Nana’s Secret to Restoring Natural Hair Color
As we get older, many of us notice something inevitable—our hair starts to turn grey. Some people embrace the change, while others look for ways to bring back their natural hair color. My Nana, who is known for her old-world wisdom and natural remedies, shared a trick with me that she swears can turn grey hair back to its original color with hardly any effort. After seeing the amazing results for myself, I couldn’t wait to share her secret.
Here’s how it works and why you might want to try it yourself.
The Surprising Cause of Grey Hair
Before jumping into Nana’s trick, it’s helpful to understand why hair turns grey in the first place. The color of our hair comes from a pigment called melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes in our hair follicles. As we age, these melanocytes gradually produce less melanin, leading to the loss of color in our hair. Other factors like genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies can speed up this process.
Many people believe that grey hair is a permanent sign of aging, but recent studies suggest that, in some cases, grey hair can actually return to its natural color under the right conditions. That’s where Nana’s secret comes in.
Nana’s Trick: The Power of Black Sesame Seeds
Nana’s trick for restoring natural hair color is surprisingly simple: black sesame seeds. She has been eating them daily for years, and at 75, her hair is still remarkably dark and vibrant. So, how do black sesame seeds work their magic? Here’s what makes them so special:
1. Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse
Black sesame seeds are packed with essential nutrients like copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and E. These nutrients are vital for keeping our hair and skin healthy. One of the most important nutrients in these seeds is copper, which plays a key role in melanin production—the pigment responsible for hair color. By increasing copper levels in the body, black sesame seeds may help restore natural hair color.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
These tiny seeds are also full of antioxidants, like sesamin and sesamolin, which help fight oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage melanocytes, which speeds up the greying process. Antioxidants help protect these cells and may even slow down or reverse grey hair.
3. Promoting Scalp Health
A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair. Black sesame seeds can improve blood circulation, which helps nourish the hair follicles and supports their ability to produce pigment. Better circulation means more nutrients reach the scalp, creating the best environment for healthy hair to grow and maintain its color.
How to Use Black Sesame Seeds for Hair Rejuvenation
Incorporating black sesame seeds into your daily routine is simple and requires very little effort. Here’s how to use them:
Raw Consumption
The easiest way is to eat a tablespoon of raw black sesame seeds every day. You can sprinkle them on your salads, yogurt, or cereal, or simply enjoy them as a snack.
Smoothies and Shakes
You can also add a tablespoon of black sesame seeds to your morning smoothie or shake. They blend easily and add a mild, nutty flavor that you might enjoy.
Sesame Seed Paste
Another option is to make a paste by grinding black sesame seeds with a little water or honey. This paste can be eaten directly or spread on toast. It’s an easy way to enjoy the benefits of sesame seeds in a different form.
Sesame Seed Oil
While eating whole seeds is the best option, you can also use black sesame seed oil in your cooking or as a salad dressing for a subtler way to incorporate them into your diet.
The Science Behind the Magic
You might be thinking that Nana’s remedy sounds too good to be true. But the science behind it is actually quite promising. Studies have shown that copper and B vitamins, both of which are found in black sesame seeds, are important for hair pigmentation. While more research is needed to fully prove that black sesame seeds can reverse grey hair, the existing evidence shows a positive connection.
In fact, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that a diet rich in antioxidants could reduce oxidative stress in hair follicles, which might slow down the greying process. Since black sesame seeds are full of antioxidants, they could be a great addition to a diet that supports healthy hair.
What to Expect
If you decide to try Nana’s trick, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Reversing grey hair naturally takes time and consistency. Most people start to see results after a few months of daily use. However, the results may vary depending on what caused the greying in the first place, as well as your individual metabolism and nutrient absorption.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Hair Color Naturally
While black sesame seeds are a fantastic natural remedy, there are other things you can do to help maintain or restore your natural hair color:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Make sure your diet includes all the vitamins and minerals that support hair health, such as iron, zinc, copper, and B vitamins. These nutrients help keep your hair strong and vibrant.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for your overall health, including the health of your hair and scalp. Hydration helps maintain hair texture and color.
Manage Stress
Stress can speed up the greying process, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress. Exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy can help reduce stress and keep your hair looking its best.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Try to avoid using harsh chemical treatments or dyes that could damage your hair. These chemicals can weaken hair follicles and potentially make grey hair appear sooner.
Regular Scalp Massages
Massaging your scalp can improve circulation and nourish hair follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth. Make it a regular part of your routine to support your hair’s health.
Nana’s trick for turning grey hair back to its natural color with black sesame seeds is simple, natural, and easy to do. While it might not be a guaranteed cure, the benefits of black sesame seeds for your hair and health are worth considering. With patience and consistency, you might see amazing results. So, why not give it a try? After all, if it worked for Nana, it could work for you too!
