5 FOODS AND HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT GREY HAIR IN KIDS

5 FOODS AND HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT GREY HAIR IN KIDS

Salt and pepper hair adds a style element to your look as you get older, but it’s a problem when children’s hair has white and grey strands. Hair greying is a normal occurrence as people grow older. Premature hair greying may be a distressing and unpleasant experience for both the kid and the parent, and it can even affect the child’s self-esteem. Premature greying has no negative consequences on a child’s health, although greying hair might signify other health issues. Therefore, the best method to deal with this issue is to figure out greying of hair reasons and take preventative actions as soon as feasible. (Foods for hair and skin for your child)

GREYING OF HAIR REASONS / CAUSES:

If you observe your child’s hair becoming grey or white frequently, it’s most likely due to a deficiency in his body. While there are a variety of causes for white hair in children, most of them may be treated and cured. The following are some of the most prevalent greying of hair reasons for white hair in kids.

1. GENETICS

Genetics is the most prevalent cause of premature greying of hair in children. Simply said, if the parents or grandparents had premature greying of hair as a kid, the offspring are at a higher risk of developing the disorder as well. The early beginning of greying hair may be handed down the generations, and it is a primary premature greying of hair reason in children.

2. VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY

A lack of Vitamin B12 in the body can be another greying of hair reasons in kids. Because a vegetarian diet lacks sufficient amounts of vitamin B12, children who follow a vegetarian diet are in danger of developing this condition.

3. OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Premature greying of children’s hair might be a sign of something more serious. Hair loss is a sign of a variety of diseases, including vitiligo and piebaldism. Melanin is the pigment that gives our skin and hair their colour. Vitiligo is a condition in which the melanocytes in the skin are unable to synthesise melanin, resulting in white patches. Similarly, if the thyroid gland isn’t functioning properly, it might cause overactivity or underactivity. This disorder occurs in a variety of conditions, including Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease, and is found to be the premature greying of hair reasons.

4. STRESS

Premature greying of hair in kids can happen due to stress, but this is uncommon. Stress is not the same as psychological stress in this context. It is called genotoxic stress, and it is brought on by environmental factors.

5. ANAEMIA

Anaemia, which causes fatigue and hair whitening in children, can be caused by an iron deficiency. Pernicious anaemia can also cause children’s hair to grey.

6. UNHEALTHY EATING HABITS

It’s no surprise that premature greying is becoming more widespread in the current world, due to the fast-food lifestyle. The other two conditions like Menkes hair syndrome and Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency) are also premature greying of hair reasons in children. 

7. OVER USE OF SYNTHETIC SOAPS AND SHAMPOOS

Hair product quality has deteriorated over time, as we all know. Children’s hair might become harsh and even grey as a result of the synthetic soaps and shampoos they use nowadays. Adult shampoo can make a child’s hair harsh and frizzy, so as a parent, you must be cautious from the beginning. Baby shampoo must be used on your child since it includes vitamin and mineral extracts. You may also wash your child’s hair with homemade or herbal shampoos. ( Dry and Frizzy Hair Home remedies)

TREATMENT FOR GREY HAIR IN CHILDREN

There is no therapy or medicine available to help youngsters with premature greying of their hair. The only way to prevent hair greying is to consume nutritious food. In most situations, the condition is caused by poor nutrition. A lack of Vitamin B12 and minerals such as copper and zinc in the body can also cause greying of the hair, although this can be managed with vitamin supplements or by feeding youngsters healthy food. If premature greying of hair is caused by other disorders or syndromes, address those problems and premature greying of hair will be greatly reduced. Apart from these, a few premature hair greying home remedies can help in the prevention of greying of hair.

HOME REMEDIES TO PREVENT GREYING OF HAIR

Natural remedies can be used to treat children’s grey hair. If you’re wondering how to prevent premature greying of children’s hair, here are a few home remedies you may try.

1. COCONUT OIL AND AMLA

Amla contains Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help with grey hair. Applying coconut oil to the scalp protects the pigment cells in hair follicles, which give the hair its original colour. Coconut oil also moisturises the scalp and strengthens hair.

For this remedy, add a few pieces of amla into the coconut oil, boil it for 5-10 minutes, cool and massage it into your child’s scalp.

Check Coconut oil Benefits: Skin, Hair, Body and Oral hygiene

2. ALMOND OIL AND AMLA EXTRACT

Almond oil also includes Vitamin E, which is another component that is important for hair health. It also prevents premature greying of the hair. 

For best results, use equal parts almond oil and amla juice or extract and massage this combination into your child’s scalp.

3. COCONUT OIL AND CURRY LEAVES

Curry leaves have also been shown to slow the greying of hair. Curry leaves can aid in the formation of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its natural colour.

Boil the curry leaves in coconut oil until they turn black. Then, apply the oil to your child’s hair to prevent the greying of hair.

4. SESAME SEEDS WITH ALMOND OIL

In a blender, combine almond oil and sesame seeds. Apply this combination to your child’s scalp and massage for around 20 minutes. Allow it to rest for another 20 minutes before washing it off with a herbal shampoo and warm water.

5. AMLA AND FENUGREEK SEEDS HAIR MASK

Amla is an excellent ingredient for nourishing and maintaining hair health. It can prevent greying since it is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Fenugreek and Amla both heal hair problems while strengthening it. Fenugreek seeds contain amino acids that aid hair follicles prevent premature greying. It is high in amino acids that are beneficial to dark hair colour. 

Add a few pieces of amla into coconut oil or almond oil and boil for 5-10 minutes. Then add one tablespoon of fenugreek powder into the oil mixture. Cool and apply this oil on the scalp with a gentle massage.  Leave it for an hour and rinse well. 

6. GHEE HAIR MASK

Ghee is high in enzymes, which help to maintain the gloss of the hair while also strengthening the roots. 

Apply ghee twice a week and let it on for an hour and wash the hair for best results.

7. ONION JUICE

For centuries, this has been used as a traditional cure to combat grey hair. It can boost catalase, an enzyme that naturally aids in hair darkening. Additionally, it reduces dandruff and nourishes the scalp, stimulating hair growth.

Combine onion juice with a few drops of almond oil or coconut oil and apply the mixture to the hair and scalp as evenly as possible. Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse well. 

AYURVEDIC HOME REMEDIES TO PREVENT GREY HAIR IN KIDS

Herbs have been used for centuries for treating a lot of health concerns. It has incredible medical benefits when it comes to hair and skin too. Ayurvedic formulations are full of nutrients, which helps in reverse ageing and strengthen the hair from the roots to the tip. Here are a few simple but amazing ayurvedic home remedies for preventing greying of hair in children:

1. ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng. The amino acid ‘Tyrosine’ found in Ashwagandha stimulates melanin production in hair follicles. This aids in the restoration of lost melanin and the reversal of premature hair greying. ( Health Benefits of Ashwagandha )

Apply warm ashwagandha oil to the scalp and hair. Keep it overnight. Rinse well with shampoo.

Mix ashwagandha powder (required as per the hair length) and add water to it to make a fine paste. Apply this to your scalp and hair and massage gently. Wrap it up with a towel or sheet. Rinse well after 30 minutes.

2. BRAHMI

Brahmi is one of the most effective herbs for stress relief. It is a very good nervine tonic and is used as a tranquillizer in Ayurveda. One of the key causes of premature greying of hair is stress. Brahmi is the greatest herb for preventing premature greying of hair and restoring natural colour that has been lost due to stress.

Massage Brahmi oil and amla oil into your hair and scalp. Warm the oil before using it. Allow it to sit for 1 hour before rinsing thoroughly.

To form a fine paste, combine Brahmi powder and water. Gently massage this into your scalp and hair. After 30 minutes, rinse it thoroughly.

3. MULETHI:

It is sometimes called a “wonder herb” since it provides several substantial advantages to the human body. Mulethi has the potential to significantly improve hair health. It improves blood circulation in the scalp, supplying critical nutrients to the hair follicles. This promotes quicker hair development, reduces hair loss, and prevents premature greying.

Mix mulethi powder with curd and a few drops of olive oil. Combine the ingredients well and apply all over your hair and scalp, massage for a few minutes then let it stay for another 15-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

4. HOMEMADE SHAMPOO:

Boil Reetha, Shikakai and Amla separately and strain the juice. To it mix Brahmi, hibiscus and fenugreek powder. Mix well. Use this as a shampoo. It will reduce greying of hair naturally.

FOODS/ NUTRIENTS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT GREY HAIR IN KIDS

You may prevent your child’s hair from greying by including nutritious foods in his diet. Make sure that whatever you plan to feed your infant is high in important nutrients. The following are some of the most significant vitamins and minerals for preventing and reversing premature greying.

1. VITAMIN A

Green vegetables and yellow fruits are good sources of vitamin A. This vitamin promotes scalp and hair health in general. It also keeps the hair shiny. High vitamin A foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens like spinach, papaya, apricots, lettuce, bell peppers and broccoli.

2. VITAMIN B

This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Vitamin B regulates oil secretion and maintains hair healthy and silky for a long time. Yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflowers, and bananas are all high in vitamin B. As a result, make sure that these foods are included in your child’s diet. (Foods with B Vitamins and why you need them?)

3. MINERALS

The most vital elements for healthy hair are iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals will assist your child’s hair to preserve its quality and prevents premature greying. Green vegetables, poultry, and red meat have zinc, whereas eggs, dried apricots, wheat, parsley, and sunflower seeds contain iron. Include whole-grain meals or seafood in his diet to satisfy his copper needs. All of these minerals, when consumed in sufficient amounts, can help to prevent hair from premature greying

4. PROTEIN

It keeps hair glossy and enhances its texture. Foods like whole grains, soy, cereals, vegetables, milk, nuts ( almond, cashew, pistachio), seeds (flax seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds) and meat are rich in protein. As a result, include these protein-dense meals in your child’s diet.

Check Easy source of protein for kids

5. HERBS

Herbs such as Ashwagandha, Mulethi, Tulsi, Brahmi can be taken as supplements with food to prevent greying of hair. ( 5 Top Ayurvedic herbs that are safe for kids)

PRECAUTIONARY TIPS TO FOLLOW FOR GREY HAIR:

The following are some preventative measures you should take if your kid has grey hair.

  • Do not use hot water to wash your child’s hair. Hot water destroys the melanocytes, which aid in the synthesis of melanin.
  • Overexposure to UV rays is another cause of premature greying. As a result, make sure your toddler does not spend too much time in the sun.
  • Do not remove any grey or white strands of hair off your child’s head.
  • Make sure your youngster is getting enough iodine. He should consume it in moderation since too much or too little of it might harm the thyroid gland and can be the premature greying of hair reasons.

Many children suffer from premature greying. However, following these home remedies and focusing on a healthy diet can prevent greying of hair. If disorders or syndromes are the premature greying of hair reasons, address those problems to prevent them.