Are there any Natural ways to Reverse Gray Hair?

Gray hair is caused by the degeneration of pigment cells which are responsible for giving hair its color. When the pigment cells, also referred to as melanocytes, fail to produce color, the result is gray hair. Lifespan of melanocytes primarily depend on genes. But while you can do little about hereditary factors, latest media reports1 suggest certain drugs may soon be available which would prevent if not actually reverse graying of hair. However not many are comfortable with the idea of pumping chemicals and drugs into the body and would prefer natural treatment. But are there actually any natural products or measures which would bring about a reversal in the graying process?

Corrective measures for related causes

Apart from genetic reasons, some experts believe that a vitamin B-12 deficiency or problems with your pituitary or thyroid gland can cause premature graying. So if you are still in your twenties and notice silvery streaks already, correcting your nutrient deficiencies or hormonal problems may reverse the problem. Some vitamin B12 rich foods that you can include in your diet are fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, yogurt, milk and fortified cereals. Occasionally, a medical condition such as tuberculosis, fish tapeworms or diverticulitis may block the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. A doctor can provide the proper medication and treatment. Once the condition is remedied, graying of the hair should cease. Vitiligo - in which your skin loses melanocytes, resulting in very light patches of skin and possibly premature gray hair, early menopause and smoking are some other underlying conditions responsible for premature graying and in some cases, treating these may help to prevent hair from going gray early.

Remedies in alternative medicine

In alternative medicines, certain herbs and ingredients are believed to have the potential to reverse premature graying of hair. In traditional Chinese medicine one of these is an herb called He Shou Wu which however is best taken under supervision of a trained therapist since if used improperly, it is thought to lead to emotional ailments such as anger or depression. Also Hair, according to TCM, reflects the quality of blood and the strength of the kidneys. Foods that are thought to strengthen the blood and kidneys and thus pave the way for reversing gray hair are Hijiki seaweed, Blackstrap molasses, Black sesame seeds, Nettles, Wheat grass and Chlorophyll.
In the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda, hair is associated with an imbalance in the pitta constitutional type. An imbalance in the vata constitutional type, aggravated by stress, is also associated with premature graying. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend a herb called  bringaraja which is supposed to be able to reverse the graying of hair. However, there is no scientific evidence that any diet, herb, supplement, or product can reduce or reverse gray hair and if at all, you use any such product, do it with discretion and under the supervision of an expert in the relevant field.

Natural alternatives

If you are averse to coloring your hair for fear of harsh or dangerous chemicals in the hair dyes, you can explore natural ingredients which can lend a darker hue to your graying hair. Indian gooseberry known as ‘amla’, henna leaves and some herbs like sage, rosemary and nettle are some ingredients out of which pastes or rinses can be made and applied onto graying hair. Potato peel rinse is an old fashioned remedy to tint gray hair darker. Being natural, these are mostly safe to use but some people can still be allergic to them while for people who have more than 50% white hair, they would hardly lend any color.

In the end, it is difficult to come across any natural products or methods which will reverse graying of hair. What some pastes and rinses can do at the most is to provide a darker tint to mask silvery strands. While alternative medicinal therapies recommend topical application or oral intake of certain herbs and natural products, none has been scientifically proven to completely stop, much less reverse graying of hair.

Reference:

1. Forbes - A Pill To Prevent Gray Hair - Is It Finally On The Way?