10 Effective Home Remedies To Treat White Hair

White or grey hair is a natural part of ageing, but when it appears at an early age, it is often considered premature greying. Hair gets its natural color from a pigment called melanin, produced by cells in the hair follicles. When melanin production slows down or stops, hair turns grey or white.

While genetics play the biggest role, factors like stress, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies (especially Vitamin B12, iron, and copper), hormonal imbalances, pollution, smoking, and certain medical conditions can trigger early greying. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, even young people in their 20s and 30s are experiencing white hair.

Although age-related greying cannot be completely reversed, adopting a healthy diet, stress-free lifestyle, and natural remedies can help slow down the process, improve hair strength, and maintain natural shine.

White or grey hair usually happens due to loss of melanin, stress, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, or lifestyle habits. While you can’t completely reverse greying caused by age or genetics, some natural remedies may help slow down greying, restore pigment in some cases, and improve overall hair health.

# Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves

Boil a handful of curry leaves in coconut oil until they turn black.

Strain and store the oil.

Massage scalp with this oil 2–3 times a week.

Helps restore melanin and strengthens roots.

# Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Mix amla powder with coconut oil and heat until it turns dark.

Apply to scalp and hair at night, wash in morning.

Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent premature greying.

# Black Sesame Seeds

Eat 1 teaspoon daily (soaked overnight if preferred).

Traditionally used in Ayurveda to restore natural hair color.

# Onion Juice

Apply fresh onion juice on the scalp, leave for 30 min, then wash.

Rich in catalase enzyme, which may reduce hydrogen peroxide buildup that causes greying.

# Henna & Coffee Pack

Mix henna powder, brewed black coffee, and a little yogurt.

Apply to hair and leave for 2–3 hours before washing.

Works as a natural dye and conditions hair.

# Increase Vitamin & Mineral Intake

Vitamin B12 (dairy, eggs, fish) deficiency often leads to greying.

Iron (spinach, beetroot, lentils), Copper (nuts, seeds), Zinc, and Protein are also vital.

# Blackstrap Molasses

Take 1 tablespoon daily (if no medical restrictions).

Natural source of copper and iron, may help darken hair over time.

# Stay Hydrated & Reduce Stress

Stress is a big trigger for premature greying.

Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing daily.

# Tea Rinse

Boil black tea, cool it, and use as a final rinse after shampoo.

Adds natural dark tint and shine.

# Ridge Gourd (Torai) Oil

Dry ridge gourd pieces in the sun, soak in coconut oil for 3–4 days, then boil until black.

Strain and apply to scalp twice a week.

An old Ayurvedic remedy to prevent greying.