10 causas de las canas y 12 formas de prevenirlas naturalmente

Uno de los resultados más desconcertantes del estilo de vida moderno son las canas. Nada coincide con el pavor que sientes ante la aparición de tu primera hebra blanca. Sabe que habrá más por venir y busca remedios y tratamientos que puedan detener lo inevitable. Sepa cómo deshacerse de las canas.

La aparición de canas con la vejez es obvia. Pero cuando los notas a los 30 y, a veces, incluso a los 20, es absolutamente desalentador. Tanto el cabello gris como el blanco son el resultado de la pérdida de pigmento del cabello. Cuando hay una reducción significativa del pigmento, el cabello se vuelve gris. Cuando no hay absolutamente ningún pigmento presente, se vuelve blanco. La causa exacta de esto aún no se ha descubierto. En este artículo, hemos enumerado algunos remedios para revertir el crecimiento de las canas.

¿Qué causa el pelo blanco?

El crecimiento del cabello ocurre cuando las células viejas son expulsadas por los folículos pilosos debido a la producción de nuevas células. Ocurre en tres etapas: crecimiento (anágeno), cese (catágeno) y reposo (telógeno). Durante el período de descanso, el cabello alcanza su vida útil y se cae, y en su lugar crece un nuevo mechón. El color del cabello es producido por la melanina, que está formada por melanocitos. La pigmentación del cabello, a diferencia de la piel, no es continua. El cabello se pigmenta activamente en la fase anágena. La pigmentación se reduce en la fase catágena y está ausente en la fase telógena (1).

Con la edad, la cantidad de pigmento que se inyecta en cada mechón de cabello se reduce, por lo que se vuelve gris y finalmente blanco. En la siguiente sección, sepa cómo detener las canas y los factores que las causan y cómo prevenir las canas.

La aparición temprana de canas se debe a los siguientes factores:

1. Genes

El Dr. K. Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, dice: "Los genes son el factor predominante para determinar a qué edad su cabello pierde pigmento". Para algunas personas, puede suceder incluso antes de cumplir los 20 años. Para otras, las primeras hebras de blanco aparecen bastante tarde (1).

2. Deficiencia de melanina

En la mayoría de los casos, la deficiencia de melanina es la principal causa de blanqueamiento del cabello. La producción de melanina depende de una nutrición adecuada y suplementos proteicos. La falta de estos nutrientes hace que la melanina caiga por debajo de los niveles aceptables (2).

3. Hormonas

La investigación sugiere que un desequilibrio en las hormonas puede desencadenar o aumentar el encanecimiento prematuro del cabello (1), (3). Si tiene un exceso de canas y no está seguro de tener un desequilibrio hormonal, consulte a un médico.

4. Condiciones médicas

Ciertas condiciones médicas subyacentes pueden desencadenar la pérdida de pigmento en su cabello. La PGH también se desencadena por enfermedades autoinmunes como el vitiligo, la anemia perniciosa, las enfermedades de la tiroides y los síndromes de envejecimiento prematuro (4).

5. Deficiencia de vitaminas y minerales

La deficiencia de hierro, vitamina D, ácido fólico, vitamina B12 y selenio también puede provocar el blanqueamiento de los folículos pilosos. Se encontraron deficiencias de vitamina B12 y ácido fólico con niveles más bajos de biotina en personas que tenían canas prematuras (5).

6. Estrés

El estrés emocional también juega un papel aquí. Los estudios han demostrado que la carga oxidativa causada por el estrés psicológico puede desencadenar un envejecimiento prematuro del cabello (1).

7. Productos químicos

A veces, el uso de champús, jabones, tintes para el cabello, etc. de base química puede causar directamente este problema. Sin embargo, también puede resultar de algunas infecciones alérgicas.

8. Estrés oxidativo

El estrés oxidativo puede causar envejecimiento prematuro. Es causada por una sobreproducción de oxidantes en el cuerpo, que también se ven afectados por factores extrínsecos como los rayos ultravioleta (UV), la contaminación, factores emocionales o causas inflamatorias (2).

9. Fumar

Los estudios han demostrado que fumar es uno de los principales factores que conducen al encanecimiento prematuro del cabello. Fumar causa daños por especies reactivas de oxígeno a los melanocitos del folículo piloso, lo que conduce a un envejecimiento prematuro (1).

10. Peróxido de hidrógeno

Los folículos pilosos producen pequeñas cantidades de peróxido de hidrógeno, que se acumula con el tiempo en los tallos del cabello. Decolora el cabello y hace que se vuelva gris y finalmente blanco (6). Eliminar esta acumulación puede ayudar a que su cabello recupere su color natural.

¿Puedes deshacerte de las canas?

El hecho de que las canas se puedan revertir o no para ayudar a que las canas se vuelvan negras depende en gran medida de la causa de las canas. Si la genética es responsable, no hay mucho que se pueda hacer para revertir el cambio.

Si la causa es un problema de salud subyacente, consultar a un médico para ver qué se puede hacer es el mejor curso de acción. Una vez que se trata el problema, puede ayudar a restaurar el pigmento de su cabello. Sin embargo, esto no se puede garantizar.

A veces es posible volver a pigmentar después del tratamiento de terapia hormonal. Otra forma de promover la pigmentación es tomando inyecciones o píldoras de vitamina B12. También puedes probar los remedios naturales que se mencionan a continuación y saber cómo reducir las canas.

Remedios naturales para reducir el cabello blanco (gris)

1. Grosella espinosa india y aceite de coco

Indian gooseberry (amla) has a rich reserve of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and has anti-aging benefits and revitalizes the pigment in your hair follicles (7). Coconut oil penetrates through the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. This improves hair health (8).

You Will Need

• 3-5 Indian gooseberries
• 1 cup of coconut oil

Process

1. Boil 3-4 Indian gooseberries with one cup of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution.
2. Store this oil in a jar and take about two tablespoons for each use.
3. Massage the oil into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
4. After massaging for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil in overnight.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-4 times a week.

2. Black Tea

Black tea is rich in antioxidants (9). These antioxidants can help prevent free radical damage to hair, and thus, premature graying. It also helps darken hair color while adding shine. Black tea is also known to help relieve stress (10). As discussed, stress is a contributing factor to premature graying of hair.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of black tea
• 1 cup of water

Process

1. Boil two tablespoons of black tea in a cup of water until it is well brewed.
2. Set the brew aside to cool.
3. Strain the liquid and apply it to your hair and scalp.
4. Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes and wait for about an hour with the tea in your hair.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

3. Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil

Curry leaves are popularly used to retain and maintain natural hair tone and prevent premature graying of hair (11). Coconut oil can penetrate the hair follicles to nourish the hair right from the root and promote hair growth (8).

You Will Need

• A handful of curry leaves
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process

1. Boil a handful of curry leaves with 3 tbsps of coconut oil to prepare an oil solution.
2. Set the oil aside to cool.
3. Once it has cooled, strain the oil and massage it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
4. After massaging for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the oil in overnight.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

4. Lemon Juice And Coconut Oil

Lemon contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and prevent hair damage (12). However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that lemon juice can reverse the graying of hair. Coconut oil nourishes your hair and promotes hair growth (8).

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process

1. Pour two teaspoons of lemon juice into two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the mixture for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage this mixture into your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2 times a week.

5.

Castor oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles. It contains omega-6 essential fatty acids that promote hair health and hair darkening (13).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process

1. Combine one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat the blend for a couple of minutes until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage this oil mixture onto your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. After massaging your scalp for about 15 minutes, leave it on for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

6. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is rich in B vitamins and saponins that prevent hair loss (14). It is popularly used to preserve the natural hair color, prevent dandruff, and keep the hair silky (15).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 cup of water

Process

1. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a quarter cup of water overnight.
2. In the morning, grind the seeds with enough water to get a smooth, consistent paste.
3. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for about 45 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

7. Onion Juice And Olive Oil

A study indicated that onion juice might help reduce hair fall and aid hair regrowth in a few people (16). Onion juice also contains catalase that can help reduce hydrogen peroxide build-up on your hair and scalp, thus helping reverse graying and improving the health of your hair. However, the only drawback to using this remedy is that it is hard to get the onion smell out of your hair. Olive oil is an emollient and conditions your hair (17).

You Will Need

• 1 medium-sized onion
• t tablespoon of olive oil
• A cheesecloth

Process

1. Chop a medium-sized onion into small pieces and blend it with about a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Squeeze the juice out of the pulp using a cheesecloth.
3. Apply this juice onto your scalp and massage for about 10 minutes.
4. Leave the juice on for an additional 30-35 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and condition.

How Often?

2 times a week.

8. Henna And Coffee

Henna helps cover up the appearance of white hair by adding rich reddish tones to your hair due to the presence of lawsone (18). Coffee is another popular hair colorant that can impart a reddish-brown to blackish-brown tinge to your hair.

Note: Ensure that you are using pure henna powder as some powders contain chemicals.

You Will Need

• 5 tablespoons of henna powder
• 1 tablespoon of coffee
• 1 cup of water

Process

1. Brew one tablespoon of coffee in a cup of water.
2. Add five tablespoons of henna powder to the brew, stirring as you do to avoid lumps.
3. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for about 3-4 hours.
4. Rinse with warm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once every three weeks.

9. Sage Leaves

Sage leaves help in preserving the color of your hair and prevent graying. In some cases, they also help restore pigment to white hair patches (17).

You Will Need

• A handful of sage leaves
• Water
• Spray bottle

Process

1. Boil a handful of sage leaves in water until it is well brewed.
2. Let the concoction cool and then collect the liquid in a spray bottle.
3. Spritz your hair until all of your hair is saturated with the sage tea.
4. Leave the tea on for about 2 hours.
5. Wash the sage solution out of your hair with a mild shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

10. Ridge Gourd And Coconut Oil

Ridge gourd can help restore natural hair pigment and prevent premature graying of hair (19). Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes your hair (8).

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of chopped and dried ridge gourd
• 1 cup of coconut oil

Process

1. Soak half a cup of chopped and dried ridge gourd in a cup of coconut oil in an airtight jar for about 3-4 days.
2. After 4 days, take about two tablespoons of the oil and heat it until it is slightly warm.
3. Massage the oil into your scalp and then work it down to the tips of your hair.
4. After massaging your hair for about 15 minutes, leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

11. Sesame Seed Oil And Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most penetrative hair oils with a rich source of fatty acids that help condition your hair (8). In combination with sesame seed oil, it helps promote melanocyte activity, ensuring that each strand is deeply pigmented. Sesame seed oil also helps darken the color of your hair with regular use (17).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Hot towel

Process

1. Combine two tablespoons each of sesame seed oil and coconut oil and heat the mixture until it is slightly warm.
2. Apply the oil onto your scalp and then work it through the length of your hair.
3. After massaging for about 15 minutes, cover your hair with a hot towel, and leave the oil in for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

12. Indian Gooseberry And Hibiscus Flower

This mask helps strengthen and nourish your hair follicles to maintain scalp health and boost healthy hair growth. Hibiscus helps prevent premature graying while also conditioning your hair, making it manageable (17).

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of crushed hibiscus leaves and flowers
• 3 tablespoons of amla powder
• Water

Process

1. Blend the hibiscus paste with amla powder to get a smooth paste. You can add a little water to the mixture to ensure that the paste is smooth and consistent.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Leave the mask on for about 45 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

2 times a week.

In addition to following the remedies listed above, you can also follow these tips to reduce gray hair.

Tips

1. Increase Intake Of Vitamin B12

Your hair could be turning white due to a deficiency of vitamin B12 (5). If this is the case, reversing the graying process could be as simple as consuming sufficient amounts of the vitamin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes pernicious anemia, and your hair losing its pigment is a symptom of the condition. This condition can be reversed by maintaining a balanced diet that is giving you the right amounts of the vitamin.

2. Increase Intake of Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 is known to help prevent the early onset of graying hair and restore its natural color (20). It also aids hair growth, gives hair proper moisture, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Consume foods rich in vitamin B5 like mushrooms, beef liver, eggs, whole grains, broccoli, sunflower seeds, etc. (21).

3. Keep The Thyroid Levels In Check

Your thyroid gland has an impact on all the vital functions of your body. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can result in premature white hair (3). It is necessary to monitor your thyroid levels to be aware if it is causing the loss of pigment in your hair.

Hypothyroidism is a serious chronic condition and might require hormone supplementation. Certain foods can interfere with the working of your thyroid gland. To keep your thyroid levels in check, keep tabs on your diet.

4. Quit Smoking

Your lifestyle has a huge influence on the health and color of your hair. Smoking has adverse effects on your body and could be contributing to white hair (1). A study determined that smokers have a higher chance of their hair losing pigment than non-smokers (22).

5. Load Up On Antioxidants

Your diet may help prevent the occurrence of white hair. Make sure that you consume enough antioxidant-rich foods.

6. Protect Your Hair From UV Rays

One of the extrinsic factors of oxidative stress is UV rays, which lead to premature graying of hair. Make sure you protect your hair when going out in the sun with a scarf or hat. There are a number of heat protection products that protect hair follicles from the harmful sun rays.

7. Foods To Eat To Reduce White Hair

Also, consume antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, grapes, green leafy vegetables, and green tea.

Here’s a list of foods that can help aid hair growth and delay premature graying of hair (20):

• Berries – They are rich in vitamin C.
• Meat liver – Combats anemia and iron deficiencies.
• Carrots – Rich in vitamin A.
• Curry leaves – Rich in the B vitamins and minerals such as selenium, iodine, zinc, and iron.
• Spinach – Helps in the production of melanin.
• Eggs – Rich in vitamin B12.
• Beans – Rich source of protein.
• Sunflower seeds – Rich in antioxidants and minerals.
• Walnuts – Rich source of copper, which helps in melanin production.

Can White Hair Turn Black Again?

A 2016 mice study targeted molecular pathways that control hair pigmentation to restore color. The mice exhibited growth of melanocytes that form melanin in the skin and hair. The discovery suggested that developing a drug or other therapy to target these pathways may help bring back some color to gray tresses (23).

With the right diagnosis and treatments, graying can be reversed, and white hair can turn black. But if the problem is genetic or age-related, it is unlikely to reverse the process. It is possible, however, to slow it down with a balanced diet and a good hair care regimen.

It is natural for your hair to lose its pigmentation, and it’s up to you if you want to color it or display it in all of its glory. The consistent use of these remedies can help slow and reverse hair fall and graying of hair. They may work gradually, but with patience, you will see visible results. We hope you have learned how to control white hair. Try and let us know your opinion in the comment section below.

23 sources

Stylecraze tiene pautas de abastecimiento estrictas y se basa en estudios revisados ​​por pares, instituciones de investigación académica y asociaciones médicas. Evitamos el uso de referencias terciarias. Puede obtener más información sobre cómo nos aseguramos de que nuestro contenido sea preciso y actualizado leyendo nuestra política editorial.

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