As we get older, many of us notice those little grey hairs creeping in. Some people just embrace it, while others look for ways to bring back their natural hair color. My nana, always known for her old-world wisdom and natural remedies, shared a secret that she swears by to turn grey hair back to its original color—and the best part? It’s almost effortless.
When I saw the results myself, I couldn’t wait to pass on her trick. So, here’s how it works and why you might want to give it a try too.
Why Do Our Hair Turn Grey?
Before jumping into Nana’s trick, it’s helpful to understand why hair turns grey in the first place. Our hair gets its color from something called melanin, which is made by special cells in our hair follicles. As we age, these cells start making less melanin, causing the color to fade. But that’s not all—things like genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and even what we eat can speed up the greying process.
For a long time, most people thought that grey hair was something we couldn’t avoid, a sign that we were getting older. But recent studies show that, in some cases, grey hair can actually go back to its natural color, as long as the right conditions are in place. And that’s where Nana’s secret comes in.
Nana’s Secret: The Power of Black Sesame Seeds
Nana’s trick for restoring natural hair color is simple but powerful: black sesame seeds. She’s been eating them daily for years, and at 75 years old, her hair still has a deep, dark vibrancy to it. So how do these little seeds work their magic?
1. Packed with Nutrients
Black sesame seeds are loaded with important nutrients like copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and E. These are all vital for keeping hair and skin healthy. The copper in particular plays a big role in melanin production, which gives hair its color. By boosting copper levels, black sesame seeds might help your hair regain its natural shade.
2. Antioxidants to the Rescue
These tiny seeds are also full of antioxidants like sesamin and sesamolin. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress, which can damage the cells that produce melanin, causing grey hair. By protecting these cells, antioxidants can slow down or even reverse the greying process.
3. Promoting Healthy Scalp
A healthy scalp is just as important as healthy hair. Black sesame seeds improve blood circulation, which helps nourish hair follicles and supports their ability to produce pigment. Better circulation means more nutrients reach your scalp, creating the best environment for your hair to thrive.
How to Use Black Sesame Seeds for Healthy Hair
Incorporating black sesame seeds into your daily routine is simple and doesn’t require much effort. Here are a few ways you can try it:
- Raw Consumption: The easiest way is to eat a tablespoon of raw black sesame seeds every day. You can sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, or cereal, or even just snack on them as is.
- Smoothies or Shakes: Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie or shake. The seeds blend easily and give a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with most ingredients.
- Sesame Seed Paste: You can make a paste by grinding black sesame seeds with a little water or honey. This can be eaten directly or spread on toast for a delicious and nutritious snack.
- Sesame Seed Oil: While eating the whole seeds is best, you can also use black sesame seed oil in your cooking or as a salad dressing to get the benefits in a more subtle way.
Backed by Science
Although Nana’s remedy sounds like something passed down through generations, there’s actually science to back it up. Studies show that the nutrients in black sesame seeds—especially copper and B vitamins—can contribute to healthier, more pigmented hair. While we need more research to prove that black sesame seeds can completely reverse grey hair, the current evidence is promising.
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 packed with antioxidants, they could be a great addition to a hair-healthy diet.
What to Expect
If you decide to give Nana’s trick a try, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. Reversing grey hair naturally takes time and requires consistent effort. Most people start noticing some changes after a few months of regular consumption. However, results can vary based on the cause of your grey hair and how well your body absorbs the nutrients.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Hair Color
While black sesame seeds are a fantastic natural remedy, there are other things you can do to help restore or maintain your natural hair color:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Make sure your diet includes vitamins and minerals that are good for hair, like iron, zinc, copper, and B vitamins.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated, which is important for healthy hair and scalp.
- Manage Stress: Stress can speed up greying, so find ways to reduce stress, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Try to limit the use of strong hair dyes and chemical treatments, which can damage your hair and potentially worsen greying.
- Scalp Massages: Giving yourself regular scalp massages improves blood circulation, which helps nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy growth.
Nana’s trick with black sesame seeds is a simple, natural way to help turn grey hair back to its original color. While it’s not a guaranteed fix, the potential benefits make it worth a try. As with any natural remedy, patience and consistency are key. If it worked for Nana, there’s a good chance it might work for you too!
So why not give it a shot? Let nature take its course—you might be surprised by the results!
What do you think of this story? Would you try using black sesame seeds for your hair? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
