Do Any Supplements Stop Grey Hair? The Truth About Hair Repigmentation

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

By age 50, about half of the population has at least 50% grey hair. While this process is natural and genetically determined for most, many wonder if supplements can halt or even reverse it. Recent studies have explored the link between nutritional deficiencies and premature graying, offering some hope but not a guaranteed cure.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether supplements can stop or reverse grey hair, detailing the role of genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle factors. It examines the evidence for common supplements like B vitamins, copper, and specialized peptides. The summary focuses on managing grey hair through diet, stress reduction, and overall hair health, emphasizing that reversal is often limited and not guaranteed.

Key Points

Genetics Dictate Greying: The primary factor for when and how fast you grey is your genetic makeup; supplements cannot alter this fundamental process.
Deficiency-Related Greying Can Be Addressed: If premature greying stems from a nutrient deficiency (e.g., B12, copper), supplements can help, and in rare instances, may lead to some repigmentation.
Focus on Overall Health: Adopting a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet and managing stress are more effective strategies for supporting hair health than relying on unproven anti-greying supplements.
No Magic Pill Exists: Despite marketing claims, no oral supplement has been clinically proven to consistently stop or reverse age-related grey hair.
Lifestyle Changes Matter: Quitting smoking and protecting hair from environmental damage can help slow down the greying process.
Consult a Doctor First: Before taking any supplements, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to check for genuine deficiencies and rule out other health conditions.

Understanding the Causes of Grey Hair

Hair greying, known scientifically as canities, happens when hair follicles produce less melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. This process is a complex interaction of several factors, with genetics being the most significant determinant. Your genes dictate when your hair starts to turn grey and at what speed. However, other elements can influence the process, including stress, oxidative damage, and nutritional deficiencies.

The Genetic Component

If your parents or grandparents started greying early, you are more likely to as well. While you cannot change your genetics, understanding this predisposition helps set realistic expectations about what is and is not possible through lifestyle interventions and supplementation.

The Role of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, can contribute to hair greying. As we age, the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide, becomes less active. The resulting buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles can effectively 'bleach' the hair from the inside out, leading to a loss of pigment. A healthy lifestyle and antioxidant-rich diet can help combat this cellular damage, but it's not a foolproof solution to stop greying entirely.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Premature Greying

Some cases of premature greying (before age 30 in Caucasians) have been linked to deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals. Addressing these deficiencies through a balanced diet or targeted supplementation may help slow down the process, and in rare cases of severe deficiency, has shown anecdotal potential for reversal.

Can Supplements Really Stop Grey Hair?

The honest answer is that for most people, no supplement can completely stop or reverse genetically predetermined grey hair. The primary role of supplements is to address specific deficiencies that may be accelerating the process. Here’s a look at common supplements discussed for hair repigmentation:

B Vitamins (B12, Biotin, Folate): Deficiencies in these vitamins, particularly B12, have been linked to premature greying. Restoring adequate levels can promote overall hair health and may help in cases where the deficiency was the root cause. However, supplementing when levels are already normal offers no proven anti-greying benefits.
Copper: This mineral is essential for producing melanin. Some studies show that people with premature greying have lower copper levels. Supplementation might help correct this issue, but like B vitamins, it's most effective if a deficiency is present.
Catalase: This is a popular ingredient in many 'anti-grey' supplements due to its role in breaking down hydrogen peroxide. However, there is no strong clinical evidence that oral catalase supplements can effectively reach hair follicles and reverse greying in humans.
PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid): Used historically, there is limited and low-quality evidence suggesting PABA might promote hair darkening, but findings are not consistent.
Ayurvedic Herbs (Fo-Ti, Ashwagandha): Used in traditional medicine, these herbs are claimed to help with anti-aging and stress reduction. While their adaptogenic properties may support overall well-being and potentially mitigate stress-related greying, scientific data on hair repigmentation is lacking.

Comparison of Common Supplements for Hair Health


Supplement	Primary Role for Hair	Evidence for Repigmentation	Key Consideration
Vitamin B12	Red blood cell production, follicle nourishment	May reverse greying if deficiency is the cause	Most effective only for deficient individuals.
Copper	Essential for melanin synthesis	Linked to premature greying when deficient	Only beneficial if low copper levels are detected.
Catalase	Antioxidant, breaks down hydrogen peroxide	Insufficient clinical evidence for reversing greying	Theoretical benefit, but unproven in human studies.
Omega-3s	Reduces inflammation, supports overall health	Indirectly supports follicle health	Focuses more on health than specific repigmentation.
Fo-Ti	Traditional use for longevity and hair color	Anecdotal evidence, no robust human studies	Based on traditional use, not modern clinical data.

Lifestyle and Alternative Approaches

Instead of relying solely on unproven supplements, focusing on overall health is a more reliable strategy for managing and potentially slowing down the greying process. This includes:

Dietary Choices: A diet rich in antioxidants, B-vitamins, iron, and copper found in whole foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fish is crucial for healthy hair.
Stress Management: Chronic stress is linked to premature greying. Adopting techniques like meditation, yoga, or exercise can mitigate stress's impact.
Avoiding Harmful Habits: Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to hair follicles, which can contribute to premature greying. Quitting can be beneficial for hair and overall health.
Topical Treatments: Some new topical products containing ingredients like palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 amide are being developed and tested to stimulate melanin production. While research is still limited, they represent a more targeted approach.
Embracing Your Natural Color: For many, the most effective and stress-free solution is to embrace grey hair as a natural part of aging. High-quality hair coloring products remain a popular and reliable cosmetic solution for those who prefer to cover their greys.

Conclusion

While the market offers numerous supplements claiming to stop or reverse grey hair, scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited, especially for genetically driven greying. In cases where premature greying is caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as with vitamin B12 or copper, supplementation can be effective. For most, supplements may support overall hair health but will not serve as a magic bullet for hair repigmentation. A holistic approach that addresses diet, stress, and lifestyle factors is the most scientifically sound strategy. Always consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist before starting any new supplement regimen to determine the underlying cause of your greying and get personalized advice.

Here is a reputable source on the science of hair aging and potential treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can only reverse grey hair with vitamins if the graying was caused by a specific nutritional deficiency, such as low B12 or copper. For age-related or genetically-driven graying, vitamins will not restore your hair's natural color.

Vitamin B12 is crucial for melanin production and overall hair health. If you have a B12 deficiency, supplementation may help, but it will not reverse or stop greying in individuals with adequate levels of the vitamin.

Copper plays a role in melanin production. If premature greying is linked to a copper deficiency, supplementation may help. However, there is no evidence it will reverse or stop greying if your copper levels are normal.

No single supplement is scientifically proven to consistently stop or reverse age-related grey hair. Products marketed for this purpose often lack robust clinical evidence, and results may be anecdotal.

You should consult a doctor or dermatologist if you suspect a nutritional cause for premature greying. They can perform blood tests to check for deficiencies in key nutrients like vitamin B12, copper, iron, and vitamin D.

Chronic stress has been linked to accelerated hair greying by affecting the stem cells responsible for hair pigment. Managing stress through healthy habits can support overall health and potentially slow the process.

The most effective approach is a holistic one that includes a balanced diet, stress reduction, and lifestyle improvements. For covering grey hair, safe and effective hair coloring remains the most reliable cosmetic option.