Graying hair at a young age is a distressing issue. When white hair appears at a young age, one has to resort to dyeing the hair to cover it up. However, frequent hair dyeing can be worrisome due to potential health risks. To address this concern, experts have identified the causes of premature graying and have suggested some remedies to turn white hair black.
Causes
Genetics Genetics is a common factor that leads to premature graying and may appear in every generation or alternate generations. Therefore, it is important to understand if there is a family history of premature graying. If genetics is the cause, it is generally difficult to find other remedies to alleviate the issue.
Excessive stress Premature graying in many young people is closely related to stress and mental conditions. Prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can lead to prolonged tension in the nerves, which can disrupt the internal environment and nervous system. This disruption can affect blood circulation in the scalp, making it difficult to deliver nutrients to the hair follicles, resulting in premature graying.
Poor nutrition Dark hair also requires proper nourishment. If a person undergoes prolonged periods of dieting or selective eating, it can lead to an incomplete intake of essential nutrients. When the necessary nutrients for hair are lacking, it can result in premature graying and hair loss. This situation can be addressed through dietary adjustments to promote dark hair.
Remedies
There are various causes of premature graying, and apart from genetic factors, most can be addressed through specific methods of treatment in daily life.
Brushing hair Many people experience premature graying because the nutrients cannot reach the scalp. Regularly brushing the hair can enhance blood circulation in the scalp and also relieve insomnia.
Sun exposure Sun exposure is another method to turn white hair black. This is because sunlight promotes the absorption of nutrients by the scalp, further aiding in the process of turning hair black.
Adequate sleep When we talk about adequate sleep, it is not just about ensuring sufficient time but also sleeping at the right time. Sleeping between 11 PM and 3 AM allows the liver to rest, which helps nourish the liver blood and can contribute to turning white hair black.
Dietary adjustments Pigment granules in hair contain trace elements such as iron, copper, and cobalt. Therefore, those with white hair should consume foods rich in these elements, such as rape, spinach, kelp, soybeans, seaweed, pork liver, chicken liver, longan, and other black foods like black sesame, black beans, mulberries, black rice, and black fungus.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) According to Li Peng, TCM believes that the growth of hair is closely related to the liver and kidneys. Under the guidance of a professional TCM doctor, specific TCM medications can be selected based on the person's condition. For example, if the hair becomes white due to deficiency of qi and blood, weak constitution, or long-term illness that depletes qi and blood, TCM formulations such as Rensheng Yangrong Wan, Rensheng Guipi Wan, and Shiquan Dabu Wan can be used. If the cause is kidney and liver deficiency, caused by congenital deficiency or weak liver and kidneys that fail to nourish the hair, Qibao Meiran Dan can be taken. For those who experience graying due to emotional stress and damage to the heart and spleen, resulting in impaired spleen function and disrupted blood circulation, medications like Xiaoyao Wan and Yueju Wan can be given.
In addition, acupuncture and massage techniques targeting acupoints such as Baihui, Sishencong, Zusanli, Shenshu, and Pishu can be used to nourish the liver and kidneys and improve local blood circulation. Li Peng reminds that TCM emphasizes a holistic approach and personalized treatment, so TCM remedies for premature graying should always be used under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner.
