Best anti-ageing supplements: Taking THESE three nutrients could ward off grey hair

Supplements are often seem to ficus internally – whether boosting our immune system or protecting our bones – but taking the right ones could help preserve our natural hair colour too.

As we get older, our hair starts to lose its colour and turn grey.

This is because pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die, and each strand of hair starts to contain less melanin and become a transparent colour.

The point at which you go grey depends a lot on genetics, but after the age of 30 there is a ten to 20 per cent increased chance of greying hair with each decade.

“Grey hairs are like wrinkles – they are undeniable, and visible signs of ageing,” explained Edward James, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Edward James Salons and Spas (edwardjameslondon.com).

“And just like ageing, although there are some things you can do to help, it comes down to genetics for the most part. 

“Hair colour is determined by what kind of melanin pigment is deposited in each hair shaft as it grows, but this hair-colouring process breaks down as you get older.”

However, being deficient in certain key nutrients can speed up this process.

It is thought that a zinc supplement could help a person retain their natural hair colour for longer.

The nutrient is present in the hair, bones, muscle and skin, and is required for normal physical development, reproductive health and the immune system.

Research published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research found that all hair colour contain varying levels of zinc, with very dark brown or black hair containing the most, and very light blonde hair the least.

James also recommends other nutrients for warding off the grey.

“I normally recommend Vitamin B complex as a supplement to my clients, particularly with higher amounts of vitamin B12 as a lack of this vitamin has been associated with premature greying,” he explained.

“Consuming more copper can similarly prevent the onset of greying hair by boosting production of melanin.”

He also advises washing hair more regularly.

“Shampooing hair daily means we are massaging our scalps  – and doing scalp massage through needing action means we are taking vital nutrients to the scalp via the blood supply and feeding our follicles,” he said.

“This may not stop the grey – but it will give you healthier strong hair.”