Premature Gray Hair

When we see old men in the street with silvery gray hair we think nothing of it. In fact, their hair gives them a distinguished elegance that we can respect and even strangely envy. But when premature gray hair chooses us we tend to panic and run to the nearest pharmacy in the hope of delaying what we see is our impending death. In reality premature gray hair has little to do with old age. It can strike anyone at practically any time. There have even been cases of eight years olds getting gray hair.

Mainly due to the lack of vitamin B, iron, copper and iodine in the daily diet. No wonder it becomes common among youngsters who skip food to become slim.

Mental worries produce an extraordinary tension in the skin of the scalp which interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of the hair. Similarly anxiety, fear, jealousiness and failures have adverse effects on the hair.

Other causes of premature graying of hair are an unclean condition of the scalp which weakens the roots of the hair as the pores are blocked by the collected dirt, washing the hair with hot water and drying them with electric dryers which emit a blast of hot air, the use of hair-dyes in earlier stages when the hair have just started graying.

Some diseases like chronic cold, sinusitis, anaemia, chronic constipation predispose to graying. The chemicals and perfumes used for the preparation of hair-oils, shampoo and soap may have adverse effect on hair. Heredity is another predisposing factor which gives rise to this ailment. Hormonal imbalance is also to be considered.

Is there any treatment?

When faced premature gray hair there are today many options available. There are the obvious dyes and shampoos, but you can also have treatment which might involve scalp injections.

Homoeopathic medicines are beneficial for the treatment of premature graying of hair. We believe the constitutional treatment which varies from person to person. However, the treatment is very effective in younger age-groups. The treatment is very similar to that of vitiligo.

The external oils may have gradual dyeing effect. The paste of henna leaves, boiled in coconut oil forms a darkish oil and can be used as a hair-dye to blacken the gray hair. There are similar herbs which has the same effect. But this would not cure the condition as it seeks internal therapy.

Many patients are embarrassed with white hair. For instant effect dyes may be helpful. Hair is a dead portion which is made up of dried protein. Dyeing is not harmful to the hair but it may be allergic to some persons. In the long-term usage it may shed your hair and makes it brittle. A patch test must be done to detect sensitivity.