I am 32, and white hair has started appearing in my beard. The hair on my head is still mostly black. I worry that this will increase quickly.
My work is sedentary, I often stay awake late at night, and I have a habit of eating spicy and fried food. Is white hair normal at this age? Can hair that has turned white become black again? What remedies are there in Ayurveda to stop more hair from turning white?
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Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: A few white hairs in the beard after 30 are common in many men, and heredity is a big reason. There is little hope that hair which has already turned white will become black again, but with proper diet, sleep and Ayurvedic care the speed of new white hair can be reduced.
Understanding the problem
Hair colour comes from a pigment called melanin, which decreases with age. Heredity, stress, late nights, smoking, vitamin B12 or thyroid problems can cause early white hair.
The Ayurvedic view
In Ayurveda, hair turning white before its time is called Palitya. Its main cause is considered to be an increase in Pitta. Spicy, sour, salty and fried food, anger, late nights and too much sun increase Pitta. People of Pitta Prakriti tend to get white hair early. In treatment, pacifying Pitta and Rasayana (nourishment and rejuvenation) are the main approach.
Practical steps
- Sleep before 11 at night; 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Stop smoking and tobacco.
- Daily meditation or pranayama to reduce stress.
- Vitamin B12, thyroid and haemoglobin tests, on a doctor’s advice.
- Do not use chemical hair dyes too often.
Diet
- Amla, green leafy vegetables, black sesame, milk, ghee in moderation, coconut.
- Less very spicy, sour, salty and fried food, tea and coffee.
Medicine and external care
In Ayurveda, Rasayana herbs such as Amla, Bhringraj and Guduchi, and massaging the hair and beard with Bhringraj or Nilibhringadi oil, are considered useful. The Vaidya may also suggest Nasya (medicated oil in the nose). The right medicine, dose and duration will be decided by the Vaidya after examining your condition.
When to see a doctor?
- Hair turning white or falling very fast
- Fatigue, tingling, change in weight (possible B12 or thyroid problem)
- White patches or round bald spots in the beard
Related Questions
Does plucking white hair make more grow?
No, but plucking can damage the root; avoid plucking.
Is Amla useful for white hair?
In Ayurveda Amla is a Pitta-pacifying Rasayana; useful in the regular diet.
What is Nasya?
The Ayurvedic practice of putting drops of medicated oil in the nose; on a Vaidya’s advice.
In short: A few white hairs in the beard after 30 are common, and heredity is the main reason. Ayurveda calls it Palitya and sees increased Pitta as the cause. Sleep, a Pitta-pacifying diet and Rasayana such as Amla and Bhringraj can slow it down.
You can seek advice for more guidance.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
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