Can Baking Soda Reverse Grey Hair? Truth About the DIY Remedy

Understanding the Causes of Grey Hair

Grey hair is a natural part of the aging process, caused by reduced pigment production from melanocyte cells in hair follicles. As we get older, these melanocytes make less melanin, causing new hair strands to grow in lighter and more grey.

When Does Grey Hair Usually Start?

Most Caucasians begin seeing some grey hairs by their mid-30s. The process speeds up in the 40s and 50s. By 50 years old, 50% of Caucasians have at least 50% grey coverage. Other ethnicities typically grey slightly later but follow a similar timeline.

Factors that Lead to Premature Greying

While greying is largely genetic, other factors can accelerate it:

• Oxidative stress
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Autoimmune disorders
• Poor nutrition
• Hypothyroidism
• Smoking

Can Baking Soda and Powder Reverse Grey Hair?

A popular DIY grey hair remedy involves using baking soda or baking powder solutions to strip color and give a quick cover up. But can they actually turn grey hair back to its original pigment?

How the Baking Process Temporarily Darkens Grey Hair

Alkaline ingredients like baking soda and baking powder can remove oils and open up hair cuticles slightly. This makes grey hair strands more reflective, appearing darker and glossy when the cuticle smooths back down.

However, this is only a temporary optical effect. It cannot replace missing melanin pigment in already-grey strands. The grey will reemerge after a few washes as the cuticle opens again.

Risks of Baking Soda and Baking Powder for Hair

While generally safe, frequent and long-term use of baking soda/powder formulations come with damage risks:

• Over-processing and dryness
• Increased breakage
• Disrupted moisture barrier
• Scalp irritation

These effects are amplified in those with dry or color-treated hair. Neutralizing washes should always follow baking sessions.

Can Vitamins Reverse Grey Hair?

Getting adequate nutrition cant overhaul genetics or turn fully-grey hair back to its original color. However, vitamins may help slow down and minimize premature greying linked to deficiency and stress.

Vitamin B12

Studies correlate low vitamin B12 levels with premature greying. Supplementing B12 can possibly preserve existing hair color if greying is just starting and deficiency is present. The daily recommendation is around 2.4mcg.

Antioxidant Vitamins C and E

Oxidative damage is tied to accelerated greying. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that protect hair follicles and skin from free radicals generated by stress, sun exposure, pollution, and more. Getting enough in the diet or through a quality supplement can help combat premature pigment loss.

Biotin

Biotin deficiencies are rare but can impact hair health and pigmentation. Adding a biotin supplement has anecdotally shown some reversal of greying and improved thickness in those lacking this B vitamin. Most multivitamins contain adequate biotin.

Other Important Hair Vitamins

The below vitamins promote overall scalp health and hair quality, which supports better pigmentation.

• Iron - Boosts blood flow and oxygen to follicles
• Zinc - Encourages healthy cell division for new growth
• Protein - Keratin-rich foods support stronger strands

Medical Treatments to Reverse Grey Hair

For those hoping to actively restore pigment rather than just slow greying, medical anti-greying treatments provide more dramatic results.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Laser hair combs use low light energy to stimulate follicle stem cells, boosting melanocyte activity. In trials LLLT increased hair pigment in some users after 3-6 months of frequent combing sessions. Consistency is vital.

Melanocyte Transplants

This experimental procedure involves extracting hair follicles from pigmented donor hair, then implanting the melanocyte-rich grafts into recipient grey/white follicles. Early research saw about 60% of new growth return pigmented after 4 months. More data is still needed.

Pseudocatalase Cream

Topical pseudocatalase cream breaks down hydrogen peroxide buildup from grey hair follicles, allowing melanocytes to function again. In studies, daily treatment substantially returned pigment to 60% of users hair after 6 months. However, the compound is not FDA-approved or commercially available yet pending further research.

Embracing and Enhancing Salt and Pepper Hair

While home remedies cant truly reverse established grey hair naturally, adapting your style and self-care as greying progresses can keep hair healthy and beautiful.

Coloring Options

Many embrace their natural grey beautifully! For those not ready, kinder vegetable dye options include:

• Henna
• Semi-permanent rinses
• Highlights/lowlights
• Gloss treatments

Keep Strands Strong

Grey hair lacks pigment and tends to be coarser. Proactively strengthening and caring for hair prevents damage-driven texture changes over time:

• Bond repair treatments
• Masks and hydrating products
• Heat and chemical breaks
• Satin bedding
• Wide-tooth combing and gentle handling

Play Up the Beauty

Style can emphasize grey/white as a striking and sophisticated look:

• Short cuts show off glimmers of silver
• Curated face-framing streaks
• Purple or blue toned shampoos neutralize yellowing

While home solutions cant genuinely reverse established grey hair, adapting care and style keeps maturing locks looking their best.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.