Graying of hair is usually associated with age. However, it can also occur in children.
Graying hair in kids is an increasing concern among many parents. It is not only worrisome but may also affect the child’s confidence levels. Hence, it is important that you be aware of its causes to deal with the situation appropriately. You can also try and manage the appearance of gray hair until you find the right treatment. In this article, we have discussed the possible causes and natural remedies for managing gray hair in your kids.
What Causes Gray/White Hair At A Young Age?
Just like premature graying can occur in young adults, it is also possible for children across all ages to grow some strands of white or gray hair.
The common causes of white hair in children include:
Your child could have developed gray strands due to multiple factors. If they exhibit any other symptoms in addition to graying hair, it is best to consult a doctor to find out the root cause of the issue.
Medical Treatment Options
The cause of premature must first be determined to treat the condition.
Mostly, treatments for graying hair in kids involve modifying the diet and increasing the intake of nutrient-rich foods. This is because nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamins B12 and D3 and calcium, are one of the leading causes of gray/white hair in children (2).
If you have been diagnosed with premature hair graying, the chances are that you are deficient in vitamin B12 and also indicative of low serum ferritin. In some cases, hormone replacement might be a method of treatment, while in most cases, your doctor will prescribe vitamin supplements (3).
There are also a few natural home remedies that can be used to get rid of gray hair in your little one. They are listed below.
Home Remedies To Manage Gray Hair In Kids
1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is widely used as a hair tonic to prevent graying of hair as it not only promotes hair growth and strength but also enhances pigmentation of hair (4).
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 1-2 times a week.
2. Coconut Oil
Gray hair is often thick and coarse. Hence, it needs to be well-nourished and well-maintained. Coconut oil, with its moisturizing properties, can help reduce protein loss from gray hair and keep it nourished (5).
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 1-2 times a week.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice is widely used in conjunction with natural dyes to color hair without damaging its cortex. It may speed the process of coloring or dying gray hair when used with henna (6).
You Will Need
1 cup of aloe juice
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once every few months. Aloe vera juice alone can be used once a week.
4. Curry Leaves
Extracts of curry leaves contain bioactive compounds that can help nourish and prevent premature graying of hair in kids as well as adults (7).
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once every week.
5. Henna Hair Pack
Henna exhibits natural dyeing properties that can help in getting rid of unwanted gray hair (8). It is safe to be used on kids as well.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once every few months or as required.
6. Bhringaraj (False Daisy)
Bhringaraj is a popularly used natural dye that contains bioactive compounds that enhance melanogenesis, thereby can be used to color gray and white hair (9).
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once every few weeks or months.
7. Black Coffee
Black coffee is also often used for hair coloring purposes due to its dyeing effects (8). Hence, it may also help in getting rid of gray hair in kids.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once every few weeks.
8. Nutritional Supplements
Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and D3 are often associated with premature graying (10). Severe iron deficiency, chronic protein loss, and chronic copper deficiency are also associated with premature hair graying. Low serum ferritin and calcium are observed in premature graying.
Taking supplements for these deficiencies could help reverse the effects of graying of hair. Consume foods rich in vitamins like eggs, dairy, and fish and iron-rich foods like shellfish, spinach, liver and organ meats, legumes like kidney beans, etc.
You should consult your doctor if you plan on giving additional supplements to your child.
Here are a few tips that could help prevent your hair from graying prematurely or your child’s hair from graying.
Prevention Tips
If you are looking to prevent your hair from graying prematurely, you can follow these tips:
Since most cases of gray or white hair could be attributed to nutritional deficiencies or an underlying medical condition, they can usually be restored by availing the appropriate medical or natural treatments.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
Why does hair turn gray?
Graying hair is a natural part of aging. As you age, the pigment cells (melanocytes) in your hair follicles slowly die, which causes your hair to gray.
Which is the best shampoo to reduce white hair?
There are many brands selling shampoos intended to dye your hair black like Dexe and Vcare. However, it is recommended that you stick to natural alternatives to avoid any possible side effects.
Does stress cause white hair?
Yes, stress is one of the factors that may contribute to premature graying as it increases oxidative stress and damage within the body.
How do you produce more melanin?
You can help your body produce more melanin by following a healthy and well-balanced diet that includes lots of protein. Consuming vitamin-rich fresh fruits and vegetables can also help.s
Does everyone get white hair?
Yes, everyone eventually develops gray or white hair as they age. However, the age of onset of gray/white hair may vary from one individual to another.
Is it bad to pluck gray hair?
If there is only a strand or two of white hair, it is completely safe to pluck them off. However, plucking too many hair strands can increase your risk of developing an infection and scarring or may even lead to bald patches.
Does removing gray hair cause more?
No, removing gray hair doesn’t cause your other hair strands to become gray. It is only a myth.
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