While hair graying is a natural part of aging, it may be possible to delay or even reverse it, depending on the cause. For graying triggered by factors beyond genetics, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, improving nutrition, and exploring advanced hair care can potentially slow down or reverse the process. Although research is still ongoing, experts agree that making positive changes benefits overall health, so why not give it a try?
How to Reverse Hair Graying
Lifestyle Habits
Certain habits and factors can speed up hair graying, but the good news is that many of these are within your control.
Celebrity stylist Rogerio Cavalcante explains, “Stress, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, and medical conditions can all accelerate graying.” Chronic stress increases oxidative damage to hair follicles, and smoking not only thins hair but also causes premature graying. Also read: 12 Trending Hair Accessories for 2025 To Add To Your Collection
Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune diseases can also contribute to early graying, according to Dr. Sobel.
Here are some lifestyle changes that may help:
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Quit smoking: Avoiding cigarettes or vaping can improve your hair’s health.
- Stay active: Regular exercise promotes blood flow to the scalp.
- Monitor health: Stay on top of any medical conditions by working with a healthcare professional.
Nutrition and Supplements
Your diet plays a key role in overall health, including your hair’s pigmentation. A balanced diet full of whole, nutrient-dense foods can help slow or prevent graying.
Certain deficiencies—especially in vitamin B12, iron, copper, and zinc—are linked to premature graying. Foods rich in these nutrients can help restore balance.
- B vitamins: Found in leafy greens, eggs, and fortified cereals.
- Zinc and copper: Found in shellfish, nuts, and seeds.
- Antioxidants: Found in berries and dark chocolate, these combat oxidative stress, which affects melanin-producing cells in hair follicles.
In addition, some companies, such as Vegamour, Arey, and heyhair, offer nutritional supplements designed to slow or reverse graying. These supplements are typically packed with vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that promote hair health.
Topical Products and Treatments
While no product can completely stop graying, innovative treatments are showing promise.
- PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health, which may help slow graying.
- Topical Serums: New products are being developed to target melanin production and maintain natural hair color. For example:
- Arey offers a treatment with antioxidants to slow graying and re-pigment hair.
- Living Proof’s Anti-Grey Complex protects pigmentation against oxidative stress.
- All Golden Root Changer uses patented peptides and anti-graying ingredients to support melanin retention.
Though these products won’t fully reverse graying, they can help maintain your natural color longer, especially when paired with healthy habits.
Conclusion
While genetics still play a big role in graying, making changes to your lifestyle, diet, and hair care routine may delay the process or even reverse it in some cases. The science is evolving, but it’s always worth exploring healthier choices to benefit your hair and overall well-being. Why not give it a shot? Your hair and your health may thank you!