Foods that are effective for preventing premature graying of the Hair
Radhika Hitkari | Jan 12, 2026, 18:21 IST
In this article, we will discuss the causes of premature graying of hair and how dietary changes can help slow down the process. We’ll explore the role of vitamin deficiencies, stress, genetics, and medical conditions in early hair graying, along with nutrient-rich foods such as tomatoes, leafy greens, eggs, paneer, and pumpkin seeds that support melanin production and overall hair health.
Premature graying of the hair is a common issue that many people have, and they try out different ways to reduce its effect. Various factors influence premature graying of the hair, but making certain changes in diet can help people reduce its effect, as it would help in providing the essential nutrients that can help in keeping the hair well-nourished and healthy.
Vitamin deficiencies: This can cause the premature graying of the hair, as it does not get the essential nutrients that help in the overall health of the hair.
Stress: This can cause damage to the hair follicles as it influences the production of melanin. It also influences the antioxidants that prevent the hair from damage by free radicals.
Genetics: This can be one of the reasons for premature hair graying. If someone in the family has a history of having gray hair from an early phase, then it is likely to happen with other people in the same family as well.
Medical condition: People who might have a certain medical condition can also have premature graying of the hair due to an infection or bacteria in the body.
Foods that prevent premature greying of the hair
Tomatoes: They are rich in antioxidants and help in maintaining the levels of melanin, which usually get reduced due to the sun's harmful UV rays. It also neutralizes the free radicals.
Leafy greens: These are full of nutrients like vitamin C or iron, which help in repairing the damaged skin cells and increasing the production of melanin.
Eggs: They help in preventing hair fall and enhance the overall growth of the hair. It encourages the production of melanin in the body, which helps in preventing the hair from turning grey.
Paneer: It contains vitamin B12, which helps in improving the function of healthy melanocytes and reduces oxidative stress that impacts the production of melanin.
Pumpkin seeds: These help in supporting the growth of healthy hair follicles and help regulate the production of oil to maintain the quality of the hair.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young, a guide to lasting beauty and holistic health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes premature greying of hair
Vitamin deficiencies: This can cause the premature graying of the hair, as it does not get the essential nutrients that help in the overall health of the hair.
Stress: This can cause damage to the hair follicles as it influences the production of melanin. It also influences the antioxidants that prevent the hair from damage by free radicals.
Genetics: This can be one of the reasons for premature hair graying. If someone in the family has a history of having gray hair from an early phase, then it is likely to happen with other people in the same family as well.
Medical condition: People who might have a certain medical condition can also have premature graying of the hair due to an infection or bacteria in the body.
Foods that prevent premature greying of the hair
healthy food
Tomatoes: They are rich in antioxidants and help in maintaining the levels of melanin, which usually get reduced due to the sun's harmful UV rays. It also neutralizes the free radicals.
Leafy greens: These are full of nutrients like vitamin C or iron, which help in repairing the damaged skin cells and increasing the production of melanin.
Eggs: They help in preventing hair fall and enhance the overall growth of the hair. It encourages the production of melanin in the body, which helps in preventing the hair from turning grey.
Paneer: It contains vitamin B12, which helps in improving the function of healthy melanocytes and reduces oxidative stress that impacts the production of melanin.
Pumpkin seeds: These help in supporting the growth of healthy hair follicles and help regulate the production of oil to maintain the quality of the hair.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young, a guide to lasting beauty and holistic health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can grey hair turn black again naturally?
White hair cannot turn black permanently, but natural remedies may help slow greying and add temporary dark tones. - Is it bad to pluck grey hairs?
Avoid plucking grays as it can harm hair follicles, leading to hair loss or bald spots. Gray hairs won't multiply just because you pluck one, but their wiry return will draw more attention. - Which hormone keeps hair black?
Hormones such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone can darken light hair, as can high levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which are produced in pregnancy. Certain drugs such as those to prevent malaria can lighten hair, while some epilepsy medications can darken it.
