How to Get the Gray Out of Your Hair & Keep it Out

Losing the gray is a continuing operation.

Getting gray hair is a natural part of aging. Though some start graying earlier than others, sooner or later, everyone develops gray hair. As people age, the production of pigment in hair, called melanin, slows down, causing the hair to go gray. Heredity, stress, smoking and poor diet can contribute to earlier graying, but there are no magic potions to turn back the clock. Many choose to take vitamin or herbal supplements that can build up melanin, while others dye their hair or use more natural products to color over the gray. But to keep the gray out, you must continue the regimen.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dye
• Henna
• Dried sage
• Supplements

Instructions

1. Dye your gray hair. Keep dyeing it with permanent or temporary dye. Follow your hair dye's directions to achieve optimum results. Choose a color that does not wash out your skin. Generally, the darker the color, the harsher your hair will appear next to aging skin.

2. Use components that dye hair more naturally, like henna rinses or boiling sage. The henna plant has been used as a hair dye for centuries. There are numerous ways to add henna to your hair. It's a healthy additive, but it must be left on for many hours.

   Use 1/2 cup dried sage in 2 cups water. Boil for 30 minutes, and let simmer for two hours. Let it cool before applying to hair. Let it dry before rinsing out. Until the color is reached, use weekly and then once a month for maintenance.

3. Take vitamin supplements. Replenish your melanin with B vitamins, folic acid, zinc, PABA, brewer's yeast, a Chinese herb called he shou wou and a melanin pill called Melancor. Follow the directions on the bottles for these daily supplements. Consult your doctor before starting any new supplements or pills.

References

• Riverside Online; Gray Hair: What Causes It?; MayoClinic.com; May 2006
• Get Rid of Things; How to Get Rid of Gray Hair; Eric D. Ronning
• Healthier Talk; Getting the Grey Out; Dr. Jonathan Wright; July 2009
• Gray Hair Treatment; Medications Consumer Info Blog; 2010
• Henna Caravan: How to Color Your Hair With Henna

Resources

• ABC News: Could Genetics Keep Your Hair From Going Gray?; Amanda Onion; May 2004