Stop Early Graying of hair
Understanding Early Graying of Hair
Today, we will speak about a common concern many have — early graying of hair.
In our ancient tradition, hair was considered a reflection of inner vitality, ojas, and balance.
Premature graying was seen as a sign of internal imbalance, especially an excess of pitta dosha, which represents the fire and water elements in our body.
Excess pitta can be caused by heat, stress, poor sleep, or diet.
But don’t worry, there are ways to handle this problem using Ayurvedic remedies.
Let’s explore how we can use these principles in our daily life to nourish the hair.
What Happens When Hair Turns Gray?
Every hair strand consists of concentric layers.
The outer surface is the cuticle, while the cortex is the second layer, responsible for your hair’s color.
Due to certain external factors, the cortex may stop producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.
Without melanin, the hair turns gray.
Some causes of premature graying include genetic tendency, thyroid disorder, anemia, stress and pressure, overuse of harsh soaps and shampoos, and exposure to UV rays which damage healthy hair follicles.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Graying Hair
1. Diet and Digestion
A balanced diet plays a major role in hair health. Ayurveda says strong digestion and nourishment are key.
For early graying, focus on calming pitta dosha and ensuring full nourishment.
General Dietary Guidelines:
- Favor sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes — fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Eat freshly cooked, warm meals
- Avoid cold, stale, or refrigerated food
- Cut down on excess salt, sour, and spicy food
- Minimize coffee, alcohol, deep-fried, and very spicy dishes
2. Cooling and Nourishing Foods
Coconut Water : Coconut is sweet, cooling, and nourishing — ideal for calming aggravated pitta.
Drink one glass of fresh coconut water mid-morning between 10:00 AM and noon.
Avoid at night as it may cause imbalance.
Leafy Greens: Leafy greens are rich in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.
They purify blood and cool the system — essential for maintaining healthy hair follicles.
Cook them lightly with a bit of ghee and mild spices like cumin and coriander.
Dates and Soaked Almonds : Dates, especially Medjool or Indian soft types, are rich in iron and minerals that improve blood quality.
Soaked almonds strengthen roots and promote pigmentation.
Consume 2-3 dates and a few soaked almonds daily.
3. Herbal Infusions
Herbal waters support detox, improve digestion, and nourish the scalp. One effective method is coriander-cumin water.
Boil one teaspoon of either coriander or cumin seeds (slightly crushed) in two cups of water.
Let it simmer until reduced to one cup. Strain and store in a thermos or glass bottle.
Sip slowly during late morning or early afternoon when pitta is at its peak.
Add saffron strands or a drop of rosewater for enhanced cooling.
4. Coconut and Curry Leaves Oil
Curry leaves are rich in nutrients that support melanin production.
Simmer a handful of curry leaves in pure coconut oil over low heat until the leaves darken.
Strain and store the oil. Massage a few spoons of this warm oil into your scalp twice a week.
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Let it soak in for at least one hour or overnight before washing.
You can also eat curry leaves or chew a few fresh ones every morning.
5. Nigella and Fenugreek Seed Mask
Fenugreek and nigella seeds help strengthen hair and delay premature graying. The amino acids in fenugreek support hair follicles.
Hair Mask Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp fenugreek powder
- 1 tbsp nigella seed powder
- 1 tbsp amla powder
- 2 tbsp non-sour curd
Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste and apply from roots to tips. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo. Use once a week.
6. Black Tea Rinse
Black tea darkens hair and adds shine by boosting melanin and keratin.
Prepare by boiling 2 tbsp black tea in 1 cup of water.
Add 1 tsp salt. Cool and transfer to a spray bottle.
Spray on washed hair and leave it on.
A Simple Day Plan to Manage Graying
- Start morning with soaked almonds
- Practice Pranayam to manage stress
- Drink coconut water before 10:00 AM
- Have a bowl of fruits before lunch
- Sip coriander seed water during the day
- Eat mindfully and sleep by 10:00 PM
- Avoid stress as much as possible
Graying is a natural process and sometimes may not be controlled.
In such cases, accept your situation gracefully.
Don’t let one condition define you — you are more than your hair color.
FAQs
Q1. Why does hair turn gray at an early age?
Ans. Hair turns gray early due to factors like stress, poor sleep, genetics, thyroid issues, anemia, or overexposure to harsh products and UV rays. Melanin loss in the cortex leads to loss of color.
Q2. Which Ayurvedic foods help prevent premature graying?
Ans. Foods like coconut water, leafy greens, soaked almonds, dates, and amla-rich meals help nourish hair and calm pitta dosha, which supports natural pigmentation.
Q3. How often should I apply coconut and curry leaves oil?
Ans. Apply the warm oil twice a week, massage gently, and leave it on for an hour or overnight before washing for best results.
Q4. What are the benefits of coriander-cumin water for hair?
Ans. This herbal infusion helps cool the body, supports detox, improves digestion, and nourishes the scalp from within — crucial for healthy hair.
Q5. Can stress alone cause premature graying?
Ans. Yes, chronic stress increases internal heat and hormonal imbalance, which can accelerate pitta aggravation and lead to early loss of melanin in hair.