Gray Hair in Kids: Hair is made up of protein and grows from the follicles inside the surface of the skin. The skin is modified to produce hair.
Hair plays an important role in a person’s physical appearance. And when the hair starts to gray, it affects the appearance of that person. In the case of children, the situation is even worse.
Premature graying has no ill effects on the health of the baby, but graying the hair indicates some other problems in the body.
It can also have a psychological effect on your child. Therefore, the best way to fight is to get to the root of the problem and take preventive measures from the beginning.
So, what is the cause of Gray hair in kids?
Hereditary Factors
If premature graying is going on in your family, for example, your parents/grandparents or your spouse’s parents/grandparents or your own spouse or your spouse are more likely to have gray hair initially.
Some Medical Problems
Many thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism, reduce melanocyte activity. Defects of skin pigmentation such as vitiligo (which follows the destruction of melanocytes in the skin) can also lead to loss of hair pigmentation.
Usage of Synthetic Soaps and Shampoos
We all know that the quality of hair products has deteriorated over the years. The hair care products we use today are not the same as they were ten to fifteen years ago.
Synthetic soaps and shampoos used by children today can tighten their hair and even cause hair to gray.
As a parent, you need to be careful from the beginning as adult shampoo can make a child’s hair tough and messy.
You should use baby shampoo for your baby because it contains an extract of vitamins and minerals. You can also choose herbal shampoos to wash your baby’s hair.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
The common reason for premature graying is vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is widely found in foods from animal sources.
Unless a person eats a strict vegan diet, it is difficult to achieve a dietary deficiency.
B12 deficiency can also cause a transient error in mothers with breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur despite adequate B12 intake.
Deficiency of vitamin B12 and minerals such as copper and zinc in the body can also lead to gray hair in kids, but this can be controlled by vitamin supplements or by giving children a healthy diet.
Also Read: Can Hypothyroidism Cause Acne Problems?
If the child is genetically predisposed to premature graying, you must be careful.
If graying of the hair is the result of other conditions or syndromes, seek treatment for those conditions and the premature graying of the hair will be significantly reduced.
Stress factor
Although not common, the stress in children can also lead to premature graying of their hair. However, stress here does not mean mental stress. This is genotoxic stress, which is caused by environmental factors.
Home Remedies to Stop Gray Hair in Children
-Boil the curry in oil until it turns black. Massage the oil on the hair. It is an effective treatment for gray hair.
-Amla & Coconut Oil: Amla is a good source for treating premature graying. Take coconut oil in a pan and add amla pieces to it. Let it boil. Remove from the heat, filter, and refrigerate.
Apply this mixture to your baby’s hair and leave on overnight. Rinse with lukewarm water the next morning.
Massage a mixture of almond and acid oil on the scalp. Leave on overnight before you wash it. This remedy can help prevent your child’s gray hair.
Children should avoid smoking to prevent this from happening.
-Ensure to give a nutritive diet to your child which includes vitamin A, B minerals, and protein. This helps with the all-round development of your child.
