Hair turns grey because of the loss of pigment granules in the cortex of the hair as we age. The rate and age at which this happens is largely determined by our genes. Premature greying can be caused by poor diet, illnesses such as thyroid disorders, pernicious anemia and stress.
Dietary Advice For Greying Hair
Eat a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, dried fruit and polyunsaturated vegetable oils. It has been suggested that certain nutrients, such as B-complex vitamins, folic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and zinc, can slow down the greying process. Food sources include wholegrains, wheatgerm, brown rice, lentils, pork, eggs, liver, seafood, yeast, molasses, nuts, fruit and vegetables. Supplements may also help. Try taking 50 mg vitamin B complex, 250 mg PABA, 400 mcg folic acid and 15 mg zinc daily.
Complimentary Remedies For Greying Hair
A rinse made from sage leaves can darken grey hair if used once a fortnight. (For fair hair use chamomile flowers; for red hair use hibiscus.) Make an infusion using 15 g dried sage leaves to 600 ml boiling water. Allow to infuse for 1 hour. To apply, bend over a basin and keep pouring the infusion over your head until the hair is saturated. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing out. For chamomile and hibiscus, use 25 g dried flowers to 1.2 liters water.
