White and grey hair is what we see on the heads of our parents and grandparents. It covers the heads of the wise and aged throughout media and in popular culture- Santa Claus, Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series, and that grandfather on your favorite Mediacorp show. In fact, this salt and pepper look might even be considered popular among the older generations for its uniqueness.

 

However, we have always been seeing this as something that only happens to older people, and not something that we have to worry about at a young age. Grey hair will eventually find its way onto our heads, but for someone in their 20s, lush, black hair is what we take for granted. Finding a few grey and white strands amongst your healthy black hair might not be something to be startled about, but what happens if you find your entire head of hair- something you were once so proud of, turning completely grey?

 

For most people, hair only starts to turn grey or white in their 50s, so seeing it happen when you are simply just a young adult who is simply stepping into society for the very first time. Especially for girls, where hair is such an important defining feature and something that many women take great pride in, finding that you are suffering from premature greying can be devastating. With the society becoming increasingly focused on how we look, many women are especially concerned about their appearance, wanting to look their best.

 

After all, the 20s are supposed to be one of the best times in your life, and you will want to be able to enjoy yourself, go out to meet others and have fun. Premature greying can no doubt take a serious toll on your self-confidence, and perhaps even stop you from going out to experience all life has for you. So if you are suffering from premature greying, and wondering why this is happening to you, read on, and we will provide some tips for you to deal with this condition.

 

Why is your hair turning white when you are in your 20s? How to prevent or reverse it in Singapore?

• What is premature greying?
• What are the causes of premature greying?
• How can we treat premature hair greying?
• Are there certain foods that you can eat to help with premature hair greying?
• Are there any homeopathic treatments for premature hair greying?
• Are there any home remedies that you can try to help to treat your premature greying hair?
• How do we deal with premature hair greying?
• A great place to go if you are currently struggling with premature hair greying

 

What is premature greying?

 

 

Before getting into the remedies that you can take, it is important for you to have some basic understanding on exactly what you are suffering from. The reason why your former black hair is turning grey or white is because the colour-producing cells have stopped producing the pigment that give it that rich and deep colour. Your hair follicles contain pigmentation cells, which are also called melanin.

 

While these cells are tiny and might seem insignificant, they are responsible for giving our hair its natural colour. The higher melanin content generated by your hair follicles, the darker your hair will be. Conversely, the lower the melanin content that is generated by your hair follicles, the lighter the colour of your hair will be. Another possible reason is that naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide might have built up in your hair, causing it to be bleached.

 

This is similar to the bleaching process when you visit the hair salon to get that all so popular rainbow unicorn hair colour. Typically, white people (caucasians) start going grey when they are in their mid 30s, but we Asians are usually luckier in that aspect. Normally, Asians only start to see signs of greying when they are in their late 30s or after that. Hence, if you start to see your hair turning white or grey in your 20s, it will be considered as premature greying.

 

What are the causes of premature greying?

 

The causes of premature greying is still something that remains highly debated, and there is no definite, conclusive evidence that points towards a specific cause. However, there are studies that have shown that the following factors contribute in some way or another towards premature greying.

 

1. Genetics –
   This is one of the main reasons identified for premature greying. It is scientifically proven that the premature greying of hair is mostly due to our genetics. If your parents have also suffered from premature greying, this will drastically increase your risk of suffering from the case condition too. Our genes determine so much in our lives, but unfortunately, we are stuck with the genes that we are born with, and it is something that we can hardly change. However, even if you have spotted your parents hair turning grey when they were still young adults or teens, it does not mean that there is no hope for your condition. Read on to find out more about what you can do to conquer this condition.
2. Vitamin B12 deficiency –
   Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin for the body. To stay healthy and in the best condition, it is important for us to consume all of the vitamins that we need. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 contributes to the greying process of your hair, allowing the process to happen faster and earlier. This results in your hair turning that shade of grey way before you expect it to do so. If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, take special note of this as many people who do not consume meat or animal derived products often suffer from a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Even for those who consume meat products, a Vitamin B12 deficiency is also possible as a lot of farmed animals no longer provide us with sufficient levels of Vitamin B12. Consider taking a supplement, or get Vitamin B12 injections from your doctor. Besides that, Vitamin B12 is great for your energy levels, so you will also feel more energised and ready to tackle the day!
3. Nutrient deficiencies –
   Having a healthy lifestyle is probably one of the best things that you can do for yourself. Many people start a new year with the new year resolution of living a healthier lifestyle, but few actually do so in the end. Be one of those people who can actually say that they have achieved the resolutions that they have set out for the new year! Eating healthy and exercising often will do wonders for your health. There is a popular saying that you are what you eat, so the food choices that you make will definitely reflect itself on your skin, your hair, and generally how you look. Making simple healthier choices will provide your body with all of the nutrients that it needs to function at its best. Hence, if you are fit and healthy, it will show on your hair too. Bad food choices and an inactive lifestyle can speed up the greying process of your hair. So the next time you decide to pick up that phone to get a fast food takeaway delivered to your doorstep, or when you find yourself just being a couch potato, think about how it is affecting your hair and how you look, and start to make healthy changes to your lifestyle.
4. Thyroid problems and health issues –
   Good health is something that we should all cherish, as some people are not as fortunate to have a clean bill of health. If you have been diagnosed with any serious illnesses or are suffering from a long term health issue, this increases your chances of premature greying as your body is not as healthy as it can be. Premature greying is often seen in patients with thyroid problems, so make sure you do your best to stay healthy to make sure that you will not have to go through these struggles.
5. Stress –
   It is often observed that the more stress that you experience, the higher the chances of your health being adversely affected. Those who are often stressed and have hectic lifestyles are at a higher risk of finding those white or grey strands on their heads early on in their lives. Especially in the competitive society that we work in today, many people are often stressed over their studies and their work. Long working hours are now a norm amongst those fresh faced in society, who feel the pressure of needing to work hard to ensure that they get that very promotion or pay raise that they want. The working culture in Singapore is generally known to be a stressful one, with pressures on people to do well right from a young age to obtain the best opportunities possible. The high levels of unnecessary stress and the lack of avenues used to destress can contribute to premature greying.
   
6. Smoke –
   Smoking is a dangerous and harmful habit, and once you are addicted to it, it is an addiction that is hard to kick. Not only is it bad for your lungs, it is also terrible for your hair. Studies have shown that those who have the habit of smoking have a four times higher chance of suffering from premature greying compared to those who do not smoke. While there are certain causes of premature greying that are out of our control, such as our genetic predispositions and illnesses, this is definitely something that is within our control. To make sure that you are not increasing your risks of premature greying, do not get into the smoking habit. If you are not a smoker, do not start smoking. If you are a regular smoker, start to quit now so prevent further harm to your body, which will reflect in your hair. Not only will you lower your risk for premature greying, you will also feel healthier and more energetic in your life. The process of quitting the smoking habit is not an easy one, but stick with it and reach out to people (your family, friends, or even a support group made up of people who all want to quit their smoking habit) who will provide you with the support and encouragement that you will need.

 

How can we treat premature hair greying?

 

1. Reduce stress levels –
   Try to make time in your hectic schedules to rest your mind and truly relax! Even if it is something as simple as taking 15 minutes before going to bed to meditate and calm yourself down after a hard day at work or in school, simply giving yourself that rest time where you can truly relax can do wonders for your mental health. If you have more time on your hands, try signing up for exercise classes or picking up a new hobby. A trip away from the country will also do wonders in relaxing you, so plan a vacation where you can calm yourself down. Living a more balanced lifestyle and making sure that you get a good mix of work and play will help you to live a happy and grey hair free life.
   

   Relax while having a hair treatment

2. Have a healthy diet – 
   Having a healthy and balanced diet will not only be good for your hair, but your body too. Consuming healthier and natural foods will also contribute to higher energy levels, providing you with essential nutrients required for you to function at your very best. Your hair and nails are made up of a protein called keratin so make sure that you consume enough protein. Protein rich healthy foods include dairy products, spinach, or perhaps protein supplements.
3. Stop that smoking habit –
   Smoking is a hazard to both your lung health, but also to the health of your hair. If you are in the habit of smoking, make sure to quit it immediately if you really want to solve your premature greying problems. The process of quitting smoking can be extremely can be a long and arduous one, especially if you have been reliant on cigarettes for a very long time. If you feel that you need more support and guidance, and are unsure of who to turn to, look out for a support group made out of smokers who are all working hard to quit their reliance on cigarettes. Besides motivating each other and keeping each other accountable, you will also be able to get tips and tricks for cutting cigarettes out of your life.
4. Check your thyroid levels –
   Hyper or low secretions due to thyroid malfunctions are a possible cause of premature greying. It is always great to know the reason why you are finding these grey hairs on your head so early in life so that you can stop the problem at its root. So if you suspect something wrong with your thyroid, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked to make sure that everything is working fine. You are responsible for your own health so make sure you get it checked out!
   
5. Try oil treatment for your hair –
   Dry hair does not only feel hard and crinkly to the touch, but your dehydrated strands can also give way to the greying of hair due to the loss of moisture. To make sure that you have well hydrated, shiny and healthy tresses, oil your hair regularly with your favourite hair oil. Today, we are totally spoiled with the options that we have in the shops, with different types of hair oil for different hair types- lighter oils for people with more oily scalps, to more deep nourishing heavy oils for people who have extremely dry scalps. However, when choosing which hair oil to get, make sure that you avoid hair oils that are perfumed. These oils may smell nice, but often contain strong chemicals. Stick to the natural oils as they are better for both your body and your hair.
6. Stay away from harsh shampoos –
   The shampoos that we use today can contain many harsh chemicals that we do not know of. Look at the ingredient label of your shampoo bottle before choosing to buy it. Instead of using shampoos laden with harsh chemicals, make sure to opt for milder shampoos. The harsh chemicals that are used in shampoos and conditioners are known to affect the pigmentation in your hair. That is definitely something that you do not want, so stay away from these harsh shampoos! It is time to take a look at the shampoo that you are currently using, and switch to a better choice that is kinder to your hair if you have to.

 

Are there certain foods that you can eat to help with premature hair greying?

 

You are truly what you eat, so what you choose to consume everyday will definitely affect your health and show up on your body. Many health and body problems start with what we choose to put into our bodies, and making sure that you consume healthy food in a balanced diet is key to ensuring that you keep these problems at bay. Here are a few foods that have been said to be great for those who are battling with premature hair greying, so check them out and remember to include them in your diet!

 

1. Fresh greens and leafy vegetables –
   Your parents have probably always been asking you to eat your greens ever since you were a child. You might have found it a chore, but they are definitely right when they say that these greens will be good for you. Make sure that you consume a sufficient amount of vegetables in your daily diet. This includes spinach, cabbage, cucumbers, celery, and also fruits. While you might not like the taste of vegetables, you can explore different ways of cooking it, as chances are, you are not cooking them right. There are so many different kinds of vegetables out there, each with different flavours and textures that will make a great addition to your meal. It is alright to not like every vegetable, but find the ones that you enjoy and commit to consuming them more often. An easy way to up your intake of greens is to add spirulina into your breakfast smoothies. It is a type of sea algae that is extremely high in nutrients, and the best part is, when blended into a smoothie, you will hardly even know that it is there! Besides that, it turns your smoothie into a rich, green shade, and you get that instant satisfaction of knowing that you are consuming something healthy.
2. Chocolate –
   Who does not like chocolate? The best part is, chocolate is also great news for your greying hair. Chocolate is rich in copper, which has the effect in boosting melanin production in your body. However, we are not talking about that Cadbury milk chocolate bar in the supermarkets here. Make sure to opt for dark chocolate to enjoy the full health benefits of it. Some say that dark chocolate is an acquired taste, but do give it a try as it is a great way to indulge while making sure you are not putting in a ton of sugar and dairy into your system too. Wind down at the end of your day with a square of your favourite dark chocolate, and you grey hairs on your head will thank you too.
3. Berries –
   Berries are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and are also known to be superfoods. There are so many different types of berries to choose from, from raspberries and strawberries, to cranberries and blackberries, so try to include them in your diet in different ways! The nutrients that they contain help to reduce the dreaded greying of hair. Besides that, they taste great and will be joy to eat both on its own or blended into a smoothie.
4. Salmon
   – Salmon is not only rich in omega 3 fats, but is also rich in the mineral selenium, which helps in the production of the melanin. Besides that, it is also a great source of protein. It is healthier for you compared to red meat, so the next time you have to make a choice of protein in your diet, opt for salmon instead of your go to steak!
5. Triphala –
   Triphala consists of three different fruits, amalaki, bibhitaki, and hartaki. All of them are good for your hair, skin and eyes. Drinking a glass of triphala every morning once you wake up will not only help with premature greying, but also make sure that your skin is clear and your eyes are bright, so it is a great thing to incorporate into your routine to make sure that you are looking your best! Besides helping with premature greying of your hair, it also helps to keep your hair healthy and strong, giving you those smooth, strong locks that everyone wants.
6. Almonds –
   Almonds might just be a small nut, but the health benefits that they bring are massive. They are rich in vitamin E, proteins and copper. Instead of turning to a bag of chips for a snack when you are feeling a bit hungry, go for a handful of almonds instead. They are filling and will also be great for your hair and skin.

 

Are there any homeopathic treatments for premature hair greying?

Homeopathy has become increasing popular as a treatment for premature greying of hair. These treatments are based on dilution, and through this method, the dormant curative power of drugs can be increased. When you go to a homeopath, he will take a detailed history of your symptoms and the progression of your greying hair. Based on what he finds, he will then prescribe homeopathic medicine for you to treat the problems that you have with your hair. While the medicine prescribed to every individual will be different based on their specific condition, here are a few common homeopathic medicines that are used for eliminating and preventing premature greying of the hair:

 

• Lycopodium Clavatum
• Phosphoricum Acidum
• Lycopodium
• Silicea
• Acid Phos
• Thyroidinum
• Psorinum

 

Are there any home remedies that you can try to help to treat your premature greying hair?

Home remedies are all the rage today, and there is often no harm in trying them. Unlike taking medicines that are laden with chemicials that can ultimately be bad for your body, these natural home remedies are, as their name suggest, all natural, and will not result in long term damage to your body and health.

 

• It is said that concentrated tea can be used as a hair rinse to reduce hair loss. The next time you are stuck with too many tea bags, try this out and put them to good use instead of throwing them out into the trash.
• You can also try to mix a tablespoon of iodised salt with your concentrated tea solution and then massage the mixture into your scalp. Let it sit for an hour, and then wash it all off by thoroughly rinsing your hair.
• Another well-known treatment for grey hair is to apply a concoction of ridge gourd boiled in coconut oil to your hair.
• Boiled curry leaves in coconut oil is also great for your hair. This is a tip that has been passed down for generations, and has helped many generations before us with their hair greying problems.
• Some also claim that consuming a mixture of freshly grated ginger and honey will help with premature greying of hair.
• Get your hands on some amla juice, almond oil and lemon juice. Combine them together to get a mixture, and massage it into your scalp every night before you sleep. Make sure to lay a towel over your pillow to protect your pillowcases if you are trying out this option!

 

Do note that all these natural home remedies can get messy and it requires quite a lot of determination and diligence to do it own your on regularly. Also there is no guaranteeing that it would work for you! So what is the most practical way of dealing with grey hair?

 

How do we deal with premature hair greying?

 

1. Hiding your grey hair
   • If all else fails, or you are in the process of trying to treat your premature greying condition, you might want to look into how you might be able to hide the greying hairs on your head. There are many choices today that you can choose from, and here are a few options that are out there for you.
   • Semi-permanent or semi-permanent colour is one of the hair colouring options that is available in most hair salons in the country. For these dyes, the colour will last for 1 to 3 months, and will be a good choice for those who are just starting to see a bit of grey or white on their heads. If most of your hair is still your natural colour, you want that to show through, so this hair colouring method will be great as you can blend the colour without disrupting the colour of your natural hair.
   • Opting for highlights instead of a full head of complete hair colouring might be a better choice if the greying has not taken over your entire head of hair. When highlights are done, scattered strands are coloured to blend the grey with the rest of your hair. This is also less harmful to your hair compared to a full on root to tip colouring of your entire head of hair, ensuring that your hair remains healthy and is kept in its best condition possible.
   • Permanent colour is another option that many go for. This will be especially beneficial if most of your hair has turned grey or white, as it will cover up everything, making sure that you leave the salon with a whole new look for your hair. However, permanent colouring requires harsh chemical in order to dye the hair. This chemicals will damage your hair and even your scalp if done incorrectly.
   • Using hair products to conceal your grey hairs is another option if you do not want to colour your hair. Some people might be especially sensitive to hair colouring dyes, and hence will not have the option of colouring their hair to conceal any greying. Instead, you can opt for a coloring tool such as spray on airbrush hair makeup. With so many drugstores around town, you will be sure to find one that will best match your natural hair colour. Most of these products also wash out with the use of shampoo, so it will not be a hassle to remove after a hard day at work.
2. Taking pride in your gray hair
   • Even though your hair colour might have changed, you are still who you are on the inside, and that is what makes you uniquely you. If you can, embrace the new look of your hair, as not everyone can get that salt and pepper look even if they wanted to. To make it easier for you to embrace your grey hairs, here are a few tips that will make the journey an easier one.
   • Try changing up your hairstyle. Instead of the long hair that you have had for so many years, chop your locks off for a chic and modern short haircut. Short haircuts for women are all the rage now, with many celebrities choosing to go for that more modern and fuss free look. Besides that, a fresh and modern cut will also make you look younger than you really are, helping you to counteract the aging effect grey hair can give you.
   • If you have previously dyed your hair, and want to go back to your natural shade of grey, you can work with a professional hair colourist to weave in highlights and implement the use of toners to minimise any transition lines between your natural hair colour and your previously coloured hair.
   • Make sure that you take good care of your hair. Frizzy, dry grey hair can never look good on anyone, so make sure that your hair is in the best condition it can possibly be. Try a shampoo with a blue base, as these shampoos will help to prevent grey hair from taking on a yellowish cast. Also make sure to condition your hair well. Taking the time off to apply a conditioning or nourishing mask to your hair will do it wonders, so do not be lazy and skip this step in your routine!
   • Most importantly, if you have chosen to embrace your new hair colour, do it with pride! Your appearance is not the only thing that matters, and what is most important is your personality and a good heart. When you stop obsessing over how you look, you will realise that many people do not see these flaws that you thought you had. Most people are caught up worrying about themselves rather than looking at and judging you!

 

A great place to go if you are currently struggling with premature hair greying

If you have read this article, and are feeling a bit lost on what to do, fret not, as there are professionals out there that can help you with your problems. Bee Choo Ladies is a great place for hair treatment, and with our established name in this field, you know that you will be in good hands, so rest assured that we will take great care of your hair.

 

Bee Choo Ladies is located in Bugis, Singapore @ 5 Pahang Street S(198606).

Call us at 6291 5354 for more information

 

For those who are suffering from premature greying, Bee Choo Ladies has a solution for your problems. Bee Choo’s Essential Vitamins and Hair tonics is a great and effective supplement that can be used on your hair and scalp. It is recommended that you apply this tonic daily to supply your scalp with essential vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals will maintain the health of your hair, and allow to have naturally beautiful, strong and shiny hair.

 

This treatment is not only for those who are currently suffering from premature greying of hair. Even for those who think that they have a healthy scalp, maintenance is key to having a healthy scalp for life. It is always easier to start early, and prevent these scalp conditions from happening before you start to see signs of them. Even if your hair is black and strong today, it can turn grey and white in the future, when the melanin pigment is no longer produced at your hair follicles. Melanin is key to healthy looking hair, as it gives your hair its color and also provide it with the moisture that it needs.

 

At Bee Choo Origin, we use a special herbal paste in their hair treatments for those suffering from premature greying of their hair. This herbal paste contains both Ginseng and Dang Gui, which are known to have anti-aging properties and will help in delaying the growth of white or grey hair. They also have the effect of stimulating blood circulation in your hair follicles, which will help to maintain the health of your scalp.

 

Besides making sure that your hair is healthy and targeting your greying problems from the inside, this specially formulated herbal paste also works to cover up your grey hair. It has a natural dyeing effect which will help to turn white and grey hairs into a dark copper blonde colour, while still leaving your natural hair colour unchanged.

 

Premature greying of your hair can be a huge toll on your emotional wellbeing and your self-esteem, especially when you start discovering these grey strands appearing when you are still so young. In a society that focuses so much on how we look, this can be devastating for someone in their 20s, who are living the best years of their lives.

 

We definitely do not want something like our hair to stop us from having the fun and adventure that we can have while we are still young and healthy, so make sure to make lifestyle changes to ensure that your hair is kept healthy and in its best condition. If you are currently suffering from premature greying, stay strong as it is not the end of the world! Look into the treatment methods that we have suggested here, and you will definitely find something that will work right for you.