Hair whitening: Expert shares dietary hacks that may ‘restore natural pigmentation in some cases’

While hair whitening is typically considered permanent, scientists have identified specific cases where the process may be reversible.

The key lies in understanding what causes premature greying, as certain triggers can be addressed to potentially restore natural hair colour.

Harley Street hair transplant clinic surgeon, Dr Tetiana Mamontova, explained that hair pigmentation depends on melanocytes, specialised cells that produce melanin, giving hair its natural colour.

When these cells are impaired by factors such as poor nutrition, stress, or underlying medical conditions, premature whitening can occur.

Unlike age-related or genetic greying, which remains irreversible, hair whitening caused by these modifiable factors may be reversed through appropriate interventions.

Nutritional deficiencies play a significant role in premature greying, with vitamins B12, folic acid, iron, zinc, and copper being crucial for melanin production, shared Dr Mamontova.

“If premature whitening is caused by deficiencies in vitamins, addressing these deficiencies through diet or supplementation may restore natural pigmentation in some cases,” the expert noted.

Stress has also been identified as a reversible cause of hair whitening, with acute or severe stress temporarily halting melanin production.

Managing stress levels, improving sleep patterns, and adopting relaxation techniques could help restore melanin production in affected hair follicles.

Additional modifiable factors may include medical conditions, noted Dr Mamontova.

She explained that where thyroid dysfunction and vitiligo are found to cause premature whitening, treating these underlying conditions promptly may reverse the process.

It’s important to note that not all hair whitening can be reversed, however.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Men told how to combat male pattern baldness – ‘prevention is easier than restoration’
• Woman credits minor adjustment to her shampoo routine for her ‘voluminous and shiny’ hair
• Women told how to avoid ‘dry and brittle’ locks by ‘starting within’ – ‘your hair will thank you!’

Age-related and genetic greying remain permanent changes that cannot be altered through interventions.

The key is identifying and addressing these underlying causes promptly through proper diet, stress management, and medical treatment.

To delay these changes, the expert recommended increasing your antioxidant intake may protect melanocytes and potentially reverse damage.

“You can try foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, green tea, nuts and dark chocolate in your diet,” she noted.