Premature Greying of Hair: Causes, Prevention & Natural Remedies

One fine day, you get up in the morning and look in the mirror. When you focus on your hair, spotting silver strands can be worrying. It is even more stressful if you are in your 20s or 30s. What might be the cause? While genetics plays a role, premature greying of hair is linked more to your lifestyle, habits, nutritional deficiencies or external stressors.

Let’s not focus on the impact on your mind. There is some good news.

Many cases of premature greying can be slowed down, controlled or even reversed with the right approach.

In this blog, we discuss the causes, prevention strategies, myths, natural remedies, and expert-approved methods that help restore your hair’s natural pigment.

What Causes Premature Greying of Hair?

Before treating premature greying, it’s essential to understand why it occurs. Hair derives its natural colour from melanin, and when melanin production drops, hair turns into grey or white. Here’s what often triggers it:

1. Genetics – Your Family History Matters

If your parents or grandparents experienced early greying of hair, chances are that you also may have the same issue. It's difficult to reverse genetic greying, but it can surely be slowed down with proper care.

2. Vitamin Deficiencies – Especially B-12 & Folate

One of the leading causes of premature greying is a deficiency of:

• Vitamin B12
• Folic acid
• Biotin
• Vitamin D & E

These nutrients support melanin production and healthy hair growth. Their deficiency triggers the greying of hair due to low melanin production.

3. Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which is left untreated, can disrupt pigment-producing(melanin) cells, leading to greying of hair.

4. Oxidative Stress & Poor Lifestyle

Regular stress, pollution, unhealthy diets and lack of sleep increase free radical damage in your body. These free radicals destroy melanocytes, speeding up greying.

5. Smoking

It is a common phrase that “Smoking thrills but kills”. Apart from the risk factor to life, research shows that smokers are more than 2.5 times likely to develop early greys due to toxins that starve hair follicles of Oxygen.

6. Exposure to chemicals

Hair treatments like colouring, bleaching, heat styling and harsh shampoos lead to stripping away of natural oils that damage pigmentation cells.

Natural Remedies that reduce Greying of hair

Nature is rich in ingredients that strengthen follicles, promote melanin formation, and improve hair texture. These remedies have been trusted for decades:

1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

A superfood for hair, amla is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It slows down the greying of hair, boosts melanin production and strengthens the roots of hair. Consuming Amla juice daily or applying Amla hair oil provides immense benefits.

2. Curry Leaves Infused in Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil infused with curry leaves is a very popular home remedy for hair care.  It promotes hair growth, reduces hair fall & premature greying of hair and adds shine to the hair. Heat fresh curry leaves in coconut oil over a low flame until the leaves become crispy. Let the oil cool and strain it before use, before application to hair.

3. Black Sesame Seeds

Black Sesame Seeds reduce the greying of hair. They provide nutrients like Copper & also antioxidants that boost melanin production. These nutrients also help fight Oxidative stress. Eat Black Sesame Seeds by sprinkling them into food daily. Warm a good quality Black Sesame Seed Oil onto your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes before washing.

4. Onion Juice

Onion Juice helps reduce the greying of hair by providing sulphur and antioxidants. This protects hair follicles. Sulphur content leads to the production of Keratin. Sulphur also helps increase the enzyme catalase, which further reduces hydrogen peroxide buildup that contributes to the greying of hair.  

5. Rosemary & Olive Oil Blend

A mixture of Rosemary & Olive Oil Blend lessens the appearance of grey hair through the production of Melanin and protecting the hair follicles from damage.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Greying of hair

Most people overlook lifestyle habits—even though they trigger early greys more than anything else.

1. Include Melanin-Boosting Vitamins & Minerals

Make sure that your daily diet includes Vitamin B12 in the form of eggs, dairy and fish. Biotin in the form of Walnuts and Peanuts is essential. Have Copper in the form of Sesame Seeds and mushrooms. Consumption of Spinach & Legumes is also very good to prevent premature greying of hair. It provides Iron & Zinc.  All these dietary products help in the production of Melanin.

2. Fix Your Sleep Cycle

Sleeping 8 hours a day is a must. Your hair regenerates while you sleep. Lack of sleep increases hormonal imbalance and increases the risk of greying. A proper sleep cycle regulates hormones like melatonin and cortisol. Proper sleep also helps to reduce stress levels. 

3. Manage Stress

Managing stress can help lessen the greying of hair by preventing the depletion of pigment-producing stem cells and reducing oxidative stress in the hair follicles. Practice Yoga & Meditation on a daily basis to help your system reduce stress levels.

4. Limit Heat Styling & Harsh Chemicals

To protect your hair, limit frequent heat styling as it weakens strands, strips moisture, and leads to breakage over time. Try air-drying whenever possible and always use a heat-protectant when using tools. Also, avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, as they can damage the scalp barrier and cause dryness. Choosing gentle, sulphate-free formulas keeps your hair healthier and more resilient.

5. Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, as it improves blood circulation and boosts oxygen supply to your hair and skin. Cigarette toxins weaken hair follicles and accelerate premature greying, so reducing or stopping smoking helps restore natural strength. Over time, your body begins to repair itself, leading to healthier growth and a more vibrant appearance.

Common Myths About Premature Greying—Busted!

Myth 1: Plucking grey hair increases premature greying of hair.

False. Plucking damages follicles but doesn’t cause new greys.

Myth 2: Sun exposure alone causes grey hair.

UV rays may damage hair, but don’t directly cause greying.

Myth 3: Hair colour increases the greying of hair.

The colour doesn’t affect hair follicles—so this is a myth.

Myth 4: Grey hair is irreversible.

It can be reversed if caused by stress, nutritional deficiency, or lifestyle issues.

How to prevent premature greying naturally (Chemical-Free Options)

If you want a natural colouring approach or support melanin production, here are the best solutions:

✔ Henna-Based Hair Products

Provide natural colouring + nourishment.

✔ Bhringraj & Amla Oils

Support pigmentation and stimulate hair growth.

✔ Onion-Based Hair Care Range

Boosts catalase and reduces hair fall.

✔ Herbal Masks (Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shikakai)

Improve scalp environment and delay greying.

The Takeaway

Premature greying of hair is not always permanent. While genetics cannot be reversed, many triggers—like nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal imbalance, and lifestyle factors—can be corrected.

With the right diet, habits, scalp care, and natural ingredients, you can slow or reduce grey strands and maintain strong, darker, healthier hair for longer.

 FAQs ?

1. Is premature greying reversible?

Yes, if it is caused by nutritional deficiency, stress, or lifestyle choices—not genetics.

2. How can I stop premature greying naturally?

Improve your diet, manage stress, use natural oils, avoid harsh chemicals, and nourish your scalp.

3. Which vitamin deficiency causes early greying?

Most commonly, Vitamin B12, followed by biotin and folic acid.

4. Does stress really cause grey hair?

Yes. Scientific research shows stress depletes melanocyte stem cells.

5. Foods to prevent premature greying?

Amla, curry leaves, black sesame, leafy greens, eggs, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dates.

6. Can oiling stop grey hair?

Oiling doesn’t reverse greys but helps nourish follicles and slows further pigmentation loss.