5 Ways to Reduce Grey Hair

I'm on this plan myself!

Most people would say spotting your first grey hair can feel like a moment of reckoning, but it didn’t really feel like this for me. I kind of didn’t feel anything…I just hoped it blended in with my years of blonde highlights, which it did…for a while. It’s now got to point where I can see my grey roots obviously peeping through every week. I already hate the fact that getting my gel nails and hair done every 3 weeks means I can’t be productive, so theres no way in hell I’m increasing my salon visits!

I’m also not at that point that I can fully embrace the greys and have them look stylish in any way. They just look awful, dry and weirdly like a new hair type growing within my head of hair. So…I did some research to see how I could help to slow it down! I’m already doing all of the below so thought I’d share!

1. Focus on Nutrition

Healthy hair starts from the inside out. Deficiencies in vitamins like B12, folic acid, and copper have been linked to premature greying. To support your hair’s natural pigment, add these to your diet:

- Vitamin B12: Found in eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals.

- Copper: Load up on lentils, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.

- Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables like blueberries, spinach, and tomatoes help combat oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and lead to greying.

2. Embrace Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla has been a go-to remedy in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it’s a game-changer for hair health. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, amla helps prevent premature greying while strengthening your hair.

How to Use:

- Amla Oil: Massage it into your scalp once or twice a week.

3. Manage Stress Levels

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it can also age your hair. Chronic stress is known to accelerate greying by increasing oxidative stress and affecting melanin production (the pigment that gives your hair color).

4. Use Natural Dyes

If greys have already started creeping in, you can enhance or restore your natural color using natural alternatives instead of harsh chemical dyes. Henna and indigo are two popular choices:

- Henna: Gives hair a reddish-brown tint and nourishes it.

- Indigo: When mixed with henna, it creates darker brown or black tones.

5. Scalp Massage with Essential Oils

Scalp massages improve blood circulation, stimulating hair follicles and promoting melanin production. Certain oils are especially beneficial for greying hair:

- Coconut Oil: Strengthens hair and prevents greying when used regularly.

- Rosemary Essential Oil: Boosts circulation and may restore pigment.

- Black Seed Oil: Known for its anti-aging properties, it nourishes and darkens hair over time.