Natural Remedies for Gray Hair

Graying hair is a concern for everyone regardless if you’re young or old. Everybody wants to have a beautiful colorful hair crown which is shiny, healthy, lustrous, and whatever color they prefer. Let’s try to understand what causes gray hair? In younger age, gray hair could be largely due to genetic factor, something which is difficult to deal with. However, it doesn’t mean that we can’t do anything about it. Graying could be also largely attributed to stress. Stress will block the pores of your scalp and whatever nourishment to the hair follicle gets affected. If the stress is leading to frequent migraines or headaches, you would definitely want to get rid of this problem. Another reason could also be lack of care. If you ignore your hair or you do not nourish it with oil massage or a nice hair spa, the hair tend to feel lifeless. This signals that it needs to be looked after. As an integral part of your being, you should do as much as you can to care for it.

Since gray hair is partly genetic, that part has to be treated with medicine. There are lots of wonderful medicines and methods which we can apply on graying hair. There are some which can bring back the color of the hair that has been lost. It is important to note that protein rich diet must be taken and our body must have adequate minerals like copper, iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin B complex in order to see results from the use of these natural remedies.

Here are some common ingredients which be used to reduce or even reverse the growth of gray hair. These ingredients are natural and some of them may be found in your kitchen. They may or may not work for some people but they’re definitely worth a try.

Amla is also called Indian gooseberry and it is known as nectar for hair. Amla is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidant that not only does it prevent hair from premature graying but it can also prevent hair loss and restore dull hair. It makes the hair root healthy and shiny. It also helps to pacify excess body heat which is one of the major causes of early graying. Amla contains amino acid that is proven to help in hair growth, reduce hair fall and nurture the root as well as the shaft. If you can’t find amla berries, you can also use amla power. It is best to combine 2 tablespoon of amla powder with 3 tablespoon of coconut oil. The coconut oil serves as a natural hair conditioner to produce shiny, healthy hair. You can also combine amla powder with almond oil with a few drops of lemon juice. Whichever method you use, apply the mixed ingredients all over the hair and let it sit for an hour before washing thoroughly with a mild shampoo.

An onion a day may help keep gray hair away. Onions are rich in antioxidant enzyme catalase, which restores the hair’s natural color. In addition, the phyto-nutrients in onion along with their vitamin C, folic acid, and copper also help to delay graying of hair. Onion has been used as a natural remedy to prevent graying hair for many years. It serves as a scalp cleaner and follicle stimulator. With the sulphur that contains in onion, it restores the thickness and natural color of the graying hair. There are several ways to extract onion juice. Using a juicer is the easiest way to do it. Peel the onion, cut into pieces and put everything in the juicer. The second method is using blender or food processor. Cut the onion into pieces and put them into a blender. Use a strainer to get the juice out of the mixture. The last method is using a grater. Remember to use a strainer after grating in order to get the juice. Give your scalp a good massage with the onion juice that has been extracted. Let it sit on your hair for about an hour or more. Shampoo your hair to get rid of the pungent smell of onions.

Curry leaves has been used for cooking ingredient in many countries especially in Asia. Not only it is useful for cooking, it is also used for natural treatment of the graying hair. Curry leaves contain powerful antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, and copper. When combined with coconut oil, it works as a great hair tonic. These properties can help darken hair by restoring the melanin pigment that gives your hair its natural color. It can also help in prevention of premature graying hair. For the treatment of graying hair, fresh curry leaves or in the form of powder can be used. Boil ½ cup of coconut oil with 15-120 curry leaves until the curry leaves turn black in color. Let it cool down and apply on the hair. Use the same method with curry leaves powder. Apply on the hair and leave overnight. Make sure to use a hair cap and place a piece of towel on the pillow to avoid oil leak from the hair.

Black sesame seeds contain vitamins and minerals such as selenium, amino acids, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamin B1 and dietary fiber. Research suggests that black sesame seeds promote melanocyte activity to produce melanin, the pigment that makes up hair color. Chinese medicine believe that it has many medicinal value for kidney, liver and promote hair growth as well as reverse the process of graying hair. To naturally treat graying hair, take a tablespoon of black sesame seeds 2 to 3 times a week. Take with salad, sandwich, or simply eat as a snack.

Henna is a plant with leaves that are harvested, dried and ground into a powder that’s made into a paste to dye hair, skin and fingernails. Using henna as hair dye is much healthier than conventional hair coloring products. Chemical hair dyes can cause scalp irritation as it contains allergenic preservatives and parabens. Furthermore, chemical hair dyes can penetrate the hair’s cuticle which can be damaging to the hair. With henna, the hair becomes healthier and fuller because it conditions, strengthens and adds color to the hair without changing the biological composition of hair follicles. Applying henna to your hair will condition and smoothen the hair resulting in it become soft and silky. Henna gives the hair a warm reddish-brown color. You should always get the natural henna powder which is light green in color. To make henna paste, mix black tea or coffee with 3 spoons of natural henna powder and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You can also add some amla powder. Mix the ingredients well until it’s the consistency of yogurt. Let it sit for 8-12 hours or until it turns to a darker brown color. Apply it to your hair, leave it on for about two to three hours and then rise it off.

Almond oil has vitamin E which is extremely beneficial for hair. It nourishes the roots and prevents premature graying, while lemon juice not only adds gloss and volume to the hair but also promotes healthy hair growth. Mix 2 tablespoon of almond oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. You can also add 1 tablespoon of gooseberry juice to this mixture. Mix it well. Gently apply this mixture with the help of cotton swab on the root of your hair. Then massage your scalp gently. Leave the mixture for 15 minutes before shampoo for better results.

Shikakai powder has been used in Ayurveda since ages for healthy hair. The best part of using Shikakai powder is that you don’t have to worry about chemicals getting absorbed by your scalp. Shikakai powder promotes hair growth as well as makes your hair strong, thick and shiny. This Ayurvedic Shikakai powder contains reetha (soap nuts), greengrams, fenugreek, curry leaves and many other powerful herbal ingredients. Shikakai powder has a low pH which means it is not aggressive on hair so the hair retains its natural oil. This is why Shikakai is good for hair wash. It is a natural shampoo and an effective way to reduce graying. To use Shikakai powder, take required amount of Shikakai powder and mix it with warm water. Allow it to soak overnight. Apply the paste to the scalp and to the hair. Wrap your hair with a shower cap and allow it to sit for 1-6 hours. Rinse it off with running water.