Why Does Hair Turn Grey

updated 4-15-2024
Woman with grey hair
Beautiful woman with grey hair


Why Hair Turns Gray


We all know that as we grow older, there is a chance of one or two grey hairs peeking through our beautiful hair. We wake up one day & wonder where did this come from. Of course, some people keep their beautiful grey hair, while others cover it up. When looking at Premature grey, we observe what is vitamin B6, its role in premature graying, & sources of B6.


Premature Gray

   Some causes of premature grey may be a deficiency in vitamin B6, B12, & or a few other vitamins. Remember I said, premature grey. My main focus of discussion in this article is how a B6 and B12 deficiency affects the color of our hair.

 Another name for Vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. It is a part of the vitamin-B complex group and is water-soluble. That means vitamin B 6 is not stored in your body for later. It is excreted through the kidneys if you have a lot in your body; therefore, you have to constantly eat the right nutritious food or supplement. 

Be careful not to overdo it with supplements, even if it's water-soluble. Some supplements have more than others; therefore, you should see a doctor and find out if you are getting the appropriate amount.

According to WebMD,
 "Hair goes gray when color-producing cells stop producing pigment, says Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego." 

Through research, I learned that vitamin B6 helps our color-producing cells. 

Vitamin B-6 and B-12 are two of the Complex-B vitamins that aid in healthy skin and hair. B-6 may help restore hair to its original color following an illness or deficiency. - Everyday Health

Our bodies produce melanin, the pigment cell which influences the color of our hair. A lack of melanin can be caused by a vitamin B6 deficiency in people who turn grey prematurely. 

Livestrong states, 
"If you don't eat sufficient amounts of the foods that are rich in vitamin B6, your hair will lose its natural color."  

Wow. To help prevent the lack of melanin in our hair, from unnecessary damage, we must take preventive measures such as healthy eating & living.

Of course, we can't stop the natural process of graying from inherited factors or cells becoming damaged due to old age, but we can help stop the kind of premature graying that's caused by not having the proper vitamins. Be sure to check with your doctor to see if you are getting an adequate amount of vitamins



Food sources of Vitamin B6

There are a variety of food sources full of vitamin B6. A delicious turkey is an excellent source of vitamin B6. My mouth waters thinking about all the other fixings with it, like it's thanksgiving day. Don't forget about tuna, it is another great source to help you maintain your daily intake of vitamin B6. 

When you're in a hurry & on your way out the door, grab a banana off the cabinet & keep it going. They are a great source of vitamin B6. 

Livestrong states, "Experts at the NIH state that a medium-sized banana has about .68 milligrams of vitamin B-6, which is more than 50 percent of most people's daily recommended intake for B-6." 
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potato is a good source of vitamin B6


Some other sources of vitamin B6 are found in 

  • egg yolk
  • liver
  • bell peppers
  • spinach
  • sweet potatoes
  • asparagus
  • broccoli
  • whole-grain cereals

Therefore to help with premature graying, eat nutritious meals. For those that have grey for other reasons, you can use the proper cleansing shampoo to help your hair have a glossy shine or cover it up with a semi-permanent, permanent, or highlight color. 

Consult a Dermatoligist:

It's important to take care of your hair and address any concerns early on. If you're experiencing premature graying, it's best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of premature graying. However, self-treatment is not recommended, so it's best to seek professional advice.

Make sure, you see a professional for chemical services so that you don't over-process the hair causing a different problem. Let's keep our hair healthy & shiny. Have a blessed day!!

Here is a Picture of some sources of vitamin B6 


nutrition
Sources of B6 | Styles by Arica Hart

Have a wonderful day!


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