Q: Is there a way to prevent hair from turning gray? – Pamela T.
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A. Many find salt and pepper hair distinguished or sophisticated, but there are just as many who want to hold off graying as long as possible. Graying, when the pigments in the hair begin to die, is a natural part of life. African Americans tend to begin the process later than Caucasians.
There isn’t a way to “prevent” gray hair, but you may be able to slow the process. Here are some tips – some medically proven and others not – that may help:
- De-stress
- Stop smoking – A 2013 study showed a link between smoking and graying before age 30
- Drink lots of water
- Increase copper intake
- Increase iodine intake
- High protein diet
- Extra sleep
- Eat foods rich in B12
- Improve circulation via regular exercise
- Chinese herb He Shou We, or Fo-ti
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
