Have you been thinking about how to stop greying of hair lately? You’re not alone. Greying hair, especially when it happens early can be frustrating and even embarrassing for many. While aging is a natural process, greying in your 20s or early 30s may signal that something's off, whether in your diet, stress levels, or hair care routine.
Experts strongly believe that a healthy lifestyle, consistent hair care and effective stress-reducing techniques play a crucial role in delaying premature greying. Both your scalp and hair strands need proper nutrition and attention. Neglecting either can cause a series of hair issues, from thinning to dullness and, yes, even greying.
Let’s understand why this happens and how you can stop greying of hair naturally through tips and time-tested remedies.
The Role of Melanin in Hair Colour
Melanin is the magic pigment behind your hair colour. It’s produced by specialized cells called melanocytes located in the hair follicles. When your hair begins to grow, melanin is deposited into the hair shaft, giving it its natural black, brown, or other hues.
Over time, melanocytes slow down or stop working altogether, leading to less melanin production and that’s when grey or white strands begin to show. But why do they stop?
The answer is hormonal changes, aging, genetics, poor nutrition and oxidative stress. These factors contribute to deplete the melanin.
Did you know? If your mother or father had grey hair in their 30s, there’s a high chance you will too. But heredity isn’t destiny.
The Natural Causes of Hair Greying
Although hair greying is a normal part of aging, premature greying before the age of 30 is becoming increasingly common, even among teenagers. Studies reveal that about 55.9% of today’s youth experience premature greying.
Losing natural hair colour with age is completely fine. But when greying occurs early, it can negatively impact confidence, appearance and self-esteem. This premature aging effect can make you look older than you really are.
Let’s look at the primary causes of premature greying:
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Iron, Copper and Zinc are common culprits. These nutrients help with melanin production.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress increases oxidative stress and free radical damage, accelerating hair greying.
3. Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking restricts blood flow to the scalp and reduces oxygen delivery to follicles, which affects melanin production.
4. Hormonal Imbalance
Thyroid issues and hormonal disruptions can affect melanocyte activity.
5. Genetics
If early greying runs in your family, you may inherit the same tendency.
Tips & Remedies to Stop Greying of Hair
Now that you know what causes premature greying, it’s time to explore practical solutions. These natural remedies and daily tips can help reverse or slow down the process.
1. Eat a Melanin-Boosting Diet
- Vitamin B12: Eggs, milk, cheese, meat
- Iron: Spinach, lentils, red meat
- Copper: Nuts, seeds, mushrooms
- Zinc: Chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, dairy
- Antioxidants: Berries, green tea, tomatoes
Tip: Drink plenty of water and avoid processed, sugary foods that trigger oxidative stress.
2. Manage Stress Effectively
High-stress levels can fast-track the greying process. Adopt stress-relief techniques like:
- Meditation and deep breathing
- Yoga and regular exercise
- Adequate sleep (7–8 hours daily)
Reducing cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone) supports melanin production and hair health.
3. Oil Your Hair the Right Way
- Coconut oil with curry leaves
- Amla oil (Indian gooseberry)
- Bhringraj oil
- Castor oil mixed with almond oil
These oils can be a wonderful combination to try. Ensure to massage your scalp gently in circular motions for some time, applying 2–3 times a week.
4. Use Natural Hair Masks
Hair masks made with natural ingredients can restore nutrients to your strands:
Amla + Henna + Coffee Hair Mask
- Mix amla powder, henna powder, and brewed black coffee. Apply to hair and scalp.
- Leave for 1 hour and rinse with a mild shampoo.
Fenugreek + Yogurt Hair Mask
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind to a paste, mix with yogurt.
- Apply for 30 minutes and rinse off.
These ingredients are known for their melanin-restoring and hair-darkening properties.
5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Chemical-laden shampoos and dyes strip your scalp of natural oils and accelerate hair damage. Switch to:
- Sulphate-free shampoos
- Paraben-free conditioners
- Natural, herbal hair colours instead of synthetic dyes
Pro tip: Always patch-test any new product before full use.
6. Include Shilajit in Your Wellness Routine
Did you know that Shilajit, a mineral-rich natural resin, is packed with fulvic acid and powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and support hair pigmentation?
Using Xheal Pahadi Shilajit Gold Resin can improve nutrient absorption, reduce stress and support hormone balance all contributing to better hair health and less greying.
Simply dissolve a small amount of this natural gold Shilajit resin in warm water or milk and consume daily.
Conclusion
Stopping or delaying premature greying of hair requires patience, consistency and commitment. While you can’t change your genes, you can change your habits. A mindful diet, natural hair care remedies, reduced stress and conscious product choices go a long way in keeping those beautiful black or brown strands from turning grey too soon.