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Grey Hair Problems -
Causes & Treatments
Grey Hair is a symptom of improper protein
synthesis. Hair grows white when the colour pigment (melanin) ceases to be
produced in the hair follicle and small air spaces take its place. Pigment
cells located at the base of each hair follicle produce the natural dominant
colour of our youth. However, as a person grows older and reaches middle
age, more and more of these pigment cells die and colour is lost from
individual hairs. The result is that a person's hair gradually begins to
show more and more grey. Individual hairs each have an outer layer (the
cuticle) of overlapping flat cells, underneath, which is the thick cortex,
which consists of horn-like keratin. The inside of the hair is made of
softer, rectangular cells. Hair colour is determined by the concentration
and depth of melanin pigment in the cortex - this produces the whole
spectrum of hair colour from blond to black, with very fair people having
almost no melanin. When these melanocytes die, then the hair turns grey.
Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin and they are the cells responsible
for much of the coloring of the human body, including the hair. With age the
melanocytes lose their ability to make pigment, so color is absent from new
hair.
Grey hair is usually associated with ageing, but this is not always the
case. Early greying of the hair is basically hereditary, and we can inherit
it from one of our parents or grandparents. So if your father's hair started
to turn grey in his thirties there is a good chance yours will too. Grey
hair can also be influenced by stress. A person experiencing a prolonged
period of stress and anxiety may notice, over a period of time, white hairs
gradually appearing. Malnutrition, worry, shock, deep sorrow, tension and
other similar conditions may also slow down the production of melanin
resulting in grey hair. Sever illness too can stop or affect the production
of melanin. However, scientists have not been fully able to explain the
exact causes of this change in colour of the hair.
Contrary to popular belief pulling out one grey hair will make two grow in
its place is a myth. What can happen, however, is that if your hair is
starting to turn grey and you pull one grey hair out, it may well be that
the neighboring grey hair is just about to start growing, therefore two
hairs in close proximity will appear at about the same time.
Home Remedies and Treatment
" Amla " is the best cure for
grey hair and falling hair. Regular massage of "amla" paste rubbed into the
scalp has worked wonders in many cases, frequently reversing the process of
greying or falling off of hair.
Massage your hairs with coconut oil and Lemon everyday for at least 15
minutes. There are instances of people having black hairs even up to the age
of 60-70 years by using this method.
Soak about 10 to 12 rithas and 3 to 4 shikakai pods overnight in a pint of
water. Next day, boil for a few minutes and strain. Use this liquid as a
normal shampoo. Separately soak 10 to 12 dried amlas in half a cup of water
overnight. Strain and use as a hair conditioner after your head bath. Leave
it on the hair for ten minutes and rinse your hair with clean warm water.
This will leave your hair smooth and shiny and also stop premature greying
of your hair.
Mix lemon juice in castor oil and beat till frothy. Add 'henna' in to it.
Apply the mixture evenly over the scalp, and bathe after an hour using 'shikakai'
and 'ritha' shampoo as above. This checks greying of hair.
Take a cup of strong black tea (without milk), and to this add a
tablespoon of salt. When cold, strain the tea and massage it on the roots.
Leave it on for an hour, and then rinse with cold water. Do not shampoo it.
Nourishment and proper grooming is very important to keep the hair
texture, growth, shin and luster in a good condition. Therefore use a
shampoo & conditioner that suits your hair type. Choose products that are
gentle, preferably without any harsh detergent like sodium lauryl sulfate.
For daily washes, use a shampoo that is mild, gentle & moisturizing. Don't
use too much conditioner or else it makes hair greasy. Daily massage your
hair with your fingertips; it helps proper blood circulation in the scalp.
Nourishment
Your hair needs the following nourishment:
a) Vitamin A - vitamin A is necessary for promoting a healthy
scalp and gives body and glow to your hair. Include dark green vegetables
and orange & yellow fruits & vegetables in your diet.
b) Vitamin B - vitamin B regulates the secretion of oil, keeps hair
healthy & moisturized. Eat more of fresh green leafy vegetables, tomatoes,
cauliflower, cereals, liver kidney, yogurt, bananas and green vegetables.
c) Minerals - minerals like zinc, iron & copper promote healthy hair.
Food sources: zinc - red meat, chicken & green vegetables; iron - beef,
dried apricots, red meat, parsley, eggs, wheat & sunflower seeds; copper -
seafood, egg yolk & whole grains.
d) Proteins - consuming more of protein gives your hair natural shine
and good texture. Include more of sprouted whole grains, cereals, meat and
soy in your diet.
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