It is embarrassing to find out that your white hair shows you twice the age you actually are. Except for people who love salt and pepper look. Premature white hair is one of the major concerns across the globe affecting almost every age group, gender and race. The reasons why we have black pigmentation of our hair is due melanin secreted near the hair follicles. When the secretion gradually decreases or stops abruptly the hair starts to turn gray and then eventually white. The reasons for that can include age, ongoing medication, genetic heritage (hereditary), hormonal changes or imbalances in the body, smoking, inappropriate diet (overeating of malnutrition) and stress or other mental issues. Studies have also shown that, prolonged exposures to strong chemicals present in soaps and shampoos can also lead to white hair.
To address this we will go through some well-known natural remedies for people scratching their heads (pun intended) for how to reduce white hair.
10 Answers for How to reduce White Hair
- The Meth(i)-head treatment
Fenugreek seeds (widely known as “Methi” in Hindi and Ventaya vitaikaḷ in Tamil) is one of the old well known remedies to avoid white hair (according to Ayurvedic sciences). It primarily comprises of Potassium and Licithin which helps not just in getting rid of white hair but also strengthens the hair follicles from the root and treats the scalp. Fun fact– Fenugreek is also beneficial for the new mothers, as it helps in the better production of breast milk.
How to do it: Take a cup of Methi and 2-3 curry leaves to it. Grind them well and apply this paste to the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and repeat it once a week for best results.
- The Amla-Matter
Gooseberries, (better known as Amla) is one of the oldest herbal medicine not just for hair and scalp but also for other skin related issues. They are the primary source of Vitamin C and contain antioxidants in abundance which have anti-ageing properties boosting scalp health and better secretion of melanin around the hair follicles to reduce white hair.
How to do it: Take 2-3 gooseberries, remove their seeds and grind them. Now apply on the scalp and wash it after 30-35 minutes. Repeat the same once a week for best results.
- Ridge Gourd Remedy (RGR)
Ridge gourd (Luffa) is a dark horse on this list. It is very effective in controlling white hair naturally. It is well known as Tori in Indian Subcontinent. They are very rich in vital minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, Iron and Manganese which also help in strengthening the hair and revitalizes the dead cells on the scalp.
How to do it: Take 3-4 pieces of Ridge Guard and dry it for few days in dark and dry places and grind them into powder. Add it to coconut oil and apply it on the scalp once a week for best results.
- Pyaaz Anyone?
One might wonder, shouldn’t this be in my food? Well you may not know this but, Onions are rich in sulfur which promotes better circulation of blood in the scalp, leading to growth of collagen tissues which help in hair growth. Better circulation of blood brings nourishment to the hair follicles and enhances the secretion of melanin on the scalp thus bringing down white hair.
How to do it: Take 2-3 fresh onions (outer layer peeled off) and boil them in water for 10-15 minutes. Now, take the water and wash your hair with it once a week. Make sure to wash your hair with normal water after this to reduce the smell.
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- Apple Cider Vinegar & Fenugreek Cocktail
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with Fenugreek can do wonders not just for white hair but also for scalp and dandruff issues. ACV is acidic in nature and helps in reducing the greasy content on the scalp thus clearing the blockages in the follicles. Fenugreek nurtures the hair from the root and makes the hair look darker, thicker and healthier.
How to do it: Take a cup of fenugreek seed and soak them in water over night and grind them. Now add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar to it and 3-4 tablespoons of water to dilute the mixture. Apply it to the scalp and wash it after 1 hour. Repeat this once a week for best results.
Juices and Diets for reduce white hair
- Sp(r)out Treatment
Sprouts are not just known for their weight reducing benefits but for also their scalp and hair nourishment. They are rich in minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Zinc and Iron and Vitamin A, B, C, E & K. These supplements help in better growth of hair and increases the blood circulation in the scalp which thus reduces and prevents premature white hair.
How to have it? Consume a bowl of sprouts in the morning before breakfast or after breakfast daily or take a cup Alfalfa sprouts or Moong Sprouts and grind them in your blender and make a juice out of it. Drink it daily or on an alternative day for best results.
- Carrot-Ginger Juice Carnival
A well-known fact that, carrots are good for eyes but on the other hand they are a great natural way to promote scalp health and reduce white hair. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which helps in the better growth of hair. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and helps in triggering the hair follicles thus helping in better growth of new and dark hair.
How to have it? Take 2-3 medium sized carrots and add few small pieces of ginger to it. Now mix them all together in a blender and make a juice out of it. Take this juice daily to reduce hair whitening after or before breakfast. Add honey if you are not able to consume it directly.
- Bean-Bean… Soybean Diet
Soya Chunks are one of the best natural remedies as it contains Vitamins A and B, Proteins and minerals such as Sodium and Magnesium which helps in better circulation of blood and helps in the growth of collagen tissues which enhances the growth of hair and keeps it healthy and dark.
How to have it? Treat yourself with Soya Chunks curry once a week for results. To make sure, add ginger and curry leaves to this curry so as to enhance the ability of the soya chunks on your hair.
- Amaranth Juice Treatment
Amaranth is an unbelievable great leafy vegetable loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin B-6 and minerals such as Iron and Magnesium which help in the better production of melanin, enhanced circulation of blood in scalp thus nourishing both hair scalp and hair roots. Vitamin B-6, on the other hand, helps in the growth of denser and darker hair.
Take 2 cups of fresh Amaranth leaves and add it to your blender. Additionally, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of honey and turn it into a juice and drink this on an alternative day before breakfast or daily before breakfast.
- Curry Leaves and Buttermilk treatment
Curry leaves might look just like a simple leaf from outside but it is a less known fact that they are rich in Carbohydrates and minerals such as Iron, Magnesium and Coper and Vitamins A, B, C and E and Amino acids which help in better growth of stronger hair, better blood circulation and triggers the hair follicles thus enhancing the production of melanin in the scalp thus reducing the chances of white hair.
How to have it? Crush 6-7 curry leaves and add them to a cup of curd/yogurt. Now add them to the blender and turn this into a buttermilk and drink this soon after your meals daily twice for better results.
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