant proteins like BCL-2 and weaker enzymatic defence mechanisms. Understanding how melanocytes respond to oxidative stress in various follicular regions can provide potential insights into how to stop and reverse hair greying. Investigating natural solutions becomes essential in this situation to keep healthy hair [1].
Does Stress Turn Your Hair Grey?
Most grey hair in humans has nothing to do with stress. The truth is that hair doesn’t “turn” grey at all. The colour of a hair follicle is fixed once hair is produced. If a single hair strand is born brown (or red, black, or blond), it will never change colour (unless you dye your hair). As you get older, your hair follicles stop producing as much colour, which increases the likelihood that your hair will turn grey when it goes through its normal cycle of dying and regeneration after the age of 35. When this begins may be influenced by genetics.
While stress cannot alter the colour of a single hair strand, it can create a frequent disorder called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed three times more quickly than usual. Since the condition is temporary, baldness does not result from it. However, if you’re middle-aged and stress is causing your hair to fall out and regrow more quickly than usual, it’s possible that the new hair that grows in will be grey rather than the original colour [2].
Best Ways to Treat Grey Hair Naturally
A hallmark of general health and youth is healthy hair. In contrast to other animals, the purpose of human hair is up for debate. However, hair may be a fantastic aesthetic tool and form of nonverbal communication. Hair colour and style have a big impact on how someone looks physically, which has a big impact on how they feel about their bodies. Premature greying of the hair (PGH) can have a negative impact on a person’s self-esteem because it is thought of as a symptom of ageing. Many all-natural treatments of grey hair in young age are recommended by proponents of natural healing [3]. These remedies for premature greying of hair are as follows:
- Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil to massage your hair and scalp every other day before bed. Wash your hair as usual in the morning [1].
- Amla: Also known as Indian gooseberry, Amla is extremely beneficial for hair. Drink six ounces of fresh amla juice each day or use amla oil to massage your hair once a week to get the benefits of amla (Phyllanthus emblica) [1].
- Black Sesame Seeds: Consume a tablespoon of black sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) two to three times per week to slow down the greying process [4].
- Amaranth (Amaranthus): Apply fresh amaranth juice to your hair three times per week [1].
- Wheatgrass juice (Thinopyrum intermedium): Add one tablespoon of wheatgrass powder to your smoothies and soups each day, or drink one to two ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice every day [6].
- Catalase: Consume foods high in the catalase enzyme, such as garlic, cabbage, sweet potato, kale, broccoli, and almonds [1].
- Curry Leaves: Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) 14 cup curry leaves and 12 cup yoghurt should be combined to form a paste. After 30 minutes, wash it from your hair and scalp. Repeat two or three times per week [1].
- Fo-ti: In traditional Chinese medicine, fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is taken internally as a supplement in doses of 1,000 mg twice daily with meals to prevent greying of the hair. Thus this is a wonderful medicine for premature greying of hair [5].
In conclusion, the loss of colour within hair shafts is the main cause of grey hair, a visible symptom of ageing. This process is sped up by oxidative damage, which is impacted by elements such as a decline in the B-cell lymphoma 2 gene (BCL-2) and weakened antioxidant defences. Contrary to popular opinion, stress does not cause hair to become grey; it might trigger conditions like telogen effluvium, which speeds up hair loss. Potential treatments and preventions for premature greying can be found in natural therapies rooted in holistic healing practices.
Among the suggested remedies are coconut oil, amla, black sesame seeds, amaranth, wheatgrass juice, fo-ti, meals high in catalase, and curry leaves. Adopting these natural methods helps alleviate the aesthetic issues caused by premature greying while supporting the larger objective of preserving general health and well-being. It draws attention to the complex relationship between way of life, health, and outward signs of ageing and encourages a holistic approach to hair care.
FAQs
Does stress cause grey hair specifically?
Although stress doesn’t cause hair to become grey, it can cause problems like telogen effluvium, which affects hair turnover and may affect the colour of newly formed hair.
Are natural treatments for grey hair effective?
Natural medicines like coconut oil, Amla and others may give an alternative to conventional treatments for treating grey hair.
Can genetic factors influence the onset of grey hair?
The natural process of ageing that results in the greying of the hair is controlled by genetics, hormonal changes, and a decrease in melanin production. Genetic factors mainly influence the rate and timing of hair ageing.
How can a holistic approach affect the ageing process of healthy hair?
In order to keep good hair as we age, it may be helpful to combine natural therapies with a holistic approach to well-being, which includes a balanced diet, stress management, and general health practices.
Disclaimer: This article is written from a health and lifestyle perspective with scientific background for knowledge gathering purposes. It is for general information and not meant to substitute any medical advice. Please consult your doctor for appropriate medical consultation.
References
- Age-induced hair greying – the multiple effects of oxidative stress
- Why does hair turn gray? By By Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
- Premature Graying of Hair: Review with Updates | Int J Trichology. 2018 Sep-Oct; 10(5): 198–203.
- Value addition in sesame: A perspective on bioactive components for enhancing utility and profitability | Pharmacogn Rev. 2014 Jul-Dec; 8(16): 147–155.
- Polygonum multiflorum root extract as a potential candidate for treatment of early graying hair | J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2017 Jan-Mar; 8(1): 8–13.
- A study on wheat grass and its Nutritional value
