Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has recently been in the spotlight due to his gray hair. He told his hairstylist not to dye it, hoping to present “the natural look appropriate for his age.” His gray hair does not make him look older; instead, it has become a more personal distinguishing feature. However, early-onset gray hair may be a warning sign of health problems.
3 Major Causes of Hair Damage According to TCM
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, gray hair is likely due to the following three causes:
1. Kidney Deficiency
TCM classics state that “The luster of hair is the manifestation of the kidneys,” meaning that hair is like a flower blooming from the kidneys. Unlike how the kidneys are viewed in Western medicine, the “kidney” in TCM is considered the center of an energy system, containing the essence and energy related to the origin of life and determining a person’s growth, reproduction, and aging. Sufficient kidney qi (vital energy) results in thick hair; deficient kidney qi leads to thin, soft, dry, and brittle hair, even premature hair loss.
Besides gray hair and hair loss, lower back pain, memory decline, and frequent urination at night are also warning signs of kidney deficiency.
2. Blood Deficiency
One TCM saying is, “Hair is the excess of blood,” meaning that a sufficient blood supply is essential for healthy hair growth. A lack of blood supply to the hair will cause it to lose its luster and to turn gray more easily. Blood deficiency is analogous to dry soil for hair follicles; when hair stops growing, hair loss will follow.
Symptoms of blood deficiency also include pale complexion, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and poor sleep.
3. Qi Stagnation
Prolonged emotional stress can obstruct energy flow, a condition in TCM known as “qi stagnation.” Qi stagnation hinders blood circulation and causes insufficient nutrients to the hair follicles.
People with qi stagnation often feel depressed, sigh frequently, experience chest tightness and rib pain on both sides of the upper body, while women may also experience irregular menstruation.
Modern research confirms that gray hair reflects overall health. Gray hair before age 30 is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity.
Acupressure and Scalp Tapping
From a TCM perspective, gray hair and hair thinning are often linked to insufficient nourishment and circulation in the scalp. One simple way to support scalp health is by stimulating the earlobes, which contain acupoints associated with blood circulation to the head.
How to do it: Gently pinch and massage the earlobes while lightly tapping the scalp. When pressing the right earlobe with your right hand, tap the scalp with your left hand. Switch sides so that when pressing the left earlobe, you tap the scalp with your right hand. Perform the pressing and tapping simultaneously.
Duration and frequency: Practice once daily for about one minute. This routine can be easily incorporated into daily life—after washing your face or while relaxing, such as watching television. Use the pads of your fingers rather than your nails to avoid irritation.
Potential benefits: With consistent practice, earlobe stimulation may help improve blood circulation to the scalp, supporting nutrient delivery to hair follicles and promoting healthier hair growth over time.
3 Black Powders for Hair and Anti-Aging
Scalp care is only the first step in hair care; the key to fundamental conditioning is nourishing the kidneys. Nourishing the kidneys through a daily diet is the most subtle and long-lasting.
Fleeceflower root (he shou wu), black sesame seeds, and black beans are the “three treasures” for nourishing the kidneys and maintaining the color of hair. TCM holds that black foods can enter the kidney meridian (energy pathway), making them more likely to nourish the kidneys and their related energy circulation system. The therapeutic effects of the above three treasures are as follows:
1. Fleeceflower Root: A traditional hair-nourishing herb, he shou wu supports the liver and kidneys, and replenishes blood and qi. Cell experiments have shown that he shou wu extract can activate dermal papilla cells in hair follicles, prolonging the hair growth phase and delaying the onset of the regression phase. While effective in reducing the adverse effects of male hormones on hair follicles, it helps promote hair growth.
2. Black Sesame Seeds: Nourish the liver and kidneys, moisten the five internal organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys), and promote longevity.
3. Black Beans: Promote blood circulation, detoxify, nourish the skin, and have anti-aging properties.
How to Make and Take 3 Black Powder
Roast equal parts black beans, black sesame seeds, and he shou wu, then grind them into a powder and mix. Add one or two spoonfuls of the powder to soy milk or oatmeal at breakfast. You can also add a little of the mixture to your warm milk at night to help you sleep better and restore energy. He shou wu, black sesame seeds, and black bean powder are commercially available, or you can purchase ready-made 3 Black Powder from reputable vendors.
I have observed that some people experience worsened sleep quality and difficulty falling asleep after dyeing their hair. In such cases, taking 3 Black Powder is recommended to regulate the body’s constitution.
Precautions: Metal cookware and spoons should not be used when handling he shou wu. People prone to diarrhea should also not take it raw. Those with sticky stools or acne may experience worsened symptoms after taking processed he shou wu. Pregnant women and patients taking medication for chronic diseases are advised to consult their physician before taking he shou wu.
The Most Damaging Habits for Hair
Besides proper supplementation, to retain naturally colored and shiny hair, avoid the following:
- Late Nights: Damages the liver and kidneys, causing blood deficiency.
- Excessive Sexual Activity: The kidneys govern the reproductive system; excessive sexual activity depletes kidney essence.
- Excess Salt: Moderate salt intake can nourish the kidneys, while excessive salt can cause damage.
- Rapid Weight Loss: Malnutrition prevents hair from receiving adequate nourishment.
- Processed Foods: These foods are high in oil and salt and lack nutrients, causing inflammation in the scalp and hair follicles.
- Raw Egg Whites: Raw egg whites hinder the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7), and a lack of biotin can cause hair loss.