White Hair: Natural Causes And Remedies

Why do white hairs appear?

Don’t worry when you look in the mirror – don’t shout out loud that you’re getting old, that you should be called “grandma” or that you’re no longer in the “flower of age”. You can choose to be a “silver fox” like some Hollywood stars who refuse to dye their hair or you can resort to various natural remedies to cover white hair.

White hairs occur as a result of an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. It is not enough to know the name of the cause, you must understand that this is the date of “expiration” of the hair follicles, ie the source of new hairs. The accumulated peroxide prevents the synthesis of melanin, the element that gives your hair its natural color.

If you are used to bleaching your hair, you already know that peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) is one of the key ingredients. But your body also produces peroxide, only in smaller quantities.

As we age, this production increases as it no longer contains the required concentration of the enzyme that breaks down and transforms peroxide into its two components: hydrogen and water.

In addition, the hair cannot repair the damage caused by this increase in peroxide, as the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which produces melanin, also decreases. Although age is one of the most important causes of this process, it is not the only one. And the genetic factor can have a considerable influence in this regard.

Other causes of peroxide buildup and enzyme deficiency are:

• Hormones
• Climate
• Genetic inheritance
• Contaminants
• Toxins
• Exposure to certain harmful substances

Causes of white hairs

There is also a link between stress levels and hair bleaching. You’ve probably heard your parents say as a child that you “pulled out white hair” (or maybe you even told your children the same thing). It has always been considered that emotional tension, numerous obligations and, of course, stress can lead to the appearance of white hairs.

Stress can cause many problems in the body, both inside and outside. It produces neurotransmitters that affect DNA, causing hair bleaching. But do not blame only stress, because there are other factors that lead to the appearance of white hairs.

Genetic factors

Pay attention to the period when your parents’ hair started to turn white. Don’t be surprised if this happened when they were your age. The moment when the hair starts to turn gray is genetically determined. If your ancestors had white hair at a premature age, it is very possible that you will suffer the same.

An unbalanced diet

Nutrition is closely linked to all processes in the body. To prevent hair bleaching before the age of 50, it is important to have a sufficient intake of vitamin B12.

It is found in the following foods: eggs, sardines and tuna. Excessive consumption of fried foods, coffee and hot spices can speed up the whitening process.

Unhealthy habits and emotional problems

White hair also occurs as a result of bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or sedentary lifestyle. Stress and depression can, in turn, cause early hair bleaching. Sometimes it can happen that the hair returns to its “normal” color after overcoming the stressful period.

Two natural remedies for white hair

If you already have white hair, you can try one of the following natural remedies:

Onion

Massage your scalp with a little onion juice to slow down the whitening process. A study conducted at the University of Bradford shows that one of the enzymes present in onion juice can break down oxygen peroxide, preventing it from accumulating in the hair follicles. Cut an onion as small as you can to get a paste or rub the scalp with half an onion.

Avocado

According to research conducted at the University of Los Angeles, California, avocado fruit has various medicinal properties due to its high fatty acid content.  It is also rich in minerals and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an extremely moisturizing substance and a powerful antioxidant that prevents hair bleaching.

Cut an avocado in half, remove the core and place in a bowl. Crush it and apply it directly on the scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash your head as usual.