How To Increase Melanin in Hair: Proven Tips and Tricks

Content

• Role of Melanin in Hair
• Naturally Ways For Boosting Melanin in Hair
• Conclusion

 

A slight change in hair colour can affect your mood. If you spot a single grey strand on your forehead, it’s unlikely that it won’t ruin your mood. Because you know where it’s going to take you, that’s more grey strands in the coming weeks. When the melanin level in your body fluctuates, you primarily notice changes in hair and skin colour, including grey hair. 

If you’re always thinking about how to increase melanin in hair, you need to pay attention to what we eat, focus on foods rich in melanin for hair and take care of how we treat our hair as it primarily affects the melanin level. So, here’s a dedicated blog that extensively covers different aspects of melanin and how you can boost melanin to keep your hair at its best!

 

 

Role of Melanin in Hair

Melanin, a pigment in our body, determines the colour of our hair, which can naturally be boosted with lifestyle changes and dietary choices. Its fluctuation clearly reflects on our appearance as our hair’s colour changes, but it varies from person to person. 

Although there are many causes of  grey hair, such as environment, lifestyle, genetics, and hair care products, that contribute to and determine our hair’s colour (one way or another), the melanin level in hair follicles majorly determines the hair colour. Besides, it protects hair against UV rays, preventing dryness and brittleness. If you’re someone who’s experiencing grey hair or dry, brittle hair, because of low levels of melanin, here are the steps you can take.

 

 

Naturally Ways For Boosting Melanin in Hair

As we know, low levels of melanin in hair can cause hair greying. Although there aren't research-backed ways to turn grey hair back to its original colour, except for a very few cases, you can put in effort to boost melanin naturally. This can primarily be achieved through a balanced diet, consisting of necessary nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc., and also a consistent and healthy hair care routine. 

 

Every nutrient plays a crucial role in producing melanin, which in turn gives your hair its colour and vitality. To keep your hair looking vibrant, make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and minerals. Here’s how each of these nutrients acts as a melanin booster for your hair, and why you should add them to your diet for healthy hair.

 

1. Antioxidants

Of all the nutrients, antioxidants are our top pick for boosting melanin levels in the body. They’re amazing for slowing down ageing, now we know why! Not only do they enhance melanin production, but they also shield melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin) from free radicals and sun damage. Antioxidant foods include: Dark chocolate, blueberries, leafy greens, pecans, etc. 

 

2. Copper

While copper supports hair follicles’ health, it also helps in melanin production. That’s why you need to increase the intake enriched with copper, such as almonds, lentils, and peanuts.

 

3. Vitamins

Essentially, five vitamins significantly contribute to boosting melanin levels in hair. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and Vitamin E can yield promising results in improving hair’s colour. Citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, healthy grains, eggs, fish, dairy products, etc., are what you need to include in your diet for all the vitamins and supplements for hair you need. 

 

4. Biotin

Biotin is another water soluble vitamin that is essential for good hair health. It protects and strengthens your hair, and a biotin deficiency is often linked to premature hair greying. To boost melanin production in your hair, incorporate biotin rich foods like eggs, nuts, avocado, bananas and legumes. You can also opt for oral biotin supplements which are easily available. 

 

5. Melanin-Rich Foods

To boost your melanin in hair, you also have to add melanin boosting foods and ingredients to your daily diet. Foods like leafy greens, berries, mushrooms, nuts, seeds. Along with this, it’s also important to track your protein intake and make sure you’re meeting your daily requirement. 

 

 

In addition to this, you can also make changes to your hair care routine to include all the essential products to make sure you’re keeping your hair nourished, healthy, and repairing all damage, if any. Here’s everything that you need:

 

1. Hair Oil

A good hair oil for grey hair is an essential for your hair care routine, and can go a long way in preserving melanin in hair, keeping premature greying at bay. Apply a nourishing hair oil for grey hair 2-3 times a week, pairing it with a relaxing oil massage. Using the right hair oil consistently is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your roots and delay greying.

 

2. Shampoo & Conditioner 

Using the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial when you want to support melanin in your hair. Harsh, chemical-heavy cleansers can strip your scalp of natural oils, leaving it dry and dull. Instead, choose gentle shampoos that cleanse without over-drying and pair them with conditioners that restore hydration and lock in moisture. 

 

3. Hair Mask

A nourishing hair mask acts as an intensive treatment for both scalp and strands. Masks enriched with antioxidants, proteins, and natural oils provide deep hydration while supporting melanin levels in the follicles. Using a hair mask once a week can help repair environmental and heat damage, restore shine, and keep hair strong enough to retain its natural colour. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Melanin not only protects our hair from sun damage but also determines its colour. You can naturally boost your melanin levels through supplements and diet, helping to prevent grey hair and brittleness. While a good diet is key, factors like stress, vitamin deficiencies, and improper hair care can also hinder melanin production. The basic relation between melanin and hair is that when melanocytes stop producing pigment, we see our hair turning grey. So, if you’re wondering how to increase melanin for hair, controlling stress levels, providing the body with enough nutrients, and using the right hair care products will always help.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can melanin levels in hair be permanently restored once greying starts?

No, once melanocytes stop producing pigment completely, natural hair colour usually cannot be restored. However, boosting melanin production early may help slow down or delay further greying.

 

2. Does stress really reduce melanin in hair?

Yes, high stress levels can disrupt hormonal balance and increase free radical damage, both of which can negatively impact melanocyte activity and reduce melanin in hair.

 

3. Can lifestyle changes help preserve melanin levels in hair?

Yes, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, reduced stress, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can support overall melanin production and healthier hair.

 

4. Is exposure to sunlight good or bad for melanin in hair?

While moderate sun exposure can stimulate melanin in the skin, too much UV exposure damages melanocytes in hair follicles, leading to dryness, brittleness, and possible greying.

 

5. Do genetics play a bigger role than melanin levels in greying?

Yes, genetics largely determine when and how quickly greying begins, but low melanin production can accelerate the process.

DISCLAIMER:

 

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