The salt and pepper look may be cool on George Clooney as it is a sign of aging for him but if you’re a youngster sporting these looks, it has all the reasons to bother you.

 Premature greying of hair is one of the most annoying issues faced by teenagers these days, both boys and girls. Blame it on factors like stress, pollution or poor eating habits there is no denying that ‘one little strand’ of grey hair triggers panic in us and making us to seek medication instantly or turning to home remedies.

What causes premature greying of hair?

Genetics: It’s all in genetics, say doctors. According to studies, premature greying happens due to genetics. Talk to your parents or even grandparents on when they first spotted their grey hair. If they had it very early in their age, chances are there you too will do the same.

Malnutrition: Are you providing enough nutrition for your body? The right kind of wholesome diet with all nutrients will keep your hair, skin, nails and overall body healthy and beautiful. Ensure all kinds of nutrients to your body as it provides you with healthy, thick hair and helps in delaying the process of greying hair.

Stress: Stress is one of the main culprits that plays a crucial role in greying hair at a faster pace. It goes with a very simple understanding – the more stressed you are, the more your health gets affected. Try to relax, do deep breathing exercises and keep stress at arm’s length if you avoid want to grey strands of hair. 

Lack of Vitamin B12: Deficiency of Vitamin B12 could be the reason if you are greying fast. Pack on Vitamin B12-rich diets like cereals, dairy products, and eggs or try supplements to increase the levels and stop greying the hair at the right time. 

Thyroid Dysfunction: Get your thyroid functioning to check if it is causing the issues with your hair. Both excessive and insufficient functioning of thyroid causes may alter with the skin and hair, reducing the amount of melanin thus causing those grey strands of hair. 

How to reverse premature greying: 

Eat Right: Eat food packed with proteins, carbs and the right amounts of nutrition. Our skin and hair are made up of Keratin – a protein. Foods like spinach, dairy products, and protein supplements will load enough strength to the roots of your hair and ensure not to lose its natural sheen. 

Use Right Shampoo: Stop using shampoos that are harsh on your hair. Read carefully about the ingredients, and choose an organic shampoo as few products can affect the pigmentation of your scalp and initiate greying.

Oil Your Hair: Dry and dehydrated hair may cause those grey strands due to lack of moisture. Apply warm coconut oil onto the scalp, massage gently and wash it after 2 hours. This provides enough moisture and nutrition to the hair and scalp. Also, boil a fistful of curry leaves to hair oil before applying. This will delay greying of the hair.

Regular Massage: Massaging your hair regularly with natural oils will help tremendously. Mix iodized salt with black tea, gently massage and leave it for an hour. Wash it with plain water.

Rub almond oil mixed with amla and lemon juice on the scalp and leave it overnight to prevent premature greying.

 Although, having a well-balanced nutritious diet, using appropriate hair care essentials and oiling and massaging your hair are necessary to restrict grey hairs in your teens, it is also equally significant to incorporate home remedies to restore the natural tone of your hair and prevent early greying. 

Natural Remedies To Prevent Grey Hair

Black Sesame Seeds:

Black sesame seeds are known to blacken the hair naturally. The abundance of antioxidants found in black sesame seeds can help combat cellular damage in the body which might cause grey hair, hair loss and sudden breakage. They can either be applied to white hair by boiling in coconut oil or eaten twice a week through food options to help slow down or reverse the early hair greying process.

Also Read: Amazing Uses, Health And Nutritional Benefits of Sesame Seeds & Oil

 Amla

Replete with vitamin C, Amla works wonderfully for enriching hair roots with nutrients and enhancing hair pigmentation. Dried amla fruit and almond oil can be boiled together and strained and applied to hair to prevent greying. You can massage your hair with this amla oil and keep it overnight or drink the juice regularly on an empty stomach to avoid premature greying of hair. 



Curry Leaves

Enriched in antioxidants and beta carotene, Curry leaves not only help moisturise the scalp and eliminate dead hair follicles but also prevent hair loss and premature greying of hair. Make a paste of the Curry leaves, mix the paste with yoghurt and castor oil and apply it on hair twice a week to prevent early greying of hair and hair loss naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are The Natural Home Remedies For Grey Hair?

There are a host of natural home remedies available that may help reduce the appearance of grey hair:

Amla packed with vitamin C and antioxidants can be used as a hair oil or mask.

Blend coconut oil with lemon juice and gently massage it into the scalp, this can help nourish hair follicles and potentially reduce greying.

A natural dye, henna can add a reddish-brown tint to hair, covering grey strands.

Rinsing hair with black tea can darken hair and add shine.

Boil curry leaves in coconut oil, let it cool and apply the mixture to the scalp. This can help maintain natural hair colour.

2. Why Am I Getting Grey Hair At 14?

Premature greying of hair can happen due to several factors, including:

If there is a family history of early greying, you might experience it too.

Lack of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron, can contribute to premature greying.

High-stress levels can accelerate the greying process.

Certain conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause early greying.

Smoking and exposure to pollutants can also contribute to premature greying.

3. How To Stop White Hair In Teenagers?

While it may not be possible to stop the process completely, there are ways to manage and potentially slow down the greying:

Ensure that you have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those that support hair health, such as vitamin B12, biotin, iron, and zinc.

Practice stress-relief measures such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.

Minimize the use of chemical hair treatments and heat styling tools.

Regularly use natural remedies like amla, coconut oil, and curry leaves to nourish the hair.

Consult a healthcare provider to check for underlying conditions and discuss appropriate treatments or supplements.

4. Is White Hair Normal At 15?

Though it is less common, having white or grey hair at 15 can happen, usually due to genetic factors. If there is a family history of early greying, it might be considered normal. However, if there are concerns about nutritional deficiencies or other health issues, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

5. Can We Reverse Grey Hair?

Reversing grey hair is challenging and largely depends on the underlying cause. If the greying is due to nutritional deficiencies or certain health conditions, addressing these issues may help.

References:

Premature graying of hairs: Ayurveda perspective

Rahul Katkar, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375371984_Premature_graying_of_hairs_Ayurveda_perspective

Shayb (Premature Graying Hair): Risk factors and its Herbal Management - A Systematic Review

November 2023Endocrinology&Metabolism International Journal

Kotagasti Mohammad Nasar

National research institute of unani medicine

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376141385_Shayb_Premature_Graying_Hair_Risk_factors_and_its_Herbal_Management_-_A_Systematic_Review