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How to Prevent White Hair and Grow Dark Hair

Aug 25, 2011 / By Carole Ellis

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Many people love their white hair. If you're not one of them, though, then these remedies may work to bring back your natural, dark hair.

Photo: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

When you first see those signs of gray around your temples, you probably will be tempted to pluck those suckers out. Stop! Pulling out gray hairs won't get rid of them. In fact, if you want to prevent white hair and grow more dark hair, then you may need to treat the issue on several different levels. While not all white and gray hair can be prevented, you can take systematic, effective steps to prevent, reduce and even eliminate the silver in your hair. So don't give up, and put away those tweezers. Try some natural, proven remedies to rid yourself of those silver threads among "the gold."

Give yourself a massage. Massaging your scalp can reduce stress and stimulate the growth of healthy, colored hair. Use just the tips of your fingers to rub your head in circular motions using gentle, firm pressure. Be careful not to scratch your head. Do this for 20 minutes a day. You can use just your fingers or work black tea, amla or almond oil into the roots of your hair as you do the massage.

Get plenty of iodine. While you might not think your diet has a lot to do with preventing white hair, eating plenty of fish and other seafood can actually contribute to your youthful looks. Fish and seafood are high in iodine, which is required for melanin production. Melanin is essential to pigmentation, and white hair can be an indication of an iodine deficiency.

Stay calm. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, your body may react by ceasing to pigment your hair. Daily exercise, yoga and meditation can help you fend off the physical signs of stress.

1.Amla (Indian gooseberry) oil

3.Almond oil

2.Black tea

Some research indicates that foods with high levels of preservatives in them can also contribute to your body's inability to pigment your hair fully.

If you suspect that your white hair is the result of high stress levels or a dietary deficiency, consult a doctor about the best way to handle the issue. If your stress levels are serious enough -- or your deficiency marked enough -- to impact your pigmentation and melanin production, you may need medical treatment.