Home Remedies for Gray Hair: 20+ Natural Methods

Table Of Content

• Squelch the Stress
• Be patient with the process.
• Does stress make a person go gray quicker?
• How to Gracefully Transition to Natural Gray Hair, According to Hair Pros
• Makeup can help tackle surprising gray roots

One study found that participants with prematurely graying hair had higher cholesterol levels. Taking fish oil supplements could potentially be one way to address this. Beyond internal impacts, what your hair faces externally matters too. "Follow healthy hair habits. Try to avoid repetitive use of heat and chemical treatments which can damage the hair and the pigment cells," recommends Lain. "Limit exposure to, or protect hair from, toxins and pollutants, and when possible, protect your hair from the sun by covering it up with a hat or scarf." While more research is needed, stress has been shown to be a contributing factor to graying hair, as it leads to oxidative damage.

Squelch the Stress

For example, you may be tempted to simply pluck new greys you see. However, repeated plucking can actually damage the hair follicle and lead to permanent hair loss. If you want to get rid of greys, coloring your hair is a better option. If you’re really concerned about your grays, it’s best to see a trichologist or dermatologist for other treatment, such as PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatment. “PRP is a great and effective way to stimulate the stem cells with our own growth factors, causing them to ‘wake up’ and grow,” says Green.

Be patient with the process.

For example, people have used a Chinese herb called Polygonum multiflorum for alopecia (hair loss), as well as for liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease. To improve overall hair health, some people turn to herbal remedies. Some people have a condition called acatalasemia, which causes low levels of these enzymes. Over time, these low levels can cause toxins to build up in the body. If you’re not getting enough of the above nutrients in your diet, taking one or more supplements could help. Vitamin B-12 is another nutrient that’s essential for your metabolism, DNA production, and overall energy levels.

Does stress make a person go gray quicker?

These effects could result in gray hair and other noticeable symptoms. Research has found that people with prematurely graying hair also tend to have vitamin D deficiencies. As each strand grows, all hair goes through a cycle of regeneration and then death, and the cycle continues again and again throughout the lifespan as long as your hair follicles remain active. (If they flip "off" and go dormant, that's when balding occurs.) As hair follicles encounter stressors and age, they can begin to produce less color in each phase. In fact, the Library of Congress says our chance of going gray, on average, increases 10% to 20% every decade after age 30.

You may choose to grab a box of hair dye to cover up those greys, but that’s not the best approach for a couple of reasons. One, just as over-processing or over-coloring can damage normal, healthy hair, it can even more harshly affect grey hair. Some people find that their silver strands become dry and coarse – and that coarseness can make it harder for color to penetrate. You may have to allow the color to sit on your hair for longer, causing damage.

What causes gray hair at an early age? Here's what to know. - USA TODAY

What causes gray hair at an early age? Here's what to know..

Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more. Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support. Genes for hair texture -- straight, curly, etc. -- as well as genes for beard thickness and eyebrow thickness were also found. Chickpeas contain some of the highest concentrations of vitamin B9.

In fact, up to 23% of people will have half their hair turn gray by the age of 50. We all do our best to get fresh air and avoid all types of pollution, right? However, it's still worth noting, considering that one study found a link between free radical exposure and gray hair. If you're trying to keep your color for as long as possible, it's a nice reminder to control the oxidative stress around you, keep your living environment pure, and breathe fresh air every day. "Living a healthy lifestyle and ensuring a balanced diet with adequate protein, as well as addressing nutritional deficiencies, may be helpful" in preventing graying, according to Farber. Typically, gray hairs spring up all over the scalp rather than in sections.

Foods To Eat to Keep You Looking Young

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines. Marci Robin is a freelance writer and editor specializing in beauty and lifestyle content. With over 20 years of experience, Marci has served as a contributing editor for Allure, senior beauty editor at GoodHousekeeping.com, executive editor of xoVain and senior online editor at NewBeauty. Her writing has also appeared in her writing has also appeared in InStyle, MarthaStewart.com and Refinery29. Lifestyle factors such as smoking can cause any greys you may have to look worse than they should.

When we think of gray hair, we often fail to recognize that there are many different shades. According to Leake, toner isn't one size fits all, but when used properly, it can help add dimension. For example, a light pale gray has a limited capacity to reflect light, so it can appear duller and more muted. "A [silver] toner in this scenario would provide a more silver tone with the illusion of many dimensions and a soft finish," he says. Sarchet explains that balayage or highlights are also great ways to distract the eye from grays because the brightened tones will blend. Aleesha Badkar is a lifestyle writer who specialises in health, beauty - and the royals.

Jamie Lee Curtis is a silver fox and wears her grays in a super-fly pixie cut. Maye Musk is a gorgeous, glorious model with a voluminous white bob. Others love their natural dark hue and stick to it regardless of nature’s intent. Gray hair may burn more easily due to its texture and porosity, so when using hot tools to style, caution must be used. It is very important to purchase good-quality hair tools with temperature controls.

“What matters in the end is how you’ve taken advantage of the years that have passed.” If you fall into this category and just want to fully embrace the gray-hair life, visit your hair stylist and let them know! They’ll be able to provide great ways to fully elevate your look. Scott recommends using a big barrel curling iron to create waves. If you prefer your hair up, Pacheco suggests crossed and french braids that will also help hide grays (or enhance the look with weaves of color).

A cup of them packs a whopping 1,114 micrograms of B-9, nearly three times the RDA of 400 micrograms. All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.

You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. First and foremost, whether or not you get greys all depends on your genes. Before you rush off to embrace your grays, here are some things you should know.

How to stop grey hair growth how to prevent grey hair

Table Of Content

• Look to your family to see when graying occurs
• Copper
• Practice better stress management
• Can gray hair be reversed?
• Pair Hot Tools With a Heat Protectant
• How can you care for your hair to stop greys coming early?

It is better to have hair to color than hair that is thinning due to destroying the root by yanking it out,” says Marie Leppard, a senior colorist at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa in New York. Yank out that gray hair and another one is just going to grow back in its place. "A great tip for gray hair is to use our Magic Serum ($36) before styling, as an extra-smoothing finishing touch after styling, or both," says Rubin.

Look to your family to see when graying occurs

Most experts say that no topical treatments to stop graying exist, though NYC dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner believes that using shampoos containing zinc pyrithione may have some benefits. “Zinc pyrithione containing shampoos may have a variety of benefits for the scalp and the hair, as this ingredient has been shown in studies to provide antioxidant benefits and prevent UV light damage,” he says. These shampoos are typically used to treat dry and itchy scalps, dandruff, and conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Copper

It’s also possible for your hair to lose its pigment due to certain medical conditions and illnesses. For example, research shows that thyroid-related disorders, including thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, can cause early greying. If you want a clue as to when you’ll go grey, look at both sides of your family tree – greying isn’t exclusive to just one side of your lineage. Consider if and when either of your parents went grey, and you’ll have a reasonable idea of when you might start to see some silver. But before you head out to your nearest supermarket, be assured that if a grey hair does pop out of nowhere, plucking it out won’t cause more to appear.

Practice better stress management

Most people begin developing gray or silver hair before the age of 50. What typically starts as a few stray strands may gradually increase over time to cover large areas of the hair. Krista Bennett DeMaio has nearly two decades of editorial experience. The former magazine-editor-turned-freelance writer regularly covers skincare, beauty, health, and lifestyle topics.

Do Gray Hair Serums Actually Work? We Asked The Pros mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen

Do Gray Hair Serums Actually Work? We Asked The Pros mindbodygreen.

Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Can you prevent grey hair? Experts reveal the reality of grey hair

Aging is the most common cause of greying hair; as your hair follicles produce less melanin –your hair will grow in grey. This commonly begins at around age 35 but can vary based on your specific genetics. Some people will notice grey hairs (or even go completely grey) as early as high school, while others will be well into their 40s before they notice a silver strand or two.

Can gray hair be reversed?

Vitamin B-12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of prematurely graying hair. When keratin proteins break down in the hair follicles, this can lead to hair loss and pigmentation changes, among other issues. It’s not uncommon to have low iron levels if you have premature hair graying.

"Although I believe all hair types and colors should avoid sulfates, these potentially harsh cleansing ingredients can also strip gray hair of its natural moisture and cause unwanted dryness," she instructs. A problem that many of us experience as we age is hair loss and thinning hair. I have noticed changes in my hair over the years, but I recently discovered a nutraceutical supplement that I love. I've been taking it daily for the past seven months, and my hair feels thicker and more luscious than it’s felt in years.

How can you care for your hair to stop greys coming early?

Hazan says there's no difference when it comes to covering up your grays or just simply switching up your regular color. "You can get them done like you normally would. It also depends on the amount of gray you have and the color you are going for," she says. "If you only have about 20 percent of your head covered in gray, you can use the highlights to mask them." Stress may play a part, although don't go blaming your kid or significant other for your new silver strands quite yet. Stress can make your hair fall out, but if you're already going gray, the hair that grows back will be, well, gray. If you prefer your hair to have color, there are a number of solutions.

Work with your stylist to find a hairstyle that flatters your hair texture and features. These approaches have not been clinically studied to see how well they work. So, if you decide to try out a home remedy to change your hair color, consider discussing the remedy with your doctor first.

I follow Chinese medicine for anti-aging – my go-to food combats gray hair & promotes growth, I take it d... - The Sun

I follow Chinese medicine for anti-aging – my go-to food combats gray hair & promotes growth, I take it d....

Posted: Sat, 27 Apr 2024 17:00:00 GMT [source]

If you’re dealing with coarse hair, it’s important to talk to a professional stylist about how to properly color and care for it. Environmental and lifestyle factors, like oxidative stress from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules created by various environmental aggressors that damage healthy cells. When hair follicles are oxidatively stressed, melanocyte production takes a hit.

“Keep in mind that it is key to keep hair looking bright, shiny, and healthy,” says Scott. “Gray hair tends to turn a dull yellowish color that can age you, so try keeping it shiny and bright.” You can do this by using toning, purple-colored shampoos. Popular options include Aveda’s Blue Malva Shampoo, Davines Alchemic Silver series, and Joico’s Color Endure Violet. When all is said and done, graying is a natural part of life and there isn’t any reason you should feel the need to hide it if you don’t want to.

Alternately, Rubel recommends rotating between L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo and traditional cleansers for a deep clean. To begin, it's helpful to understand how natural gray hair differs from other organic hair color. “​​With age, hair loses density, shine, and pigment, and the oil glands in the scalp produce less sebum,” says Ph.D. scientist, certified hair practitioner, and biotech/pharmaceutical patent attorney Dr. Gaby Longsworth. Rather than white, Longsworth notes that gray hair is transparent, almost like glass, due to a loss of melanin, a natural guard against ultraviolet radiation. “Gray hair lacks this natural protective mechanism making it more sensitive to the sun’s rays, which results in the oxidation of hair proteins,” Longsworth notes. “That is why white and gray hair is more likely to oxidize, looking yellow and tarnished.” All the more reason to capitalize on care—we'll trade “yellow and tarnished” for “vibrant and luscious,” please.

Thinning Hair: Causes, Treatments & When to Seek Care

Table Of Content

• Stress-related hair loss
• Health Writer
• Find more top doctors on
• Special Health Reports
• Essential oils
• Living with hair loss?
• What does normal hair growth look like?

Left untreated, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can lead to hair loss. Left untreated, syphilis can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and elsewhere. In women, the first noticeable sign of hereditary hair loss is usually overall thinning or a widening part. “Be cautious about vitamins, supplements, and shampoos that claim to help hair loss,” advises Dr. Goh.

Stress-related hair loss

This April marks Stress Awareness month in the US, a calendar moment designed to raise awareness of the pervasive and damaging nature of stress. “It’s best to avoid repetitive wear of hairstyles that pull too tightly and give the hair regular breaks from tension, especially if you notice your hair thinning. Finally, keep in mind that the same healthy habits recommended for maintaining your physical health will also help your hair. Try to find ways to manage stress, and strive for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. You can either purchase over-the-counter laser devices to use at home or receive the treatments from a provider.

Health Writer

Those units and then are implanted into the bald area of the head. The hormones that suppress ovulation could cause your hair to thin. It’s more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. Other drugs linked to hair loss include blood thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

Find more top doctors on

Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth. If you’re experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, or if you’re developing any bald spots, you should talk with a doctor. They can help you detect any underlying medical conditions, as well as offer any related medications.

Treatment can often help manage hair loss that occurs with aging by boosting hair health, thickness, and strength. Hair that falls out due to a health condition often regrows in time. Thinning hair can grow back depending on what caused it to thin in the first place. People who experience thinning hair due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, and other nongenetic reasons could experience regrowth.

Essential oils

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024 - ELLE

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It affects around 50 million males and 30 million females in the United States. Approximately half of all people will experience it at some point. You're likely to first bring your concerns to the attention of your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin problems (dermatologist). While the process of thinning hair can be concerning at first, many types of thinning hair are treatable.

Living with hair loss?

Women who are reaching the later stages of life may start to panic when they start to notice some significant hair loss or strands thinning by the day. Speak with a doctor about any troubling hair loss, shedding, or thinning you may be experiencing. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms and put together a treatment plan. Finasteride inhibits 5 alpha-reductase, blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen responsible for male pattern baldness. Menopause can also lead to uncomfortable systemic symptoms such as night sweats, weight gain, and vaginal dryness, which may raise your overall stress levels.

Medication

Healthy hair is dependent on your overall good health. In cases of malnourishment or with certain eating disorders, new hair may fail to generate from follicles. A blood test can help determine if you have a nutrient deficiency. Perhaps the cheapest method of trying to get thicker hair is scalp massage. It doesn’t cost anything, and if done correctly, it isn’t harmful.

This article will focus primarily on hair loss in cis women. The information in this article will also apply to you if you were assigned female at birth and have never had hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Trans women and trans men who have used HRT may have additional risk factors for hair loss that are not covered here. Understanding the cause of thinning hair is crucial for effective treatment because different causes require different approaches. While deficiencies in these vitamins can contribute to hair issues, it's essential to address any deficiencies with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your nutritional status and recommend appropriate supplements or dietary changes to support overall health and potentially improve hair health.

In women, androgenic alopecia can start to set on during the reproductive years, occurring later than it does in men. At 29, 12% of women start showing signs, but by 79, over half show symptoms. Hair usually starts to regrow within months of finishing chemotherapy or radiation treatments to the head or neck. Dermatologists can offer medication to help hair grow back more quickly. With this type of hair loss, your follicles gradually shrink and the growth cycle is shortened.

It's is available over the counter as 2% and 5% solutions. It takes about 6-12 months of this once-daily use foam treatment to see results. This is the name for hair loss caused by medications that harm your hair follicles. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can be toxic to follicles, causing your hair to fall out within the first few weeks after you start treatment.

Hair loss occurs when something disrupts this cycle, and hair follicles stop regrowing. In women, a wide range of health factors contribute to this issue. Regrowth continues for over a year, after which time it stabilizes.

By Sarah Jividen, RNJividen is a freelance healthcare journalist. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room. Minoxidil may irritate your scalp and cause dryness, scaling, itching and/or redness.

If you aren't getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins in your diet then you could experience some hair loss. A lack of iron, zinc and vitamin D can lead to hair loss, especially if you are deficient in iron to begin with. Thinning hair and loss of hair can be extremely stressful for women and can trigger potential feelings of shame, worry or insecurity. While thinning hair can occur at any age and takes on many forms, any type can feel worrying for people who may not understand the root cause.

Most people can regrow their hair after stopping treatment. Menopause, when the menstrual cycle stops, causes changes in estrogen and testosterone—hormones involved in regulating the hair cycle. Typically setting on when women are between 45 and 55, these fluctuations can trigger female pattern hair loss. With age, most people notice some hair loss because hair growth slows.

Overall, smoking may worsen hair loss because of its inflammatory effects in the body. Researchers also believe that smoking can disrupt the growth cycle of your hair and even lead to color loss. People who are planning to become pregnant or are at an age where they may become pregnant should avoid this medication due to possible serious side effects during pregnancy. However, for postmenopausal females, studies have shown that it may be an effective treatment and is frequently prescribed by some doctors.

What Causes Female Hair Loss? Hormones, Medications, and More

Table Of Content

• Risk factors
• Special Health Reports
• Minoxidil
• Effective hair loss treatments for women

Hair loss and hair thinning can be temporary or permanent. It’s usually genetic, but it can also be triggered by diseases or disorders that attack the hair follicles. And if you drop 15 pounds or more, you might also shed some hair a few months down the road. Don’t worry too much -- it’ll return when you’re back on a healthy diet. Be prepared to shed some locks if you’re getting too much vitamin A or not enough protein. You might notice your hair seems fuller during pregnancy.

Risk factors

The most common cause of alopecia is an inherited condition called male- or female-pattern hair loss. Certain health conditions may also cause other symptoms, such as a rash, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patch hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition. Men also experience anagen and telogen effluvium in response to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or certain medications. In these cases, the hair loss is often reversible when medication or treatment is stopped. A common cause of this imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Special Health Reports

Hair loss can sometimes be a sign of an underlying disease. Doctors can often diagnose the cause of thinning hair by looking at the pattern of hair loss. Performing a gentle scalp massage using essential oils could provide extra benefits.

Minoxidil

"Patients can expect to see results in about three months, noticeable improvement in six months, and a full head of hair growth by 12 to 14 months," she adds. If any of these are the case, hair loss won't be the only symptom present. With thyroid disease, you'll likely also notice changes in energy level, weight, and skin dryness, and you may experience heart palpitations. Hormonal fluctuations often cause acne, facial hair loss like in your eyebrows, and changes in your period.

Vitamins & Supplements

So long as the underlying cause is treated or stopped, you can expect regrowth. However, it can take up to six months before you notice results. Trichorrhexis nodosa is the official name for hair breakage. It takes place mid-shaft while hair loss occurs at the scalp. For instance, if you see little hairs on the floor of different lengths, that’s a sign of breakage, says Dr. Lenzy.

Researchers believe that cortisol, a stress hormone released by your adrenal glands, may disrupt your hair growth cycle. If you have an underlying medical condition, such as alopecia areata, getting the correct treatments from your doctor may help with hair loss. "This means you're keeping your hair and decreasing thinning," Dr. Halaas explains.

Minoxidil shortage creates issues for some dealing with alopecia, hair loss - NBC News

Minoxidil shortage creates issues for some dealing with alopecia, hair loss.

Posted: Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery. Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hairs becoming progressively less dense. Many women first experience hair thinning and hair loss where they part their hair and on the top-central portion of the head. Finasteride (sold as Propecia and Proscar) is a prescription medication used mainly to treat male pattern baldness by reducing the hormone DHT, which can shrink hair follicles. It's not typically recommended for women of reproductive age due to potential risks to a developing male fetus and may cause sexual side effects in some men.

Hair Loss in Women

Infections, distressing events, high fever, and mental health issues can contribute to stress-related hair loss in men and women. Rapid weight loss due to bariatric surgery or disease can also cause this often reversible condition. When a man has hereditary hair loss, the first sign is often a receding hairline or bald spot at the top of his head. No matter which term you use, it means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles (what each hair grows out of) to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. Shrinking can begin as early as your teens, but it usually starts later in life. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails.

Since there are many types of hair loss and many factors that can cause it, it’s important to understand who is at more risk. Certain health conditions raise your risk of both sudden hair loss (like telogen or anagen effluvium) and progressive hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Most hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss. This type is genetic—passed from parent to child—and progresses gradually. It typically affects the hairline, temples, or top of the head.

GP Doctor Bhavini Shah, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, revealed eight possible causes of thinning hair in women. Dozens of over-the-counter supplements and products purport to reverse hair loss, making it tough for patients to know which ones work and which don’t. “As soon as you notice hair loss is happening, you should come in,” says Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, South Carolina.

Best known by its brand name Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment approved by the FDA. There are online options to obtain minoxidil as well, through companies like Hims and Keeps. However, you should avoid taking any extra vitamins if you’re already getting the nutrients you need. There isn’t any evidence that doing so will reverse thinning hair, and getting too much of certain nutrients may actually do more harm than good. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products.