Premature greying is one of the maladies of modern lifestyle. Those dreaded streaks of silver and white pop up even when you are in your 20s. They may say that greying is a sign of wisdom and maturity, but it also tells you that your body is not producing enough melamine, which is an early sign of ageing.
The first step is to learn to eat right. Yes! It does make a difference. Lots of greens, a beet a day, fresh fruits & veggies and lots of yoghurt are what you must eat regularly. Such a diet will not only make your skin smooth and soft but will also result in lustrous long hair. As far as greying of hair goes, don’t open those harmful chemical bottles so soon. Help is right in your kitchen. Here are the top 8 remedies to darker greying hair.
Amla and methi seeds
Add 6-7 pieces to 3 tbsp of an oil of your choice (coconut, olive, almond) and boil for a few minutes. Add 1 tbsp of fenugreek powder. Cool, strain and apply generously all over the scalp at night. Use a mild herbal shampoo to wash off in the morning.
Indian gooseberry or Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and has been used in Ayurveda for all kinds of hair problems. Fenugreek or Methi seeds are full of several nutrients and the combination of these super ingredients not only prevents premature greying but also promotes hair growth.
Black tea rinse
Boil a cup of water with 2 tbsps of black tea and a tsp of salt. Cool and apply generously on freshly washed hair. Allow to dry. Repeat regularly to darken grey strands.
Black Tea has caffeine which is loaded with anti-oxidants. While adding a natural dark hue to the hair, it stimulates hair growth and strengthens t giving it a shine.
Almond oil and lemon juice
Mix almond oil and lemon juice in the ration of 2:3. Massage well in the scalp and hair. Wash off after 30 minutes.
Almond oil has Vitamin E which is extremely beneficial for hair. It nourishes the roots and prevents premature greying. Lemon juice not only adds gloss and volume to hair but also promotes healthy hair growth.
Henna and coffee
Add 1 tbsp of coffee powder to boiling hot water. Cool and make a paste with henna powder. Let it rest covered for a few hours. Mix in 1 tbsp of any oil of your choice and apply liberally covering the hair completely. Wash off after an hour.
Henna is a natural conditioner and a colorant and when combined with coffee, it gives excellent results.
Curry leaves and oil
Boil a cupful of curry leaves in a cup of oil till they turn black. Cool, strain and store. Massage into hair 2-3 times a week. Leave overnight.
Curry leaves are full of Vitamin B and help to restore the pigment melamine in the hair follicles and prevent further greying. It is a rich source of Beta-Keratin and also prevents hair fall.
Ridge-gourd oil
Place a cupful of sundried ridge-gourd pieces in coconut oil and leave to seep and mature for 3-4 days. Boil the oil for a few minutes. Strain and store. Massage into the scalp and hair at night and wash off with a herbal shampoo of your choice.