Home Remedies for Grey Hair – Causes, Treatments, and Tips

Feeling uneasy after spotting a few silver strands peeking through your hair? Do not worry, as you are not alone in this battle, and you have plenty of options available to treat grey hair. Your pantry is a treasure trove of ingredients that can help slow down or treat premature greying right from the comfort of your home.

Some effective natural remedies for grey hair that you can try at home include black tea, onion juice, ghee, Bhringraj, etc. Continue reading this article to find the best home remedies for grey hair that are natural, safe, effective, and easy to try.

What Causes Grey Hair?

Greying of hair can be caused by several common factors, such as:

• Genetics: The most common and primary cause of grey hair is genetics. If your hair starts turning grey at a young age, there is a high chance that your parents or grandparents would also have experienced the same issue.

• Mental Stress: High stress levels are another common reason behind the premature greying of hair. Stress can reduce the number of stem cells in hair follicles. Anxiety, sleep disorders, and high blood pressure are also known to contribute to premature greying.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance can also contribute to the greying of hair. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can affect melanin production.

• Vitamin Deficiency: If your diet lacks essential vitamins, especially vitamins B, D, and E, then it can lead to premature greying. To help preserve your hair’s natural colour, consider adding foods high in these nutrients to your daily meals.
• Smoking: Smoking not only affects your lungs and respiratory system, but it can also impact your hair health by accelerating the greying process. It reduces the oxygen supply to hair follicles, which can lead to a decrease in melanin production and ultimately premature greying of hair.

Top 10 Home Remedies for Grey Hair

Try these top 10 home remedies for grey hair to help maintain your natural hair colour:

Amla and Fenugreek Seeds Hair Mask

Amla is a powerful natural remedy known for nourishing hair and maintaining its health. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and various essential nutrients, it helps prevent premature greying. When combined with Fenugreek, this duo tackles multiple hair concerns and strengthens the hair from the roots.

Fenugreek seeds are rich in amino acids that support hair pigmentation and strengthen hair follicles. These amino acids are particularly effective in combating early greying and maintaining a naturally dark hair colour.

Ingredients:

• Amla – 6 to 7 pieces
• Oil – 3 tablespoons (coconut/olive/almond)
• Fenugreek powder – 1 tablespoon

Directions:

• Combine the amla pieces with 3 tablespoons of your preferred oil.
• Warm the mixture slightly for a few minutes.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of Fenugreek powder.
• Strain the oil, allow it to cool and apply it evenly to your scalp before going to bed.
• The next morning, wash your hair with a mild, herbal shampoo.

Black Tea Rinse

Black tea is one of the excellent home remedies for grey hair. It works like a natural hair dye that can lightly stain the strands and add shine to your hair. It is also packed with keratin and melanin boosting properties, which will help to restore your hair’s natural pigment.

Ingredients:

• Black tea – 2 tablespoons
• Water – 1 cup
• Salt – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Boil black tea in water, then stir in salt.
• Let the mixture cool down before applying it to your washed hair.
• Repeat this process once a week to reduce the appearance of grey hair.

Onion Juice Hair Mask

Onion juice can increase the production of an enzyme called catalase that is crucial in restoring hair’s natural colour. Onion juice can also promote hair growth and improve the overall scalp health. Combined with lemon juice, it helps reduce grey hair and offers a healthy shine. Onion juice, rich in sulphur, can strengthen hair from the roots and promote thicker, healthier strands.

Ingredients:

• Onion juice – 2 to 3 teaspoons
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• In a bowl, mix all the ingredients.
• Gently massage the mixture into your scalp in a circular motion.
• Leave it on for about an hour.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

Henna and Coffee Hair Mask

This DIY hair mask for grey hair that uses coffee andhenna powder for hair can help you achieve a rich, dark brown shade naturally without damaging your hair. This hair mask is also effective in adding shine and nourishment to your hair strands. Henna has been used as a natural hair dye since ancient times, but it’s important to choose pure, organic henna.

Ingredients:

• Coffee powder – 1 tablespoon
• Hair oil – 1 tablespoon (coconut/ amla/ almond)
• Henna powder – as needed

Directions:

• Boil water and stir in coffee powder.
• Allow the coffee mixture to cool slightly, and then mix it with henna powder as required to form a smooth paste.
• Cover the mixture and let it rest for a few hours to allow the colour to develop.
• Before applying, mix in 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil.
• Apply the paste evenly throughout your hair.
• After an hour, rinse your hair thoroughly using a mild, herbal shampoo.

Ghee Hair Mask

Lack of proper nutrition is one of the significant causes of premature greying of hair. Applying ghee topically can benefit your hair in many ways. Ghee, abundant in vitamins A, D, E, and K, can nourish the scalp and prevent premature greying of hair. Moreover, the enzymes found in cow’s milk and ghee may support melanin production, thus preventing early signs of grey hair.

Ingredients:

• Pure ghee

Directions:

• Warm a small amount of pure ghee until it’s comfortably hot for your hands to touch.
• Massage it into your scalp, focusing on the roots.
• Wrap your hair in a warm towel for deeper absorption.
• After 20 minutes, rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

Bhringraj Hair Mask

Bhringraj, widely known as the “King of Hair,” is another powerful home remedy for grey hair. It is not only effective in restoring your hair’s natural colour but also helps manage stress, which is one of the major contributors to premature greying of hair.

The bhringraj benefits for hair are numerous, such as it deeply nourishes the scalp, reduces dryness, strengthens roots, and prevents hair fall. It can support metabolism and stimulate melanin production, thereby helping you restore your hair’s original colour. Bhringraj powder is specifically effective in maintaining the natural pigment of your hair and minimising hair loss.

Ingredients:

• Bhringraj powder or leaves – 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• In a small pan, combine the ingredients and heat on a low flame.
• Once warm, apply the mixture to your scalp and hair evenly.
• After leaving it on for about an hour, rinse your hair thoroughly.

Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil

Curry leaves for hair are effective in nourishing and strengthening the hair roots. Curry leaves are packed with vitamin B, which helps hair follicles in restoring their natural pigment, making them one of the reliable home remedies for grey hair. The cooling properties of coconut oil will complement curry leaves perfectly. They help balance excess Pitta dosha, which is one of the causes of grey hair.

Ingredients:

• Curry leaves – 1 cup
• Coconut oil – 1 cup

Directions:

• Add the ingredients to a small pan.
• Heat the mixture on a low flame until the leaves turn black.
• Strain the oil and allow it to cool.
• Store the oil in a clean, airtight container.
• Massage your scalp and hair with this oil 2–3 times a week.
• Leave it on overnight, and then wash off with a mild shampoo.

Almond Oil and Lemon Juice Mask

Almond oil and lemon juice are two powerful and readily available ingredients at home that can treat grey hair. Almond oil, rich in Vitamin E, can deeply nourish the roots and prevent premature greying. Lemon juice promotes hair growth and adds shine, bounce, and colour to your hair strands.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Almond oil – 3 tablespoons

Directions:

• In a bowl, mix the ingredients.
• Massage the mixture generously on your scalp.
• After half an hour, wash your hair using a mild shampoo.

Ridge Gourd Oil Mask

Ridge gourd is packed with enzymes that can help restore melanin. Coconut oil works like a natural conditioner by taming frizzy hair and providing nourishment, and when combined with ridge gourd, it results in a powerful home remedy for grey hair.

Ingredients:

• Ridge gourd pieces – 1 cup
• Coconut oil

Directions:

• Immerse the ridge gourd pieces in coconut oil and let them soak for 3–4 days.
• Boil the mixture for a few minutes.
• Strain the oil and store it in a clean, airtight container.
• Massage the oil into your scalp and hair before bedtime.
• The next morning, rinse off your hair with a mild herbal shampoo.

Black Pepper and Lemon Juice Mask

Black pepper, abundant in antioxidants, can prevent early signs of greying. Lemon juice is also effective in delaying premature greying.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Ground black pepper – 1 tablespoon
• Yoghurt – ½ cup

Directions:

• Mix all the ingredients to form a paste.
• Massage the paste onto your scalp and apply it evenly from roots to tips.
• After an hour, rinse your hair with lukewarm water.

Tips for Preventing Grey Hair

Here are a few tips that might help you prevent grey hair:

Quit Smoking

Smoking has long been associated with early signs of aging, including grey hair. Smoking increases the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and harmful free radicals, which can damage the pigment-producing cells in your hair, called the melanocytes.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun

UV rays can cause your hair to become dry and damaged as well, resulting in loss of colour and vitality. Use a scarf, hat, or umbrella when you are out in the sun.

Limit your Caffeine intake

A cup of coffee or tea might seem harmless, but consuming too much caffeine can reduce your energy levels and lead to nutritional deficiency, which can contribute to premature hair greying.

Prevent Hair Damage

By making some changes to your hair care routine, you can prevent hair damage to an extent. Here are a few things you may avoid to maintain healthy hair:

• Hair bleaching
• Using a brush instead of a wide-toothed comb, especially on wet hair
• Excessive use of heat styling tools like dryers or curling irons
• Harsh shampoos and soaps
• Frequent hair washing

Practice Yoga and Pranayama

Ayurvedic practices like yoga and pranayama can increase the blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth. There are even certain yoga poses that can help with the greying process and improve hair health.

Healthy Diet

One of the effective ways to prevent early grey hairs is by eating a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. Include green leafy vegetables, fruits, and yoghurt in your diet to improve hair health. These foods will leave your hair soft, smooth, shiny and prevent premature hair greying.

Certain foods are especially beneficial for preventing premature greying because they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the healthy foods that can be added to your everyday meals include ginger, black sesame seeds, amla juice, wheatgrass juice, ashwagandha, etc

Takeaway

Even though greying is a natural part of aging, spotting those early whites might hit you hard, and you start searching for how to stop grey hair naturally. From onion juice hair mask to black tea rinse, there are numerous home remedies for grey hair. With consistent effort and patience, and by making some lifestyle changes, you can achieve healthier and darker hair.

Frequently Asked Questions on Home Remedies for Grey Hair