What is the cause of premature graying?

Condition analysis:
Very occasionally, a few gray hairs can develop in children as young as 8 years and yet it indicates nothing other than an early onset of the gray hair that we all develop with increasing age.  Typical gray hair first develops at age 34.2 +/- 9.6 years in Caucasians while for Black people the average age of onset is 43.9 +/-10.3 years.  As a rough guide, 50% of the population in the US and Europe have 50% gray hair by age 50.

Gray hair is caused by the gradual reduction of melanin production over time within the affected hair follicle.  The melanocytes in the hair follicles produce less and less melanin, and the result is a loss of hair fiber color strength.  What we call gray hair is not gray at all if you look at the individual hair fibers.  Some hair fibers will contain some color while others are virtually white.  What we describe as gray comes about from our perception of the overall scalp hair color.  Blondes are most likely to develop a completely white head of hair in old age because their hair fiber has a very low density of pigment in it to start with.

Instructions:
1. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves can help you stimulate the hair’s pigmentation if you mix it with coconut oil. This combination may also be used as a hair tonic. Pour a tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan, add a few fresh curry leaves and boil them until they get charred. Then, stir and apply it on the hair. Leave it to act for 30-45 minutes, and rinse it off. Repeat this twice a week.

2. Henna
Henna strengthens the lustrous locks and darkens the hair. You should make a paste of a tablespoon of coffee powder, ground henna leaves, 3 tablespoons of Indian gooseberry powder, and some plain yogurt. Then, apply the paste on the hair and leave it to dry. Rinse as usually, and repeat once or twice a month. You can also mix some hot black coffee with henna powder, in order to get a mixture with the consistency of yogurt, and cover it to stand for a few hours.  Then, apply the mask on the hair, leave it to act for 3 hours, and then wash it off with a shampoo.

3. Sage and Rosemary
Sage and rosemary are extremely effective in darkening gray hairs. You should add half a cup of dried leaves of these herbs in a pot with 2 cups of water. Boil the leaves and leave them for several hours. Then, strain and use it to rinse the hair after shampooing. Leave it to act for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it off. Do this treatment once a week.

4. Blackstrap Molasses
This is a popular home remedy for graying hair, as it produces a pigment which effectively reduces gray hair. The consumption of blackstrap molasses will provide 14 percent of the recommended daily dosage of copper, as well as high amounts of iron, magnesium, and selenium. Hence, you should take a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses every morning for a few months.

5. Black tea
Black tea efficiently darkens and softens the hair, and it will also provide a fantastic shine. You should boil 2 tablespoons of the tea in a cup of water, then add a teaspoon of salt, and let it cool. Use the tea to wash the hair a few times, and leave it to act for 20 minutes on the last time. Afterward, wash it off with cold water, but do not use a shampoo. Repeat this procedure once or twice a week, and you can also add some ground coffee to your hair conditioner to boost the effects.