Vitamins B6 and B12 have also been proven to boost melanin production. Goddard says that vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has been found to trigger the production of enzymes and chemical reactions that boost the metabolism of the hair proteins (keratin and melanin) in the hair follicles.
Vitamin A, C and B12 are the most needed vitamins to increase the melanin production in your hair. Add citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, pineapple, and melon to your diet. Also eat vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beans, etc. Non vegetarians can try adding red meat, chicken liver, fish, and eggs to their diet.
Anyone who has white hair resulting from a vitamin deficiency should consume more foods loaded with those vitamins. For example, seafood, eggs, and meats are good sources of vitamin B-12, and milk, salmon, and cheese are excellent sources of vitamin D.
Vitamin B-12 is the most common culprit, with folate, copper, and iron deficiencies increasing your risk, too. Dietary supplements may help these deficiencies and you might see your natural hair color start to grow back after several weeks.
It is natural to lose melanin as you age, however, there are also a number of other reasons that might cause loss of melanin. However, it is not possible to restore your hair's natural colour if your greying is genetic and natural.
Ultraviolet Radiation as a Regulator of Melanogenesis
A major extrinsic regulator of melanogenesis is ultraviolet radiation (UVR), including UVA and UVB light. This is the main stimulus for melanin production, leading to induced pigmentation of the skin, or 'tanning'.
2. Copper-Rich Diet. Lack of copper can reduce the count of melanin in the hair. So, you should consume copper-rich foods on a regular basis such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dark chocolate, avocados, etc.
Eating vitamin C–rich foods like citrus, berries, and leafy green vegetables may optimize melanin production. Taking a vitamin C supplement may help as well.
Vitamin D is known to enhance the rate of melanin synthesis; and this may concurrently regulate the expression of furin expression.
Melanocytes are the cells that produce eumelanin and pheomelanin. Cells known as keratinocytes then carry melanin to the skin surface. In people with dark skin, melanocytes produce more melanin than they do in people with light skin tones.
What Causes Increased Melanin Production? UV-A rays from the sunlight penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis and trigger the melanocytes to produce more melanin. Melanin is produced as a defence mechanism. Sunlight is the major cause of increased melanin production.
Though many products claim to boost melanin levels, there isn't any research that supports their effectiveness. Experts continue exploring ways to naturally increase melanin to prevent sun damage and skin cancer. There's also a common misconception that tanning is a safe way to increase melanin.
Cells known as melanocytes make up melanin and give our hair its color. Special stem cells then add melanocytes to new follicles when our hair falls out. When these stem cells stop working, our hair loses its pigment.
There are no treatments that are proven to treat (or reverse) gray hair. As researchers learn more about how the graying process happens, they may develop effective medications and treatments for gray hair.
Oranges. Brimming with vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges are an important fruit for hair growth. It improves blood circulation throughout the body including your scalp, thereby promoting hair growth. Oranges are easily available and you do not have to put in a lot of effort or time to reap benefits out of this fruit.
Seafood, walnuts, fatty fish, seeds, and plant oils are foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Although this vitamin is known to prevent heart disease, reduce inflammation, and battle mental illness, one less well-known advantage is that it might help your hair.
Some of the best hair vitamins for black hair growth and for the growth of other hair types are Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin C and Niacin (Vitamin B3). Two of the best minerals for healthy hair growth are Iron and Zinc.
Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG.
Applying black tea to your grey hair can make hair black gradually. It also helps in increasing volume of hair and makes hair shinier. Use the black tea mask twice a week and avoid using a shampoo after it, for effective results.