Are you looking to have gorgeous natural hair and prevent premature greying? A melanin boost can be your answer.
While greying of hair is a natural human process, certain factors can accelerate the timeline, and you might get premature grey hair even in your early 20s.
Opting for a hair dye seems the quickest fix to hide grey hair, but there are natural ways by which you can prevent greying hair.
Since melanin is a critical factor in hair pigmentation, boosting its production can help. Continue to read six ways to naturally boost melanin in your hair!
What is Melanin, and Why Is it Important?
Melanin comprises many interrelated molecules responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. It plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and determining the color of your hair.
There are three types of melanin found in the human body. These are eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin.
Eumelanin is responsible for dark color pigmentation like black and dark brown, while pheomelanin gives a lighter pigmentation, which includes lips (pink/red tone), red hair, etc. Neuromelanin has even darker pigmentation, but it is not present at the time of the birth.
Melanin is the deciding factor of hair color. The type of melanin you have and its quantity decides the hair color.
Usually, Asians have high eumelanin, thus resulting in black-brown hair.
While genetics largely determine your natural melanin levels, there are several natural ways to support and enhance melanin production in your hair.
By incorporating these methods into your hair care routine, you can promote healthier, more vibrant hair.
What causes the reduction of melanin in hair?
Aging
Our hair does not remain the same forever; our hair gets darker from childhood to adolescence. Although many factors are responsible for diminishing melanin, age is the most common. As we grow old, the melanin slows down or stops altogether in certain hair follicles, thus resulting in grey/white hair.
Genetics
The health of your hair is mainly dominated by your genetics, from whether you have wavy, straight, or curly hair to the color of your hair; this is genetically dependent.
Some people are genetically predisposed to premature greying or a gradual reduction in melanin production, leading to changes in hair color over time.
Oxidative Stress and Sunlight
Oxidative stress caused by environmental factors, such as extreme or prolonged exposure to UV radiation and pollution, can damage melanocytes and interfere with melanin production.
This damage can lead to premature greying or a reduction in the intensity of hair color. Lifestyle factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor dietary choices, can contribute to oxidative stress and impact melanin production.
Nutritional Deficiency
Nutritional deficiency of specific vitamins and minerals also affects the color of your hair.
For example, vitamin B12, iron, copper, and zinc deficiencies can change hair color and affect melanin synthesis.
The red blood cells in your body carry oxygen to your other body cells, including your hair cells, and these red blood cells require vitamin B12.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions and even medicines can diminish melanin production. In conditions such as vitiligo and autoimmune disorders, your immune system attacks your hair cells and impairs melanin production.
Additionally, thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances can also affect hair color.
Effective Way to Increase Melanin in Your Hair
Eat a balanced diet
The importance of eating a balanced and nutritious diet is undervalued; what goes inside is the result of what shows outside. A diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for overall health, including hair health.
Vitamins A, C, and B12 are the most needed vitamins to increase the melanin production in your hair. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, can help protect your hair follicles from oxidative stress, which can inhibit melanin production.
Additionally, foods rich in vitamin E, like avocados and sunflower seeds, can support healthy hair growth and melanin production. Check on your iron and copper intake, as these two minerals have proven to be effective in increasing melanin in your hair.
Drinking adequate water daily helps keep your scalp and hair follicles hydrated, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Protection from UV rays
Excessive sun exposure can damage natural hair follicles and rescue melanin production. Cover your head with a scarf or a hat when going out in the sun.
Additionally, you can use a hair product that contains UV filters when spending time outdoors. This can help prevent UV-induced damage and preserve your hair’s natural melanin levels.
Natural remedies
Another reason that reduces melanin production is hair care products containing harmful chemical-based ingredients like paraben, sulfate, silicon, etc.
These products may look fancy but destroy your hair’s health by stripping it of its natural oil. Look for natural ingredients that support melanin production, such as amla oil, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Bhringraj, Triphala, Vibhitaka, etc., are popular for their properties in preventing premature greying. Mix them and apply this mask before washing your hair.
Manage stress and sleep
A relaxed and calm mind can do wonders for your health. Chronic stress can cause a lot of health issues, which also include premature hair greying.
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, listening to calming music, yoga, or any workout that makes you calm. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sound sleep for optimal hair and melanin production.
Avoid excessive styling
Excessive heat exposure from heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles for long durations affects your hair health, causes breakage, and affects melanin levels.
Limit the use of a straightener or curler and blow dry. Opt for sun-dried hair and gentle styling techniques to let hair breathe and promote healthy growth.
Melanin-rich products and supplements
Certain branded products and natural supplements that contain biotin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are known to support hair growth and strength.
Not every product will suit your hair; look for ones with melanin-rich ingredients. These ingredients include lutein, probiotics, astaxanthin, etc. Discover these effective solutions to increase melanin in your hair for vibrant and healthy locks.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy melanin levels is essential for vibrant, shiny, and beautiful hair. By following these six ways to naturally boost melanin in your hair, you can avoid premature greying.
Nourish your body with a balanced diet and adequate water. Manage stress, aim for quality sleep, and protect your hair from UV rays and excessive styling.
Using melanin-rich products and supplements can further boost your hair growth and melanin production.
By implementing these strategies, you can successfully Increase melanin In your hair, promoting its health, vibrancy, and natural beauty.
