The appearance of gray hair at a young age is often a concern for many people. Gray hair, which is synonymous with white hair, is generally considered a sign of aging. However, the fact is that gray hair can appear at any age, even at a young age.
There are various factors that can cause the appearance of gray hair at a young age, ranging from genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, stress, unhealthy lifestyles, side effects of drugs, hormonal disorders, to certain diseases.
While gray hair cannot be removed permanently, there are ways to deal with it and prevent its further appearance. Here are 9 ways to deal with gray hair at a young age naturally.
Causes of Graying at a Young Age
Before discussing how to overcome it, it is important to understand some of the factors that can cause gray hair at a young age, including.
1. Genetic Factors
Genetic factors are the main cause of gray hair at a young age. If your parents or other family members have gray hair at a young age, there is a high chance that you will too.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of vitamin B12, iron, copper, and vitamin D can cause gray hair at a young age. These nutrients play an important role in maintaining healthy hair and melanin pigment.
3. Stress
Oxidative stress due to excessive stress can damage hair cells and disrupt melanin production. This can lead to gray hair at a young age.
4. Unhealthy Lifestyle
Unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate the appearance of gray hair.
5. Side Effects of Medications
Some types of medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and thyroid medications, can cause gray hair as a side effect.
6. Hormonal Disorders
Hormonal disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and alopecia areata, can cause gray hair at a young age.
7. Certain Diseases
Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia and vitiligo, can cause gray hair as one of their symptoms.
How to deal with gray hair at a young age
Here are 9 ways you can overcome gray hair at a young age naturally.
1. Eat Healthy and Nutritious Food
Make sure you eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is important for maintaining healthy hair and supporting melanin production. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Foods Rich in Vitamin B12: Food sources rich in vitamin B12 include beef liver, poultry, salmon, tuna, milk and dairy products, and eggs.
- Foods Rich in Vitamin D: Adequate sun exposure is a natural way to get vitamin D. In addition, you can also get vitamin D from foods such as salmon, tuna, milk and dairy products, and eggs.
D from foods such as salmon, tuna, egg yolks, milk and dairy products, and mushrooms. - Iron-Rich Foods: Food sources rich in iron include beef, poultry, fish, beef liver, beans, spinach, and other green vegetables.
- Copper-Rich Foods: Food sources rich in copper include shellfish, beef liver, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.
2. Avoid Stress
Manage stress well. Chronic stress can exacerbate the appearance of gray hair. Do activities that can help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or listening to music.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking can accelerate the aging process and damage hair health. Quitting smoking is an important step to tackling gray hair at a young age. If you are having trouble quitting smoking on your own, consult a doctor for support and smoking cessation therapy.
4. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve overall health, including hair health. Exercise helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, thus bringing oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Do at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Choose an exercise activity that you enjoy, such as walking, running, cycling or swimming.
5. Protect Hair from Sunlight
Sunlight can damage the melanin in your hair and accelerate the appearance of gray hair. Use a hat or umbrella when doing outdoor activities. In addition, you can also use hair care products that contain SPF to protect your hair from the sun.
6. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antioxidant and antifungal properties that can help maintain healthy hair and delay the appearance of gray hair. Coconut oil can help moisturize the scalp and hair, and protect hair from damage. Apply coconut oil on the hair and scalp regularly. However, keep in mind that coconut oil may not be suitable for all hair types.
7. Use Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are believed in Ayurvedic medicine to help blacken hair and prevent graying. Curry leaves contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and E which play an important role in maintaining healthy hair. Grind curry leaves and mix with yogurt or coconut oil, then apply to hair and scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing. However, further scientific research is still needed to prove the effectiveness of curry leaves in treating gray hair.
8. Use Black Tea
Black tea contains caffeine and theaflavin, substances that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Black tea is believed to help maintain healthy hair and prevent graying. Rinse your hair with cold black tea after shampooing. However, keep in mind that the effectiveness of black tea in treating gray hair has not been supported by strong scientific research.
9. Take Supplements
If you are experiencing certain nutritional deficiencies, you can take supplements to help fulfill your body's needs. Consult a doctor first before taking any supplements. Your doctor can help you determine the right type and dosage of supplements according to your needs. Avoid taking supplements in excess as they may cause side effects.
Tanning at a young age can indeed disturb your appearance, but don't let this make you lose your self-confidence. By applying the methods above and living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your hair healthy and slow down the appearance of gray hair.
Remember that the key to overcoming gray hair at a young age is to maintain the health of your hair and body as a whole. Consult a doctor if you experience gray hair at a young age accompanied by other symptoms.
