Is it Possible to Increase Melanin in Hair?

  • What Is Melanin?
  • Decoding The Two Types Of Melanin
  • Factors Affecting Melanin Content In Hair
  • Increasing Melanin Levels: Is It Possible?
  • Side Effects Of Melanin Supplements

What Is Melanin?

Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocytes and responsible for your natural hair color. Over time, melanocytes become less active and stop producing melanin, leading to gray hair. However, several other factors (discussed later in the article) may also affect the melanin content in your hair and affect its natural color. Melanin is of three types (1):

  • Eumelanin (divided into black and brown forms)
  • Pheomelanin
  • Neuromelanin

Out of the three, eumelanin and pheomelanin occur in the epidermis and are responsible for your natural skin and hair color. In the next section, we explore the roles played by these two types of melanin.

Decoding The Two Types Of Melanin

Your genes decide which type of melanin you will be born with. You may have either of the two melanin types or a mix of both.

Other than genetics, a lot of factors can affect the melanin content in your hair.

Factors Affecting Melanin Content In Hair

Any of the factors can be responsible for the decreased melanin levels in your hair. Is there any way to reverse it? Lets find out.

Increasing Melanin Levels: Is It Possible?

There is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of natural remedies and supplements in increasing melanin levels in the hair. However, if an underlying condition or nutritional deficiency is causing your hair depigmentation, treating it may help re-pigment your hair. You may try the following ways:

1. Follow A Proper Diet

We have already discussed that nutritional deficiency could affect the hair pigments. Following a balanced diet high in copper, iron, vitamins B12 and D3, calcium, and zinc may help.

Consume foods like nuts, berries, beans, citrus fruits, leafy greens, seafood, dairy, meat, and organ meat. These are loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Also, get yourself tested for any deficiencies. Consult a doctor and take vitamin supplements to balance any deficiency.

2. Check For Hormonal Imbalances

Imbalance in thyroid hormones can affect the overall hair health and pigment levels. Get yourself tested, consult a doctor, and take the prescribed medication.

3. Avoid Stress

Psychological stress can be one factor behind the loss of pigments and premature graying. If you have been through a stressful situation, try to relax. Seek help and reach out to therapists if you cannot cope with stress. Spend time with your family and friends and indulge in activities like traveling, music, yoga, meditation, exercising, or any hobbies to relax your mind.

4. Excessive UV Exposure

UV exposure causes oxidative stress, affecting the hair pigments. Avoid excessive UV exposure. When going out, try to be in the shade as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or scarf or carry an umbrella to protect your hair.

5. Chemical Exposure

A lot of hair care products contain drying ingredients like SLS and alcohol. Excessive use of such harsh chemicals can dry out the hair and fade the pigments. This can further increase if you often color and bleach your hair, causing hydrogen peroxide accumulation in hair shafts. Also, avoid excessive heat styling.

6. Take Melanin Supplements

The efficacy of melanin supplements is not proven. However, people often consume the supplements to boost melanin content. Consult your doctor before taking supplements as unregulated intake of melanin supplements may cause side effects.

Side Effects Of Melanin Supplements

Excess intake of any supplement is not recommended. There is always a possibility of health hazards and drug interaction. Excess intake of melanin supplements may cause:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Headache
  • Nausea

Moreover, there are possibilities of drug interaction, especially if you take medicines like:

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Anticoagulants
  • Diabetes medicines
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Contraceptives
  • Anti-platelet drugs

Due to lack of proper information, the overall safety of such supplements is yet unclear. It is better to avoid melanin supplements for:

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Older people

Wrapping Up

Your hair color depends on its melanin levels. Graying happens when the melanocytes stop producing melanin. While graying is a natural process, the melanin content may deplete due to numerous health-related and external factors. There is no proven way to increase melanin content in hair. However, you can control the factors that may have caused it. Consult a doctor to find the underlying causes and follow the prescribed treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can melanin supplements aid in restoring hair color and vitality?

There is no scientific evidence that proves that melanin supplements can restore hair color.

Are vitamins B6 and B12 useful in boosting melanin production?

The deficiency of vitamins B6 and B12 can cause an imbalance in melanin production (6), (7). However, these vitamins may help if only you have a deficiency.

Does white hair have melanin?

No. The hair turns white when the melanocytes stop producing melanin.

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