Causes of premature gray hair and how to fix it

1. What causes premature gray hair?‏

Besides age, hair can turn gray prematurely due to reasons such as:

Vitamin deficiency

‏A deficiency in any of the vitamins B6, B12, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin E can all contribute to premature graying. Specifically, a 2015 report found a link between vitamin D3 and vitamin B12 deficiencies and premature graying. ‏

According to this report, nutritional deficiencies also greatly affect hair pigmentation. Therefore, hair color can return to black if supplemented with vitamins and adequate nutrition.

Genetics

‏Premature graying is largely due to genetics. The Library of Congress reports that the average rate of gray hair increases by 10% to 20% per decade after age 30. However, each person’s genes determine when their hair turns gray.

Chronic stress

‏Prolonged stress can lead to premature graying of hair. This is explained by the fact that stress causes an imbalance in the body, and antioxidants are not provided enough to fight the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals damage cells, thereby contributing to aging and making them susceptible to disease.

Some diseases

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the common medical conditions that has been shown to be associated with premature graying of hair.

‏In addition, if you are currently facing alopecia areata, there is a high risk that your hair color will also turn gray prematurely. When the hair grows back, the hair strands will tend to turn white due to a lack of melanin pigment.‏

Smoking

‏Smoking has a negative impact on health in many ways. A study published in the Italian Online Dermatology Journal in 2013 found that smokers are twice as likely to have gray hair before the age of 30 as non-smokers. ‏

‏Similarly, another 2015 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also demonstrated that smoking is associated with premature graying of hair in young men.‏

‏2. What should I do to have shiny and healthy black hair?‏

Drink Polygonum multiflorum water

‏He Shou Wu is a famous medicinal herb in folk medicine with the effect of darkening hair, supporting the treatment of premature gray hair effectively. To use He Shou Wu, chop this medicinal herb into small pieces and then boil to get water. You can add hawthorn or not.

Drinking Polygonum multiflorum water every day will help you nourish your hair, regaining its youthful, shiny black appearance.

Drink black bean water

Black beans are a nutritious food and have the effect of helping to darken hair. Specifically, vitamin B9 and protein in black beans have the ability to nourish healthy hair. In addition, minerals, iron, copper, and zinc also participate in the production of melanin pigment, thereby slowing down the phenomenon of premature gray hair.

You can make black bean water for daily use. This way, your hair will be shiny black and prevent premature graying.

Increase nutrient-rich foods

To have healthy, black hair, you should add the following foods to your daily diet:

Salmon: Salmon is a great source of vitamin D, which can affect hair pigmentation. It also provides many nutrients that support hair and skin health, such as omega-3s and protein.

Eggs: A 2016 study found that people with premature graying tend to have lower levels of vitamin B12 in their bodies. Adding eggs to your diet is a great way to boost this micronutrient.

Beans: Lentils and chickpeas are rich sources of vitamin B9, which is important in the production of methionine, which contributes to hair color.

Seaweed: Seaweed contains collagen, which naturally strengthens hair. It is also rich in zinc, vitamins A, C, and beta-carotene, all of which are important for supporting healthy hair.

Fermented foods: Kimchi, sauerkraut provide probiotics to support gut health, which can also impact hair health because gut bacteria produce vitamin B – also known as biotin. Biotin deficiency is also the cause of weak hair, premature graying.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy, scientific lifestyle, relieving stress... are also important factors to help improve overall health and prevent premature gray hair. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on proper rest, limit the use of stimulants such as alcohol, beer, cigarettes... to have smooth, healthy black hair.

According to Health and Life