The silver streaks are a part of growing older, as there’s little one can do about preventing this. However, there are natural ways that you can resort to that can either delay the process of grey hair or can help you with the rate at which this occurs. We’ve put together a list that helps, along with an understanding of why people actually go grey.

Why does hair go grey?

Hair follicles contain cells that produce a pigment that contributes to the colour of the hair. The pigment, melanin, is responsible for the colour of your locks, whether this is blonde, brown or black. As we age, there is a death of cells that occurs and thus the amount of pigment being produced starts to decrease, leading to a loss of colour in the hair. Slowly, and surely, the hair begins to appear white, grey, and silver.

Though this is the natural process that follows, there are several lifestyle habits that could fasten or slow down the process of hair going grey. If you are looking to maintain those youthful looks, here are 7 lifestyle habits you may want to watch out for.

1. Vitamin B and D and their role in delaying grey hair

Vitamins play an essential role in all life processes and so also when it comes to hair and its colour. A deficiency of vitamins can have a severe impact on health. Studies have found that a deficiency or lack of Vitamins B and D can actually cause your hair to go grey at a faster rate than you may have anticipated, as this condition could hinder the production of melanin by the hair follicles.

Foods that are rich in Vitamins B and D should be added to your daily intake along with supplements under medical supervision. Salmon, fish, leafy vegetables and plenty of sunlight would do you good!

2. Fruits and vegetables and plenty of antioxidants!

Antioxidants are crucial to the well being of your cells as they prevent the cells from undergoing oxidative stress. In addition, they play a role in hair health and its colour by producing melanocytes which then go on to produce melanin and thus helps your hair maintain its colour.

Add those carrots, oranges and berries to your cart the next time you are grocery shopping!

3. Sunscreen for the hair (!)

Yes, we are serious. You hear from all the dermatologists and beauty influencers about how important sunscreen is for your skin, well, the latest is that your hair too might need some. The Sun and its harsh rays affect the topmost layer of the hair and cause it to lose shine and lustre. Laura Dyer, a stylist at Antonio Prieto Salon in New York, said in an article to HuffPost that this action of the Sun could cause "moisture and even melanin to be removed. The result is dry, frizzy hair, and faded salon colour or lightened natural colour." SPF to the rescue!

4. Henna and amla could slow down the grey hair

Henna contains tannins which could help with the maintenance of the colour of the hair and keep it looking youthful. Amla has properties that actually help fight against UV damage that is caused to the hair due to the Sun’s harsh rays. This in turn helps the hair hold on to its natural colour.

You may want to rethink your hair wash days and add some henna and amla oil to the routine.

5. A dollop of ghee

Ghee is rich in Vitamin E and this is the primary reason why your hair would do good to have it. Vitamin E has a role to play in skin and hair, and their health, leaving them looking nourished. In addition, a deficiency of the Vitamin may even cause your hair to speed up its process of going grey. Ghee can work wonders and since it is natural, there is nothing to lose.

Your grandmother would vouch for it!

6. Lower the stress

Stress speeds up the ageing process. In comparison to today’s generations, the ones of the past suffered less from heart disease and lived long healthy lives. Stress is the cause of many health issues and so also the colour of hair changing. Managing stress levels could not only help you maintain your youthful looks and hair colour but also be a way to curb other diseases from setting in.

7. Vitamin C

Countless times you have heard about how Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties make it great for skin care. But like sunscreen, Vitamin C would do well to be put on your hair too. It does two things. One is to protect hair from UV damage due to its antioxidant properties, thus slowing down the damage process and furthermore greying of hair. The second thing it does is enhance the production of collagen. This too comes in handy to maintain the hair’s youthful, fuller, looks.