Understanding Greying Hair: 
Causes, Prevention & Solutions

What is Greying Hair?

Greying hair is an inevitable phase of the ageing process, but for some people, it begins earlier than expected. While genetics play an important impact, stress, poor diet, and underlying health issues can all contribute. If you’re looking for strategies to slow down greying hair or learn about viable treatments, this article will help.

What Causes Greying Hair?

Grey hair, also known as pigment loss in hair, happens when hair follicles stop generating melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, and is mostly caused by genetics, aging, and maybe stress or certain health issues. Greying hair occurs when the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour, slows down. 

 

Hair also turns grey when the hair follicles stop producing melanin. Melanin is responsible for the colour of your skin and hair. Your hair is always on a cycle with various stages. At any given time, the hairs on your scalp could be growing, resting without growing, or falling off. There are several factors contribute to this process.

The Primary Causes of Greying Hair

Genetics plays the most important role in predicting when a person may get grey hair. If your parents or grandparents went grey at a young age, you are more likely to follow suit.
Melanocyte cells, which generate melanin, eventually become less active as we age. This causes hair strands to lose their natural colour and turn grey or white over time. While this is an unavoidable process, the pace of greying differs from person to person.

There is increasing evidence that stress might hasten the greying process. Chronic stress increases the generation of free radicals, which can harm melanocyte cells. This, in turn, may lead to premature greying. While stress may not be the primary cause, it can hasten the process, particularly in individuals who are genetically prone.

A lack of essential nutrients can also contribute to greying hair. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as:

  • Vitamin B12
    Essential for melanin production. Low levels can lead to premature greying.
  • Iron
    Plays a role in maintaining healthy hair follicles and pigment production.
  • Copper & Zinc
    Necessary for melanin synthesis and overall hair health.

 

Ensuring a well-balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help maintain hair pigmentation for longer. 

External causes of greying hair such as pollution, UV radiation, and smoking can all contribute to greying hair. These factors cause oxidative stress, which harms hair follicles and melanocyte cells, hastening the greying process.

Certain underlying health issues and medical conditions could also be a contributing factor to greying hair. Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, can lead to premature greying, as hormonal imbalances affect melanin production. Certain autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo, and rare genetic conditions like Waardenburg syndrome and Werner syndrome are associated with premature greying, highlighting the complex link between medical conditions and hair pigmentation. 

Hair may lose its natural shine and appear lacklustre. This can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, damage, or a buildup of styling products. A lack of vibrancy can indicate underlying hair health issues or the need for a change in hair care routine.

Solutions to Manage Greying Hair

While it is not always possible to reverse greying hair, there are several ways to slow down the process and improve hair health.  

Several treatments can help manage greying hair and promote overall scalp health:

  1. Antioxidant-Rich Scalp Serums
    Products containing vitamins and peptides can support melanocyte function and slow down greying hair.
  2. Hair Pigmentation Boosters
    Certain scalp treatments are designed to nourish hair follicles and encourage melanin production.
  3. Grey Hair-Friendly Hair Care Products
    Using shampoos and conditioners formulated for grey hair can help maintain its texture and shine.

While it is not always possible to reverse greying hair, there are several ways to slow down the process and improve hair health.  

Restores natural hair colour while enhancing thickness and vibrant hair. The herbal extracts such as Ginseng, Angelica, Ligusticum, and Thuja extracts help nourish hair follicles, support vitality, and prevent premature greying.

Restores natural hair colour by stimulating melanin production while promoting healthy scalp. This product is free from sulphates, silicones, and parabens; pH balanced and pigment-free for healthy, youthful-looking hair.

At DrScalp, we use cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat various scalp conditions:

 

  1. AI Scalp Analysis
    Our comprehensive scalp analysis helps us understand your scalp’s current health status, revealing potential issues such as clogged follicles, inflammation or nutrient deficiencies.

 

  1. ZynStem Bio-Cells:
    A patented advanced Bio-Cell technology, specifically formulated to rejuvenate the scalp and stimulated hair follicles.

    Our expertise lies in ZynStem Bio-Cells, a breakthrough in Bio-Cell technology designed to target dormant hair follicles and stimulate natural hair growth.

 

Our signature ZynStem formula, delivered through NanoJet technology, penetrates deep into the scalp to restore vitality and health at the cellular level.

 

This advanced treatment reactivates dormant follicles for regrowth, reduces scalp inflammation and irritation, and is clinically proven to deliver visible results. 

Some natural ingredients are believed to support hair pigmentation:  

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, amla is traditionally used to slow down greying hair.  Drinking amla juice on a regular basis can help minimise grey hair from within by increasing melanin production and strengthening the hair follicles. To gain its benefits, consume 30-50 cc of fresh amla juice every morning on an empty stomach. As an alternative, you can eat 1-2 raw amlas per day or take amla pills to nourish your hair and boost its general health.

Black Sesame Seeds

Contain minerals that support melanin production. Black sesame seeds are known for their ability to boost melanin production, helping to naturally darken hair and reduce greying. Applying black sesame seed oil to the scalp can strengthen hair follicles and enhance hair colour over time. With consistent use, black sesame seeds can be a natural and effective way to maintain darker, healthier hair.

Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves

A common home remedy believed to help maintain hair colour when massaged into the scalp is one of the effective grey hair solutions. To naturally darken grey strands over time, coconut oil and curry leaves paste can be an effective remedy.

 

Simply blend fresh curry leaves with two tablespoons of coconut oil to create a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair, allowing it to sit for 30-45 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. For the best results, use this mask twice a week to restore hair pigment and promote healthier, stronger hair.

Preventive Measures for Premature Greying

While ageing is inevitable, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent premature greying. 

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in hair health for grey hair solution. Incorporate the following foods:

Leafy Greens: Rich in iron and folate.

Dairy & Eggs: Excellent sources of Vitamin B12.

Nuts & Seeds: Provide essential minerals like copper and zinc.

Managing stress through meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can have a positive impact on overall hair health. Additionally, regular scalp massages with nourishing oils can stimulate blood circulation and support healthy hair follicles.

To prevent premature greying caused by external factors:

  • Use UV-protectant hair products to shield against sun damage.
  • Avoid excessive heat styling, which weakens hair structure.
  • Reduce exposure to pollutants by covering your hair when outdoors. 

Treating Grey Hair with DrScalp

At DrScalp, we offer professional greying hair treatments that target the root cause of hair discolouration. Our solutions are designed to nourish the scalp, promote melanin production, and strengthen hair strands. Explore our range of hair care for grey hair and expert scalp treatments or grey hair prevention by visiting DrScalp today.

Conclusion

Greying hair is a natural process influenced by genetics, ageing, and various external factors. While it cannot always be prevented, understanding the causes of greying hair allows for better management. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, using targeted treatments, and exploring professional grey hair solutions individuals can maintain strong, vibrant hair for longer.

 

If you’re looking for grey hair prevention strategies or treating grey hair with expert care, visit DrScalp for the best solutions tailored to your needs!