Hi, my age is 27. There is a massive increase of white hair in my head within 3 to 4 months. What can be the reason and what are the possible treatments to change the colour of hair from white to black?

Hi Madhuri

You get grey hair when your hair loses the pigment called melanin. Though the cause is genetic in most, you can also get premature greying due to different causes that include:

• Stress
• Autoimmune diseases
• Antimalarial drugs
• Chronic illness
• Nutritional deficiencies

It would have been great if you had started taking treatment in your teens, when your hair started to grey.

Nevertheless, you can still slow down the process of greying and have healthy hair at the same time.

There are medicated treatments to prevent greying of hair. Before you consider them, do get evaluated by a good dermatologist. They will recommend a blood test so that they can evaluate your condition and suggest appropriate treatment.

Meanwhile, this is what you can do.

• Ensure you consume a good diet that is rich in Vitamin B12, proteins and other nutrients.
• A multivitamin pill can also be a good support.
• Avoid too much exposure to heat as it can damage hair tissue.
• Antioxidants form the mainstay of your treatment so you can take an antioxidant pill. You can also get good antioxidants from your diet.

Foods that help reduce greying:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Mushrooms
• Blueberries
• Sunflower seeds
• Oysters

If you wish to colour your grey hair, use good quality mehendi or ammonia free hair dyes.

Eating healthy is the answer to stay fit.

Check if you are having all essential nutrients adequately.

Deficiencies in any nutrient, like protein and B complex, Vitamin D, and other essential micro nutrients may be the cause of hair fall.

Stress is another causative factor for hair fall. De-stress yourself by doing yoga or meditation.

Medication or hormonal imbalances can also be causative factors.

Eat healthy foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals like eggs, milk and milk products, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

The first step is to reduce stress levels by daily walks, preferably in natural surroundings, and pranayams.

In diet, avoid excess of caffeine, acidic foods and any alcohol consumption.

Begin yoga practice under guidance of a certified teacher; preferably in the morning, else evenings.

For prevention and possible cure, I would advise you to check your testosterone levels. Accordingly create a diet plan in consultation with a nutritionist.

There could be multiple reasons for double chin -- either lack of exercise or just incorrect posture. Just get a body profile done to rule out any ailments like diabetes, etc.

If you are not following an exercise regime, start with 30-40 minutes of daily walks.

Alongside, start face yoga (consult a certified practitioner and do it for at least two months). Basic neck exercises and pranayams will also help.

For your greys, try home-made amla dye.

Soak whole dry amlas overnight. Boil them the next day. Then strain the water and retain the pulp.

You can apply this directly on your hair. Add powdered amla if you want a thicker consistency.

Apply this like a hair colour. After some time, wash it off with water only. Follow this up with an oil massage.

This might not give instant results but, over time, it will give a darker shade to your hair and slow further greying.

You can do this once every two weeks.

Other hair packs are coffee powder mixed with homemade aloe vera gel or potato juice mixed with aloe vera gel.