You can take a supplement that contains these vitamins or you can supercharge your diet with foods high in B12 and B6. Eating beetroot, sprouts, eggs, fish, cheese, soy and starchy vegetables are healthy ways you can increase melanin in your hair.
The primary stimulus for melanogenesis and subsequent melanosome production is UV radiation, which upregulates melanocyte production of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and its downstream products, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Found in dark green vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli), tomato, banana, dark chocolate, lentils, nuts (cashew, peanuts), seeds (flax seeds, pumpkin seeds), dark chocolate and fish. Include these in your diet if you're looking at how to increase melanin in hair naturally.
While sunlight is extremely important for our body, an extreme level of sun exposure can damage your hair's melanin production. UV rays can strip off the natural shade, destroying the melanin of your hair. Your hair becomes lighter in colour.
Henna and Indigo: Henna alone gives a reddish-brown color, but combining it with indigo can give a black color. First, apply henna, then apply indigo for a black tone. Black Tea Rinse: Regular rinses with strong black tea can darken hair over time. It's a gentle method and can also provide some shine.
Various diet shifts can result in the production of melanin, by following the diet mentioned above. However, you can use some products to control hair greying and dryness. Look for hair oil enriched with Bhringraj, Triphala, and Vibhitaka, which are best known for preventing premature hair greying and dryness.
Until recently, the answer to this has been no. It was thought that once a hair follicle stopped making melanin, it wasn't possible for it to regain its color on its own. But a recent study showed that it may be possible to reverse gray hair — even if just temporarily.
Ingredients such as soy, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and various botanical extracts have shown promise in reducing melanin production with fewer side effects compared to synthetic compounds. These natural alternatives are gaining popularity among consumers who prefer more holistic approaches to skincare.
Normal Function. The TYR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called tyrosinase. This enzyme is located in melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce a pigment called melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
The classic melanotropin, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), is a hormone of the pituitary intermediate lobe that is secreted in most vertebrates, and was identified by and named for its ability to stimulate pigmentation in specialized cells of the integument.
With aging, the follicles make less melanin, and this causes gray hair. Graying often begins in the 30s. Scalp hair often starts graying at the temples and extends to the top of the scalp. Hair color becomes lighter, eventually turning white.
That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.
Textbook & Expert-Verified. The two main factors that stimulate melanin production are exposure to sunlight and exposure to ultraviolet light. High temperatures, X-rays, and antibiotics do not significantly contribute to melanin production.
A review of research suggests that proper supplementation may reverse premature graying in those who are deficient in certain nutrients, including iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. However, even though some supplements are specifically sold as “anti-graying,” there aren't any studies that prove they work.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
Using Coffee to Color and Cover Gray Hairs
Coffee works great if you're looking to go darker, cover gray hairs, or add dimension to dark tresses. Simply brew a strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a couple cups of leave-in conditioner and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
Sage has properties that promote hair growth and darken hair colour if used consistently. You can make a paste of sage leaves and apply it to your scalp as a hair mask. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. It is recommended to use this herb once every week to witness the results.
Coffee is a super versatile and incredibly effective all-natural beauty ingredient. Dying your hair with coffee is a great way to achieve that classic dark shade of brown. It is a natural, safer, and cheaper alternative for hair colouring that only requires one ingredient: coffee!