Prevention of premature greying

Genetic greying cannot be prevented. You can lower other risk factors and look after your hair.

What you can do

• Do not smoke. Smoking is linked with earlier greying, and quitting is good for hair and overall health.
• Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, iron, B12, folate, zinc and copper
• Check for deficiencies if you are vegetarian or vegan, or have digestive problems, and treat them as advised
• Manage stress with sleep, exercise, relaxation and time outdoors
• Treat medical conditions such as thyroid disease or anaemia
• Protect hair from harsh chemicals, heat and strong sun
• Be gentle when styling, and avoid very tight styles

What does not prevent it

• Plucking grey hair
• Supplements when your levels are normal
• Special shampoos that claim to prevent greying

Sun and pollution

Wearing a hat or scarf in strong sun and rinsing hair after exposure to dust and pollution may protect the hair shaft, though evidence for preventing greying is limited.

Family history

If early greying runs in your family, it is likely to happen to you too. You can accept it, or use colour products safely.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Regular sleep, stress reduction and a Pitta-calming lifestyle are advised traditionally. These overlap with the advice above, but there is no proof they prevent greying.

When to get help

See a doctor for sudden or rapid greying, or greying in childhood.

Remember

Quit smoking, eat well and treat any medical cause. Genetic greying cannot be stopped.