Does Coffee Give You Gray Hair? (Solved & Explained!)

Overconsumption of coffee can give you gray hair as the acid causes acidosis, as well as loss of vitamins and minerals vital to the body. It inhibits the reabsorption of some essential minerals like zinc, iron, and several B vitamins. The deficiency of any of these, over a long period of time, can turn your hair gray.

This article will look at all the factors of coffee which relate to hair, the way in which coffee turns hair gray, what nutrients are necessary for hair that may become blocked by coffee, and ways to counteract coffee’s effects.

How Does Coffee Turn Your Hair Gray?

Given below are some ways by which coffee can turn your hair gray:

• By the action of hydrogen peroxide.

• By affecting the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

• By decreasing calcium levels.

How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Present In Coffee Turn Your Hair Gray?

Consuming too much coffee can turn your hair gray as it contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). According to German studies, hydrogen peroxide causes gray hair when it is at abnormal levels, such as a higher intake of coffee.

Almost all body cells produce hydrogen peroxide normally. The body uses catalase enzymes for breaking down and neutralizing the hydrogen peroxide, but can struggle to keep up with excess hydrogen peroxide.

Graying of hair occurs when the concentration of catalase enzymes becomes low, as happens during the aging process or when hydrogen peroxide concentration increases due to excessive coffee intake. In both cases, hydrogen peroxide affects the enzyme tyrosinase and causes its oxidation. Oxidation prevents the enzyme from making the color pigment melanin. Melanin deficiency causes white hair. 

Melanin is a natural pigment present in your body. The amount of melanin determines the color of your hair. Normal or high concentration of melanin gives dark color to hair while low or abnormal concentration makes hair gray or white.

How Does Coffee Effect the Absorption Of Nutrients, Resulting In Gray Hair?

Drinking too much coffee can lead to malabsorption of clinically important minerals like zinc, copper, and iron (up to 50%). The lack of these minerals results in graying of your hair discussed further below:

• Zinc – It helps the human body in making proteins, and hair is made up of proteins. Hence, a deficiency of zinc can affect the health of hair. 

• Copper – It plays an important role in the production of melanin. When it is not absorbed efficiently, melanin fails to produce in normal amounts, which may turn your hair gray.

• Iron – In low levels, it leads to hair graying at an early age.

• Vitamin B-9 – It is also known as folic acid. When it is deficient, it produces changes in pigments of hair and can turn them white.

• Vitamin B-12 – The deficiency of vitamin B12 is the most common cause of gray hair. In 2016, it was found during a study that people who develop graying of hair at an early age are deficient in vitamin B-12, folic acid, and biotin. The results of this study were reported in the International Journal of Trichology. 

• Vitamin D – Low levels of vitamin D are linked with graying of hair before age. In addition, it also disrupts the melanin production in hair follicles.

How Does Coffee Decrease Calcium Levels and Result In Gray Hair?

Coffee is quite acidic, with a pH of about 4 while our body works best at alkaline pH ranging between 7.3 to 7.4. The human body balances the pH levels with the help of buffers. They do this mainly by taking out calcium from teeth and bones. 

Hence, consuming coffee in higher concentrations for longer periods makes the body acidic, which leads to calcium deficiency in the body. Calcium, and its deficiency levels, play a key role in causing premature hair graying.

Does Coffee Ruin Your Hair?

Consuming too much coffee can damage your hair as a higher quantity of caffeine slows down the growth cycle of your hair. Additionally, the overconsumption of elements in coffee is a predisposing factor for various human illnesses, including hair loss. 

Does Drinking Black Tea Cause Gray Hair?

Black tea does not cause graying of your hair. Instead, it is shown that drinking black tea helps in reducing your gray hair or slowing down your hair if it is changing colors. Several black tea recipes help to nurture your hair, which we will take a look at.

Do Black Tea Recipes Help To Get Rid Of Black Hair?

Several black tea recipes help to remove white hair. A few of these recipes are:

1. Black Tea, Oregano, and Rosemary Leaves – Take seven cups of black tea and add two leaves of oregano and two leaves of Rosemary. Set aside after boiling to let it cool down. Apply on your hair. Apply at least once a week.

2. Black Tea and Coffee – Add two black tea bags and two tablespoons of coffee powder in two cups of water and let the mixture boil. Cool it down and apply it to your hair.

3. Black Tea and Salt – Add one tablespoon of salt in 2 tablespoons of coffee and boil it in one cup of water. Cool it down and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

These black tea remedies will help reduce the appearance of gray hairs. However, it is highly recommended to consult with a dermatologist first.

Is It True That Coffee Improves the Natural Color Of Your Hair?

Coffee, when used as a hair mask, is an uncomplicated, effective, and chemical-free home remedy that can darken your hair color. Coffee is perfect for your hair color if you have brown or black hair color.

It is not advisable to use coffee for the enhancement of your hair color if you have light-colored hair.

The topical use of coffee with other ingredients may help you turn your gray hair into black or brown. However, the general use of coffee should be reduced in case your hair is turning gray. This is because coffee drains much of your energy to keep you active. This may lead to slow aging causing your hair to turn gray.