Although premature graying is common among young people in their twenties and thirties, most cases of gray hair appear with age. But what if you notice gray hair on your child's head? You may wonder in            Dalili Medical whether this indicates a serious health problem.

Can children dye their hair to hide gray hair?

 

This decision depends on the child's age and the reason for the gray hair. In general, it is preferable for children not to use dyes during their school years, as they contain chemicals that may be harmful. However, if the child suffers psychologically because of his hair color and insists on changing it, a doctor can be consulted to choose safe products to change his hair color.

Does premature gray hair disappear?

 

Premature gray hair cannot disappear if it is caused by genetic factors or aging. However, if the cause is a medical condition, treatment may be an option that helps reduce the severity of gray hair.

Is vitiligo the same as gray hair?

 

No, vitiligo is a condition in which a child is born with a white spot on the skin or white hair on the head, while the rest of the hair color remains normal. This condition occurs as a result of a deficiency or absence of pigment cells in the hair follicles in the affected area. Although vitiligo and gray hair are similar in color and causes, vitiligo is characterized by its appearance as a specific spot and is present from birth.

- Nutrients that may help prevent premature gray hair

1- Vitamin A**Vitamin A is found in green vegetables and yellow fruits, and this vitamin contributes to promoting the health of the scalp and hair in general.

2- Vitamin B12**Vitamin B12 is essential for hair health, as it helps regulate the secretion of oils and promotes healthy and smooth hair for a longer period. Vitamin B can be found in yogurt, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, and bananas.

3- Minerals**Minerals such as iron, zinc, and copper are essential elements for hair health. These minerals help maintain the quality of the child's hair and reduce the possibility of premature gray hair. Zinc can be obtained from green vegetables, chicken, and meat.

4- Proteins**Protein helps maintain the shine of hair and improve its texture. Whole grains, soybeans, cereals, and meat are the main sources of protein

**Causes of premature graying in children**

 

Hair usually begins to turn white or gray with age, due to a decrease in the level of melanin pigment responsible for hair color. However, there are other common causes that may lead to the appearance of white hair in children, the most prominent of which are:

**Genetic factors**Genetic factors are one of the most common causes of premature graying in children. If parents or grandparents have a history of white hair at an early age, children are more susceptible to this condition.

**Some health conditions**Premature graying in children can indicate the presence of some serious health conditions, which include loss of hair pigmentation and the appearance of white hair. Among these conditions are:

**Vitiligo:** It occurs when pigment cells fail to produce melanin, which is responsible for hair and skin color, leading to the appearance of white spots and the appearance of gray hair.

**Thyroid diseases:** Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can cause premature graying in children.

**Alopecia areata:** is an autoimmune disease that causes sudden hair loss in patches. When the hair grows back, it may turn gray temporarily or permanently.

**Anemia:** Anemia is one of the main causes of premature graying in children, as it can lead to white hair in addition to other symptoms associated with anemia.

White hair is not limited to these conditions, but the child may also suffer from tumors, hearing loss, and seizures along with hair loss.

**Malnutrition** Relying on an unbalanced diet for a long time can affect the health of the child’s hair, making him more susceptible to graying. A deficiency in vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients can also lead to hypopigmentation. Studies also show a link between protein deficiency and premature graying in children.

**Vitamin deficiency** If the child does not get enough essential vitamins and minerals, this can cause premature graying. The most prominent of these vitamins are:

- **Vitamin B12**: It plays an important role in maintaining blood health, and its deficiency in the child's diet may increase the risk of premature graying.

- **Some minerals such as zinc and copper**: A study conducted in 2022 showed that premature graying may be associated with insufficient levels of zinc and copper, in addition to selenium.

- **Folic acid**: A deficiency of folic acid in the child's diet may lead to premature graying.

- **Vitamin D**: It can be easily obtained by exposing the child to sunlight, and a study conducted in 2013 showed that vitamin D levels were low in some children.

Anemia**: Anemia is one of the main factors that may lead to premature graying in children, as it can cause white hair in addition to other symptoms associated with anemia.

**Using synthetic dyes and shampoos:** Synthetic dyes and shampoos, which children use on a daily basis, can negatively affect hair health due to the chemicals in them. This can lead to unwanted changes, such as premature graying of hair.

**Continuous exposure to smoke:** Constant exposure to smoke can contribute to premature graying in children. Passive smoking can also cause oxidative stress in the child's body, reducing the production of melanin responsible for hair color.

**Exposure to pollution and ultraviolet rays:** Some external factors, such as stress, pollution, and ultraviolet rays, may be among the causes that lead to premature grayingIn children, which contributes to the appearance of white hair at an early age.

**Treatment of gray hair in children**

There is no specific treatment for the problem of the appearance of white hair in children, but if the reason behind this is a deficiency in some vitamins, the doctor may recommend taking nutritional supplements and improving the child's diet to help reduce the appearance of white hair. However, if the cause is a medical condition, treating this condition will contribute to solving the problem. If the cause is genetic, it is preferable to monitor the child and pay attention to any changes that occur to him, and use hair care products that hide white hair.

**Nutritional supplements** Premature graying is often associated with a deficiency in vitamins B12, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid) and D3. Therefore, it is recommended to compensate for any nutritional deficiency that your child may suffer from, after consulting a doctor. Make sure that the child eats foods rich in these vitamins such as eggs, dairy, and fish.

If you are thinking of giving additional supplements to your child, you should consult a doctor first.

These treatments can be used effectively to treat white hair or gray hair in children. There are also some tips that can help reduce the possibility of your child's hair turning gray.

**Treatment of gray hair in children with herbs**

 

Natural herbs are an effective way to hide white hair in children without causing any harm, unlike chemical dyes.

**Black tea** Black tea is rich in antioxidants that contribute to coloring gray hair and giving it a touch of shine.

**How ​​to use**

 

Here are the steps for use:

1. Boil two tablespoons of black tea in a cup of water, then leave it to cool.

2. Filter the liquid well and apply it to the scalp, massaging it for five minutes.

3. Leave it on the scalp for an hour, then wash the hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and use hair conditioner at the end.

**Note:** You can repeat washing your hair with black tea two to three times a week for best results.

**Curry leaves and coconut oil** Curry leaves are effective in maintaining hair color and preventing graying, and coconut oil is added to them, which contributes to nourishing the hair and enhancing its growth.

**Method**

Here are the steps for use:

1. Boil curry leaves with three tablespoons of coconut oil, then leave to cool completely.

2. Filter the oil and massage the scalp with it for 15 minutes, then leave it on the hair for 30 minutes.

3. The oil can be left on the hair overnight, then washed with a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a conditioner.

**Treating premature graying with onions**After we reviewed the causes of premature graying in children, it is time to learn about the benefits and harms of treating premature graying with onions.

**Benefits of treating premature gray hair with onions** Onion juice contains the enzyme catalase, which helps reduce levels of hydrogen peroxide, which is responsible for the appearance of gray hair. It is also believed that using onions can help reverse the process of premature gray hair and improve hair health in some individuals. The effectiveness of the treatment can be enhanced by adding olive oil, which is known for its moisturizing properties for hair. However, the biggest drawback of using onion juice is the difficulty of getting rid of its unpleasant smell.

*Treating gray hair with henna and coffee** Many people suffer from embarrassment when gray hair appears early, so there is nothing to prevent using natural products to color white hair, such as henna and coffee.

You can mix henna with coffee and water until you get a paste consistency, then apply it to the strands of white hair, giving you a beautiful reddish-brown color. But make sure that the henna you use is pure and natural, and not mixed with chemicals.

**Potato Peel**Potato peels can be used as a natural dye, as they contain starch that helps slow down the appearance of gray hair. You can boil two cups of water with a cup of potato peels for 25 minutes, then remove the peels and leave the water to cool. The smell may be unpleasant, so you can add a few drops of essential oils.

You can wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner as usual, then divide your hair into sections, use a brush to apply the potato water, then rinse your hair with cold water. You can repeat this process until you get the desired color.

**Amla fruits and coconut oil**Amla fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps reduce the appearance of gray hair in children. Massaging the scalp with coconut oil also enhances blood circulation, moisturizes the scalp, and strengthens the hair. In addition, coconut oil helps maintain the health of the pigment cells responsible for hair color, which prevents the appearance of gray hair.

**Almond Oil and Sesame Oil**Almond oil contains vitamin E, which is an essential element for maintaining healthy hair, and it also helps reduce the appearance of gray hair in children. On the other hand, sesame seed oil works to enhance the production of melanin pigment.

**Curry Leaves**Curry leaves are effective in reducing gray hair in children, as they enhance the production of melanin pigment that gives hair its natural color. Curry leaves can be boiled in coconut oil until they turn black, then massage the scalp with this mixture.

**Yogurt and Yeast**Yogurt is rich in proteins that nourish the scalp and enhance the production of melanin pigment. Yeast also contains a group of vitamins and proteins that contribute to improving hair health. Eating yogurt with a tablespoon of yeast daily can help reduce the appearance of gray hair in children.

**Cow Ghee**Cow Ghee contains effective enzymes that contribute to maintaining the shine of hair and strengthening its roots. It can be used by applying it on the hair twice a week, leaving it for an hour each time.

**Bhringraj** is a natural Indian dye that is commonly used to color grey and white hair.

**Ingredients:**

- Bhringraj oil or powder

- Water (optional)

-Gloves

**Method:**

1. Apply Bhringraj oil to the scalp and hair.

2. Leave it for an hour and then rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

3. Alternatively, you can mix Bhringraj powder with water to make a thick paste.

4. Apply the paste to your child’s hair using gloves.

5. Leave it for an hour and then rinse it off.

This process can be repeated once every few weeks or months.

**Ways to protect children from premature graying**

 

1. Make sure your child is following a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

2. If you smoke, try to quit smoking or avoid smoking in the presence of your child, as passive smoking can contribute to premature graying of hair.

3. Treat any nutritional deficiencies your child may be suffering from after consulting a specialist doctor.

4. Consult a doctor to determine the root causes of the graying of hair, and benefit from appropriate treatments accordingly.

5. Since most cases of premature graying in children are due to nutritional deficiencies or certain medical conditions, proper treatment can help restore natural hair color.