Causes of Gray Hair
The pigment melanin determines the color of the hair. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. The amount of melanin present in the hair follicles determines the darkness of the hair coloration. The hair begins to turn gray when the melanin production stops. This can be caused by various factors. Gray hair treatment depends upon the cause of the problem.
The functioning of the melanocytes reduces gradually as people advance in age. This is the reason older individuals tend to experience graying of the hair. This is the natural process of ageing. However the age at which an individual starts getting gray hair is determined by hereditary factors. Individuals whose parents have experienced premature graying are likely to experience the condition themselves. There may also be other factors involved such as stress, anxiety and chronic illness. Nutritional deficiencies may also be responsible for premature graying of the hair. Vitamin B12, iodine and iron deficiencies are examples of these. Smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee and tea, vitiligo, consumption of oily and spicy foods, anemia and thyroid problems are other factors that contribute to graying of the hair.
Treatment For Gray Hair
Treatment for gray hair must be done after analyzing the cause of the problem. In case of nutritional deficiencies or thyroid problems, medical treatment is essential. Many people use hair coloring or dyes to mask gray hairs. However it is important to first determine the underlying cause of the condition. Besides, the use of chemical hair colors may aggravate the problem. It can cause the hair to become brittle and dry. Premature gray hair treatment can also be done using natural remedies. One such natural treatment for gray hair involves the use of Indian gooseberry. Boil some pieces of dried Indian gooseberry in coconut oil and then massage into the scalp and hair. Application of a paste of Indian gooseberry on the scalp is also known to be effective in preventing premature graying of hair. The use of curry leaf is another very beneficial gray hair treatment. Incorporate curry leaves into the diet or boil them in coconut oil and apply to the scalp. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to coconut oil and massage into the scalp daily. This gray hair treatment is easy to use and does not require much effort. Another popular grey hair treatment is ribbed gourd. Soak some pieces of dried ribbed gourd in coconut oil for three days and after boiling them, massage the oil into the scalp. This constitutes an effective premature gray hair treatment.