Remedies To Manage White Hair At A Young Age

Graying of hair is usually associated with age. However, it can also occur in children.

Graying hair in kids is an increasing concern among many parents. It is not only worrisome but may also affect the child’s confidence levels. Hence, it is important that you be aware of its causes to deal with the situation appropriately. You can also try and manage the appearance of gray hair until you find the right treatment. In this article, we have discussed the possible causes and natural remedies for managing gray hair in your kids. Read on.

What Causes Gray/White Hair At A Young Age?

Just like premature graying can occur in young adults, it is also possible for children across all ages to grow some strands of white or gray hair.

The common causes of white hair in children include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Inheritance – A family history of early onset of gray hair
• Medical conditions like vitiligo, tuberous sclerosis, Waardenburg syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and overactive or underactive thyroid conditions like Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s disease
• Nutritional deficiencies
• High levels of stress
• Use of synthetic shampoo and soaps
• Exposure to smoke or passive smoking

Your child could have developed gray strands due to multiple factors. If they exhibit any other symptoms in addition to graying hair, it is best to consult a doctor to find out the root cause of the issue.

Treatments For White Hair In Kids

Once the cause of gray hair in your little one is found, the doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Mostly, treatments for graying hair in kids involve modifying the diet and increasing the intake of nutrient-rich foods. This is because nutritional deficiencies are one of the leading causes of gray/white hair in children.

There are also a few natural home remedies that can be used to get rid of gray hair in your little one. They are listed below.

Home Remedies To Manage Gray Hair In Kids

1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is widely used as a hair tonic to prevent graying of hair and promote hair growth and strength

You Will Need

• 3-4 Indian gooseberries
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Cut the Indian gooseberries into small pieces.
2. Add them to a glass of water and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for a few minutes.
4. Switch off the stove.
5. Allow the mixture to cool. Strain.
6. Apply the mixture to the hair of your kid.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times a week.

2. Coconut Oil

Gray hair is often thick and coarse. Hence, it needs to be well-nourished and well-maintained. Coconut oil, with its moisturizing properties, can work wonders in reducing protein loss from gray hair and keeping it soft

You Will Need

1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Apply virgin coconut oil to your scalp and hair.
2. Leave it on for an hour and rinse it off with a mild cleanser.
3. Follow up with a conditioner.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times a week.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera juice is widely used in conjunction with natural dyes to color hair without damaging its cortex. It may enhance the coloring effect of natural dyes, like henna

You Will Need

1 cup of aloe juice

What You Have To Do

1. Take a cup of freshly prepared aloe vera juice.
2. Use it in conjunction with natural dyes like henna or coffee.
3. Apply it to your child’s scalp and hair.
4. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every few months. Aloe vera juice alone can be used once a week.

4. Curry Leaves

Extracts of curry leaves can help in nourishing the hair and prevent premature graying of hair in kids as well as adults

You Will Need

• 15-20 curry leaves
• ½ cup of virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add 15-20 curry leaves to a cup of coconut oil.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan and simmer.
3. When the oil turns a shade of black, switch off the stove.
4. Allow the oil to cool and apply it to your kid’s hair and scalp.
5. Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every week for best results.

5. Henna Hair Pack

Henna exhibits natural dyeing properties that can help in getting rid of unwanted gray hair

You Will Need

• 1 cup of powdered henna
• Water (as required)
• Gloves

What You Have To Do

1. Add water to a cup of powdered henna to form a thick paste.
2. Mix well and apply the paste to your child’s hair using a pair of gloves.
3. Leave it on for an hour or two before rinsing it off.

Note: Use black henna to avoid uneven coloring.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every few months or as required.

6. Bhringaraj (False Daisy)

Bhringaraj is a popularly used natural dye that can be used to color gray and white hair

You Will Need

• Bhringraj oil or powder
• Water (optional)
• Gloves

What You Have To Do

1. Apply bhringraj hair oil to the scalp and hair.
2. Leave it on for an hour and rinse it off with a mild cleanser.
3. Alternatively, mix bhringraj powder with water to create a thick paste.
4. Apply the paste to your child’s hair using a pair of gloves.
5. Leave it on for an hour and rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every few weeks or months.

7. Black Coffee

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Black coffee is also often used for hair coloring purposes due to its dyeing effects.Hence, it may also help in getting rid of gray hair in kids. 

You Will Need

• 2-3 cups of water
• 4-5 teaspoons of coffee powder

What You Have To Do

1. Boil two to three cups of water.
2. In another cup, mix four to five teaspoons of coffee powder with a little plain water.
3. Mix the coffee concoction in the boiled water. Let it cool.
4. Apply the mixture to your little one’s hair.
5. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every few weeks.

8. Nutritional Supplements

Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and D3 are often associated with premature graying

Hence, it is advised that you restore nutritional deficiencies in your child, if any, after consulting your doctor. Ensure they eat foods rich in the deficient vitamin like eggs, dairy, and fish. You should consult your doctor if you plan on giving additional supplements to your child.

These remedies can be successfully used to treat white or graying hair in kids. There are also a few tips that can help prevent your child’s hair from graying any further.

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How To Prevent Premature White Hair In Children

• Make sure your kid follows a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
• If you smoke, quit or do not smoke in the presence of your child as passive smoking can also cause premature graying.
• Address your child’s nutritional deficiencies after consulting a doctor.
• Find out the root cause of graying by consulting a doctor and avail treatment accordingly.

Since most cases of gray or white hair in children are due to nutritional deficiencies or an underlying medical condition, they can usually be restored by availing the necessary treatments.