Until you find grey hair, it may not be a big deal. But for those with grey hair, it is a nightmare to behold. This is especially true if you start greying at a much younger age.
Usually, greying happens to people in their late 30’s or early 40’s but until recently, more and more cases of premature greying as early as mid-20’s is becoming a reality.
As you get older, the hair follicles lose pigment cells and your hair starts to turn white or grey.
Although aging is the main culprit, there are other causes behind your silver strands. These include genetics, vitamins deficiency, certain medical conditions, smoking, stress and even the hair products you may be using.
If your grey hair is due to genetics or age, there isn’t much you can do to reverse the process. That, however, doesn’t mean you can’t cover them up.
Here are a few tricks you can incorporate to do just that.
i.Henna
Not everyone’s favorite mainly because it leaves your hair with a red-orange tint, henna is one of the most effective ways to cover up those greys.
To avoid the discoloration, unless you’re a natural brunette which works best for you, combine the henna with something else like lemon, vinegar or amla powder.
For best results, use one cup of henna paste, three tablespoons of alma powder and a tablespoon of coffee to make a paste. If it is too thick you can add some water.
Using an applicator brush, apply the paste on your entire head focusing on the grey areas. Let it sit for an hour then rinse with an organic sulfate free shampoo.
Note, it is important to wear gloves during this process to prevent the henna from staining your fingers.
ii.Black coffee
If your hair has lighter shades or highlights like blonde, you may want to avoid this method. For darker hair shades, this will help your greys disappear until your next hair wash.
Brew a cup of strong coffee and wait for it to cool. In a bathtub or sink, pour the coffee on your entire head and gently massage.
Let it sit for half an hour then rinse with warm water only. No shampoo.
You should also do this on clean hair preferably a day or two after you washed it.
iii.Herbs
Depending on your hair color and type, you may want to choose your herbs wisely. For African hair, for instance, the combination of sage, stinging nettle, rosemary and black tea will help restore your natural hair color back.
Mix all herbs in equal amounts with two cups of warm water. Apply on clean hair and gently massage from the scalp to the tip.
Rinse it out with warm water and a gentle shampoo after it has stayed for an hour.
iv.Black tea
Just like coffee, black tea is great for darkening roots on top of leaving your hair feeling softer and shinier.
Another advantage of this remedy is, it lasts up to two weeks without requiring any touch up.
All you need to do is steep three tea bags in boiling water then wait for it to cool. On clean hair, apply and gently massage. Let it sit for an hour then rinse it off with warm water.
You can also add the tea to your conditioner.
v.Touch up kits
Yes, you have the option of buying touch up sticks, sprays, powders and brushes in your hair’s natural hue to conceal the greys.
Pick a product that works best for you and simply follow the instructions.
Working like concealers to cover blemishes, the concept it pretty much the same only that you have option to pick what works best for you.