Gray hair is unwelcome part of aging. When one's hair turns gray it does not signify old age. Many as young as 30 years old already have white hair due to heredity. Melanin, a substance that gives the skin and hair its natural color in the system is missing. Going gray is natural, but there are ways in which we can keep our hair black color shiny:
- Stress-free. Stress is one of the major causes of going grey early. Try to relax more and take time out for yourself, even if it's just a long hot soak after a stressful day. Be positive.
- Keep hydrated. Reduce caffeine and alcohol and up your water intake. Watch how much fried, spicy and acidic foods you eat as these can dehydrate the body and reduce moisture. Lack of moisture and hydration prevents nutrients from reaching hair follicles, which can turn them gray.
- Take multivitamins. Sometimes gray hair begins to appear due to lack of nutrients. Take a multivitamin daily as most of them contain copper. Foods that are rich in copper are turnip, greens, lima beans, yams, spinach, and meats. Copper is also found in blackberries, pineapple, pomegranates, almonds and pumpkin seeds. Increase also your iodine intake and include also carrots. Many of us don't have enough iodine in our diets, so bumping up the amounts of these foods will keep your locks radiant.
- More sleep. Good sleeping habits will help you relax, fully rejuvenate and reduce stress levels.
- Pump up B vitamins. A vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to premature graying. Eat foods rich in B12 like eggs, cheese, beef, bananas, fish and lamb.
- Take Chinese herbs. A popular Chinese herb that is believed to stop hair going gray is called He Shou Wu, or Fo-Ti. It means "black-haired Mr. He" in Chinese. This name refers to a legend of an older villager named Mr. He who took Fo-Ti and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and vitality.
- Massage your scalp. There's no point eating all the vitamins and minerals if they cant' reach your scalp and hair. To improve circulation, exercise regularly as this will get the blood flowing. Also massage your scalp with your fingertips daily for 5-10 minutes to improve circulation.
