Remedies for Premature Greying of Hair in Men & Women

Melanocytes are cells found within each hair follicle that produce two types of pigments: pheomelanin and eumelanin. The production of these pigments is determined by your DNA. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black hair, while pheomelanin is associated with red and blond hair. The pigments produced in the scalp hair degrade more slowly than those in the skin, allowing the hair to maintain its color for an average of 3.5 years.

The development of grey hair occurs when the number of melanocytes decreases. The timing of this decrease varies from person to person. Albinism, on the other hand, is a recessive hereditary condition characterized by white hair and skin that is incapable of tanning. It is caused by the total dysfunction of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production. This condition is thought to be caused by a genetic mutation. Albinos lack the ability to produce color and do not tan or produce hair color. Although their skin may appear paler, it is otherwise normal. Albinism can affect individuals of any skin color or hair type.

There are two types of color pigment in hair and skin: eumelanin, responsible for dark colors like brown and black, and pheomelanin, responsible for lighter colors like red and yellow. Each individual typically has a mixture of these pigments, with one type being dominant. Tyrosinase is the main enzyme involved in melanin formation. In normal skin, a tan occurs when melanin pigment, produced by melanocytes, increases due to increased exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation.

Canities refers to the whitening or greying of hair, often seen during the third and fourth decades of life. The affected hair appears white, but the grey appearance is an illusion caused by the presence of surrounding pigmented hairs. A single grey hair may glisten and reflect the colors of its surroundings. Canities may precede the development of fully white hair later in life. This gradual reduction in pigment may be accompanied by changes in hair thickness. Genetic factors are the most likely cause of canities. It primarily affects the front and sides of the head and eventually spreads to the back. Unfortunately, there are no scientifically proven remedies to reverse grey hair and coloring the hair remains the only solution. While certain natural plants, fruits, and seeds may contain substances that promote melanin production, their effectiveness in treating premature greying is limited due to the underlying causes mentioned above.