I am a 13-year-old girl. From the past one year, my hair is turning grey. This has worried me a lot. Also, my hair is very thin. Please      advise me.

Human hair will turn grey when the production of melanin (pigmentation of hair and skin) stops, due to either ageing or inherited factors. People can get grey hair at any age. Some people go grey at a young age — as early as when they are in high school or college — whereas others may be in their 30s or 40s before they see that first grey hair. How early we get grey hair is determined by our genes. Remedies such as amla, shikakai, rithas, strong black tea, Henna, etc are found to be the best cure for grey hair.

The thinning of hair is temporary. You will definitely regain the hair you have lost. Normal hair loss per day is 50-120 strands per day. Whatever hair you have lost will grow over a period of time. What we eat reflects on our hair. Hair needs proteins, vitamins and minerals, so incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and milk in your diet. Drink atleast eight glasses of water, herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juice. Stress causes the hair cells to slow reproduction. Try to avoid stress and do yoga or relaxation exercise. You can take a course of multivitamin tablets with Zinc after consultation.

Consultant dermatologist
vandanjp@hotmail.com

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