DIY Hair Mask for Grey Hair: Expert Reveals Benefits of Henna, Coffee and Yoghurt

Early greying of hair is one of the leading beauty problems that concerns women around the world, very often caused by stress, pollution, lack of proper nutrition, and genetics. While chemical dyes offer instant coverage, many people are now turning back to traditional, natural remedies to slow down greying and improve hair health. One of the recent trends in world in the world of hair masks is henna, coffee, and yoghurt. This popular DIY solution is known among people who are looking forward to preventing grey hair. However, is it actually helpful or just another beauty myth?

To get the scientific point of view on this remedy, we consulted Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who elaborated on the operation of every ingredient and what attainable outcomes we can get. Read ahead to know everything she shared with us.

Why Does Hair Turn Grey?

Hair gets its natural colour from melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in the hair follicles. “As we grow older or experience oxidative stress, smoking, hormonal changes, or vitamin B12 deficiency, the production of melanin decreases, and thus, we get grey or white hair. Even though there is no topical treatment to completely restore the original colour of the hair, some natural plant products can still help to delay the process and at the same time, improve the texture and the shine of the hair,” she explained.

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Henna, Coffee and Yoghurt: Ingredient Breakdown

Henna

Henna has been used for centuries as a natural hair dye and scalp conditioner. Dr Passi stated, “Henna with its natural reddish-brown tint coats the hair shaft, which helps conceal greys while also making the hair cuticle stronger. Additionally, henna has cooling and anti-microbial effects that nourish the scalp.”

Coffee

Rich in antioxidants, coffee helps combat free radicals, which are one of the sources that cause early greying of hair. When applied, coffee can increase the effectiveness of hair dye to a certain extent, which helps to reduce the visibility of the greys.

Dr Passi added, “Coffee doesn’t alter the colour of hair permanently, but it can add to the depth and richness when used with henna.” Coffee is known to enhance the hair colour aspect and therefore better the richness and depth in colour when henna is used along with it.

Yoghurt

“Yoghurt, on the other hand, has the properties of a natural conditioner which is full of proteins, lactic acid and probiotics,” she said. It is excellent for hair as it nourishes dry and damaged hair and hydrates the scalp as well. A good, healthy scalp gives rise to the pigment-producing cells, and so it is very important to create a good environment for them.

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How to Make the Hair Mask

Here's how you can make the henna, coffee and yoghurt at home:

• Take two tablespoons of henna powder.
• Use one tablespoon of coffee powder (the brewed one, cold is always better).
• Incorporate three to four tablespoons of plain yoghurt.

Blend into a smooth paste and allow to rest for half an hour to 45 minutes. Apply the mixture from roots to tips evenly, put on a shower cap and keep it for one to two hours before washing off with water. Do not shampoo on that day.

Does It Really Prevent Grey Hair?

Dr Passi gave a fair opinion, “This mask will not be able to remove grey hair, but if used regularly, the greying will be slowed down, and the hair will be stronger and shinier, and even the greys will be tinted naturally.” The mask is effective only when it is used as a preventive and cosmetic method, but it is still not a medical cure for hair problems.

Expert Tips for Better Results

Here are a few other things Dr Passi noted:

• Apply the mask every three to four weeks.
• Complement it with a diet full of iron, B12 and antioxidants.
• Control stress, and smoking should be avoided.
• Use shampoos that are gentle and free of sulphate.

Bottomline

Henna, coffee and yoghurt hair mask won’t magically reverse grey hair, but it can naturally darken greys, improve hair health and potentially slow down premature greying when used consistently and correctly.