When it comes to hair It does matter if you are black or white

Only 50 days into the job and US Prez Barack Obama has started greying at 47, thanks to stress. iTALK gives you the low down on premature greying and easy DIY tips to keep greying in check

Only 50 days into the job and US Prez Barack Obama has started greying at 47, thanks to stress. iTALK gives you the low down on premature greying and easy DIY tips to keep greying in check

George Clooney may look hot in his grey crop, but the salt and paper pateu00a0 is nothing more than a sign of being over-stressed and unhealthy. A condition that is generally associated with ageing, greying can take place even when you are as young as 25. Early greying is termed as premature greying and can be hereditary. In case your father's hair started to turn grey in his thirties, be ready to face the same ordeal. Malnutrition, stress, shock, deep sorrow and tension slow down the production of melanin resulting in grey hair. Severe illnesses can also stop or affect the production of melanin.u00a0

50 days into the job and Prez Obama is greying. Pic/AFP Photo

But, the belief that pulling out one grey hair will make two grow in its place, is a myth.

There is not much difference in the ratio of men and women going grey since it's a result of lifestlye. Browse through this quick guide to how to slow down the process of going grey, by following a balanced diet and a stress-free routine.

Orange and yellow fruits for a healthy scalp

Aanchal Achpalya, Nutritionist, Talwalkar, Bandra
Along with feeding your hair externally, you also need to feed it via the bloodstream.

Nutrients essential for your hair:
>>Vitamin A and C promotes glowing hair and a healthy scalp.
Sources: Orange and yellow fruits like mango, papaya; citrus fruits like amla and green leafy vegetables.u00a0
>>Vitamin B helps regular secretion of oil keeping your hair moisturised.
Sources: Banana, whole grains, fresh vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, yoghurt, kidney beans (rajma), and sunflower seeds being the most important.u00a0u00a0

Foods containing iron, copper and zinc are beneficial for your hair:
Sources of zinc: Chicken, red meat and green leafy vegetables.
Sources of Iron: Dried apricots, red meat, parsley, wheat, egg and sunflower seed.
Sources of copper: Whole grains, sea food and egg yolk.
>>Protein is essential for shine and strength of hair, smoothens texture and repairs damaged hair.
Sources: Dairy products, egg, soya, nuts, pulses, fish and chicken.
Say NO to: Caffeinated beverages, low protein diet, excess refined sugar, processed food with high content of preservatives and salt, trans fats, saturated fats and lack of sleep.

These two went grey at 14 and 29

Vikram Bhatt 42, a Bollywood director, writer and producer went grey at just 29.u00a0
Taylor Reuben Hicks 32, an American singer and the winner of the fifth season of American Idol turned grey when he was 14. He experienced a difficult childhood as his parents were divorced, and had to stay with stepmother.

Yoga can calm you, and stop greying

Rekha Yadav, Trichologist, Revital Trichology Centre
Melanin production takes place in the roots of your hair. These pigments get transferred to the hair shafts leading to greying of shafts. Greying can be due to stress, deficiencies and can also be genetic.
What to do: Consume vitamin and mineral supplements like Paba and Vitamin 5. Detect the cause of premature greying and treat it accordingly. In case you are stressed, start with yoga. Meditation works wonders in slowing down greying.
Overnight greying of hair: Sometimes you might notice that your hair has grown grey overnight. This happens only when you are undergoing severe stress or you are mentally and emotionally disturbed due to an incident like death of a close family member.u00a0

Amla and henna help check greying

Shahnaz Hussain Beauty Expert
Apply the henna mixture: Soak a handful of dry amla in about 2 to 3 cups water overnight, and strain the water. Grind the amla. Add ground amla to henna powder with 4 teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs, 2 teaspoons oil and enough amla water. Keep the paste for two to three hours and then apply it on the hair. Keep it on for two hours and wash with plain water
Oil your hair with herbal oil: Take a handful of dry amla and grind it coarsely. Add it to 100 ml coconut oil and 50 ml castor oil. Keep it in a glass jar with a tightly fitted lid. Keep the jar in the sun daily for about 15 days.
Then strain the oil and use it to oil your hair. HOT TIP: Drink juice of one raw amla in a glass of water daily.