As we grow older, many of us notice something inevitable: grey hair. Some people are perfectly fine with it, while others want to find a way to turn back time and restore their natural color. My nana, who’s always had a knack for natural remedies and old-school wisdom, shared a simple trick that she swears by to turn grey hair back to its natural color without much effort.
When I saw the results with my own eyes, I couldn’t wait to share her secret with others. Here’s how it works, and why you might want to try it for yourself.
The Surprising Cause of Grey Hair
Before we dive into Nana’s secret, it’s important to understand why our hair turns grey in the first place. Hair gets its color from a pigment called melanin, produced by special cells in the hair follicles called melanocytes.
As we age, these cells start to produce less melanin, and that’s when our hair starts to lose its color. Genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies can all speed up this process.
Most people believe that once hair turns grey, there’s no going back—but recent studies show that, in some cases, grey hair can actually regain its natural color if the right conditions are met. That’s where Nana’s trick comes into play.
Nana’s Secret: The Power of Black Sesame Seeds
My nana’s secret to restoring her natural hair color is surprisingly simple: black sesame seeds. She has been eating them every day for years, and at 75, her hair is still vibrant and dark. Here’s how black sesame seeds work their magic:
- Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse
Black sesame seeds are packed with important nutrients like copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and E. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin. Copper, in particular, plays a key role in melanin production. By boosting copper levels in the body, black sesame seeds may help restore your natural hair color.
- Full of Antioxidants
Black sesame seeds are also loaded with antioxidants like sesamin and sesamolin. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, which can damage melanocytes and speed up the greying process. By protecting these cells, antioxidants in black sesame seeds can potentially slow down or even reverse grey hair.
- Promoting Scalp Health
A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair. Black sesame seeds are known to improve blood circulation, which helps nourish hair follicles and keeps them working properly. When blood circulation improves, more nutrients reach the scalp, creating the best environment for hair to grow and stay vibrant.
How to Use Black Sesame Seeds for Hair Rejuvenation
Using black sesame seeds is super easy, and it doesn’t take much time or effort. Here’s how to include them in your daily routine:
- Raw Consumption: The easiest method is to eat a tablespoon of raw black sesame seeds every day. You can sprinkle them on your salads, yogurt, or cereal, or even eat them by themselves.
- Smoothies and Shakes: Add a tablespoon of black sesame seeds to your morning smoothie or shake. They blend in easily and add a mild, nutty flavor.
- Sesame Seed Paste: Grind the black sesame seeds with a little water or honey to make a paste. You can eat this paste on its own or spread it on toast.
- Sesame Seed Oil: Although eating the whole seeds is better, you can also use black sesame seed oil in cooking or as a dressing for your salads.
The Science Behind the Magic
Nana’s remedy might sound like something from the past, but there’s actually some science to back it up. Studies have shown that the nutrients in black sesame seeds—especially copper and B vitamins—can help with hair pigmentation.
While more research is needed to prove that black sesame seeds can reverse grey hair, the existing studies are promising.
In fact, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that eating foods rich in antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress in hair follicles, potentially slowing down the greying process. Since black sesame seeds are full of antioxidants, they might be a great addition to your hair-healthy diet.
What to Expect
If you decide to try Nana’s trick, it’s important to be patient. Restoring your natural hair color doesn’t happen overnight. Most people start to notice changes after a few months of consistent use. Keep in mind that results can vary depending on why your hair is grey in the first place and how well your body absorbs nutrients.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Hair Color Naturally
While black sesame seeds are a fantastic natural remedy, there are other ways you can help maintain or restore your natural hair color:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Make sure your diet includes the right vitamins and minerals for hair health, such as iron, zinc, copper, and B vitamins.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, including the health of your hair and scalp. Be sure to stay hydrated!
- Manage Stress: Stress can make your hair grey faster, so it’s important to find ways to manage it. Try meditation, exercise, or hobbies you enjoy.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Try to avoid using harsh chemical treatments and hair dyes that can damage your hair and possibly make greying worse.
- Regular Scalp Massages: Massaging your scalp improves blood circulation, which nourishes hair follicles and helps keep hair healthy.
Nana’s trick with black sesame seeds is a simple, natural, and low-effort way to try and bring back your natural hair color. While there’s no guarantee, the benefits of black sesame seeds for your hair and overall health make it worth a shot. Just remember that, like any natural remedy, patience and consistency are key. So why not give it a try? After all, if it worked for Nana, it could work for you too!
Give black sesame seeds a try, and let nature do its magic—you might be surprised by the results!
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