There is a trend on social media about using a fork to get rid of gray hair. How true is this method?
The promoters of this “trend” claim that combing the hair with a fork leads to the disappearance of gray hair and prevents hair loss.
The truth is that there is no scientific evidence that combing hair with a fork or any other tool prevents the appearance of gray hair, or prevents hair loss. Conversely, the ends of a fork may hurt and injure the scalp.
On the other hand, we offer you here home remedies that may help you deal with gray hair:
1- Take your necessary vitamins
Vitamins that keep your hair healthy include:
- B vitamins, especially B12 and biotin
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
2- Get enough minerals
Minerals that can play a vital role in hair growth and repair include the following, according to a report in Healthline:
- Zinc
- Iron
- magnesium
- Selenium
- Copper
3- Stop smoking
Smoking can damage hair follicles and shrink their size, so stopping it is good for your hair
4- Protect your hair from the sun
This is done by covering it with a hat or scarf.
5- Stop damaging your hair
There are things you do that may harm your hair. Some hair care procedures that may damage your hair include:
- Hair bleaching
- Use a brush instead of a wide-tooth comb, especially with wet hair
- Apply a lot of heat with a curling iron or hair dryer
- Wash frequently
Some suggest a number of natural treatments for gray hair, but there is no evidence that they work.
These treatments include:
1- Coconut oil
Massage your hair and scalp every two days with coconut oil, and the next morning, wash your hair as usual.
2- Ginger
Eat a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger daily mixed with a tablespoon of honey.
3- Black sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum)
Eat a tablespoon of black sesame seeds two to three times a week.
4- Massage with ghee
Massage the hair and scalp with pure ghee twice a week.
5- Onion juice
Beat the onion in a blender and then use a strainer to extract its juice. Twice a week, rub this juice into the scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it with shampoo as usual.
These methods have not been studied clinically (in humans) to see how effective they are. It is also possible to be allergic to many of these treatments. So, if you decide to try a home remedy, discuss it with your doctor first.
Below is more information about gray hair
Causes of gray hair
1- Genetics
If you notice gray hair at an early age, it is likely that your parents or grandparents also had gray or white hair at an early age.
2- Stress
Everyone deals with stress from time to time. Consequences of chronic stress can include sleep problems, anxiety, change in appetite, high blood pressure, and gray hair.
Stress can affect hair. A 2013 study found a link between stress and cell depletion in hair follicles in mice. So, if you notice an increase in the number of white strands, stress may be the culprit.
In a study published in 2021, researchers found that people with gray hair were more likely to report stressful events than others.
3- Autoimmune diseases
An autoimmune disease can cause premature graying of hair. This is when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells. In the case of alopecia and vitiligo, the immune system can attack the hair and cause loss of pigment.
4- Thyroid disorder
Hormonal changes caused by a thyroid problem – such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism – may also be responsible for the appearance of gray hair.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It helps control many body functions such as metabolism. Thyroid health can also affect your hair color, and an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause it to produce less melanin in the body.
5- Vitamin B12 deficiency
White hair at an early age can also indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin plays an important role in your body. It gives you energy, plus it contributes to healthy hair growth and hair color.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a condition called pernicious anemia, which is when your body cannot absorb enough of this vitamin. Your body needs vitamin B12 for healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s cells, including hair cells. A deficiency can weaken hair cells and affect melanin production.
6- Smoking
There is also a link between gray hair and smoking. One study of 107 people found a link between “the appearance of gray hair before the age of 30 and cigarette smoking.”
It is known that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. However, long-term effects can go beyond the heart and lungs and affect the hair. Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow, which may reduce blood flow to hair follicles and cause hair loss. In addition, toxins in cigarettes can damage parts of your body including hair follicles, causing premature graying of hair.
How does gray hair happen?
The skin contains hair follicles, which are small sacs that line skin cells. Hair follicles contain melanocytes that produce a pigment called melanin. These cells give your hair its color. But over time, hair follicles can lose pigment, resulting in white hair.