Worried that your precious mane is turning grey and you’re not even 40 yet? These days, silver or grey strands showing up in your 20s and 30s have become increasingly common due to a variety of factors. This early hair discolouration, known as premature greying, can make you feel less confident and affect your appearance. But before you reach for that chemical hair dye to cover the greys, it’s important to first understand the root causes.
While there are plenty of hair colouring solutions available, opting for a natural white hair solution initially is often more effective and safer.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why hair turns white prematurely, effective white hair solutions - both natural and medical - and how you can prevent or even reverse premature greying.
Causes of White Hair
Before you learn about tried and tested white hair solutions, it is important to understand why white hair appears and why different people get white hair at different ages in their lives.
Hair gets its colour from a pigment called melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes present in hair follicles. When these melanocyte cells stop producing melanin pigment or reduce the production, hair begins to turn grey or white. Ideally, this happens in old age, but these days, you can find people in their early 20s or 30s with grey/white hair strands.
Here are six common white hair causes: 1
1. Genetics
Genetics play a key role in determining your premature greying. If your parents or grandparents experienced premature greying, you are likely to inherit it too. While you cannot alter your genes, but you can control the influence of external factors that may speed up your hair discolouration.2
2. Stress
Stress is one of the most common lifestyle factors for greying. Stress not only causes hair discolouration but also affects your physical health. Chronic stress produces free radicals that damage melanocytes in the hair follicles, reducing melanin production. High stress lifestyles are the primary reason for early greying, although the severity differs from person to person.3
3. Autoimmune Diseases
Individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata or vitiligo may get white patches of hair or premature greying. This is because their immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, including melanocytes responsible for producing the hair colour pigment melanin.4
4. Thyroid Disorders
Hair texture, volume and white hair can also be triggered by an imbalanced thyroid, either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating the production of melanin.5
5. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 helps in keeping the nervous system functioning healthily and improves red blood cell production. A deficiency in this vitamin can restrict oxygen supply to the hair follicles, thereby affecting melanin production and leading to early greying. 6
6. Smoking
According to research, smokers are 2.5 times more likely to get grey/white hair prematurely. This is because the toxins in cigarettes damage hair follicles and cause oxidative damage, speeding up the greying process. 7
What is the Best Solution for White Hair?
White hair can be reversed in some cases, but not possible for everyone, especially if it is genetically driven. However, several studies have shown that some effective solutions help in slowing down the greying process and improving hair pigmentation.1
A. Nutritional Correction
Deficiencies in iron, copper, folic acid and B12 can lead to white hair. Eating a diet rich in dairy, eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and lean meats can help restore these important nutrients. These vitamins and minerals can also be restored by supplements if the natural intake is insufficient (only when guided by a doctor). 8
- Vitamin B12 – Found in dairy, eggs, meat
- Iron – Found in spinach, lentils, tofu
- Copper – Found in seeds, nuts, mushrooms
- Folic Acid – Found in citrus fruits, beans, and leafy vegetables
B. Herbal Oils and Natural Hair Masks
Natural oils have been used for centuries to nourish the scalp and slow greying. Some of the more beneficial oils include: 9
- Bhringraj oil – Known as the “king of herbs” for hair, promotes melanin production.
- Amla oil – Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants; rejuvenates follicles.
- Black seed oil (Kalonji) – Strengthens roots and may support pigment cells.
- Curry leaf oil – Contains antioxidants that restore melanin in the hair.
1. Stress Management Techniques
Stress is a major factor responsible for premature greying. A few stress management exercises like yoga, meditation, daily walks, breathing exercises, and limiting screen time before bed can help relax your mind and combat stress.10
2. Scalp Stimulation & Massage
Massaging your scalp helps boost blood circulation in the hair follicles. This aids in hair growth and delays greying. 11
3. Dermatological or Medical Options
If your condition is worsening, you can consult a dermatologist. In certain cases, dermatologists may recommend:12
- Topical Melanin Boosters
- PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Prescription Supplements based on blood work
Home Remedies for White Hair
Are you looking for white hair at a young age solution? Then it is better to go for chemical-free, natural options to try initially. Here are some tried-and-tested home remedies that can help:
1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry):
- Boil dried amla in coconut oil and apply regularly.
- Amla juice mixed with water can also be consumed.
2. Coconut Oil + Curry Leaves
- Boil curry leaves in coconut oil until they turn black.
- Cool and apply to the scalp 2–3 times a week.
3. Black Tea Rinse
- Steep 2 tsp of black tea in hot water, cool it, and rinse your hair.
- Adds shine and darkens hair over time.
4. Henna with Coffee
- Mix henna powder with black coffee and apply as a natural dye.
- Conditions and covers grey hair.
5. Onion Juice
- Rich in catalase, which may restore lost pigment.
- Apply to the scalp and leave for 30 minutes before washing.
Conclusion
Premature greying or white hair can be a cause of concern, especially when it appears at a young age. But do not worry! The above-mentioned medical and natural remedies can help you reverse your greying or reduce white hair. In addition to the remedies, you also need to make changes in your lifestyle and diet to combat greying.
FAQs
Q1) Can white hair turn black again?
Yes, you can turn white hair black again if the discolouration is due to reversible causes like stress or nutritional deficiencies. However, if the greying is genetically induced, then you may not be able to turn white hair black again. 13
Q2) What causes grey Hair?
The main reason for grey hair is the gradual loss of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour. As we age, the melanocyte cells’ activity slows down, leading to low pigment levels. Other reasons include poor nutrition, oxidative stress, lifestyle choices and genetic reasons. Over time, hair follicles become incapable of producing melanin, leading to white/grey hair strands. 1
Q3) What is the best solution for white hair?
The best solution for white hair includes a combination of stress management, proper sleep, nutrient-rich diet, and herbal oils (like amla and bhringraj), as most effective. You can also try medical solutions provided by your doctor. 8,9,10,11,12
Q4) How do I stop my hair from going white?
To delay greying, you must be consistent with eating a balanced diet, massaging your scalp with beneficial oils like amla and bhringraj, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. Early action can prevent further greying of hair. 1,2,3,7,11
