If you’re in your early 20s yet already spotting gray strands, or if you’re middle-aged and dealing with salt-and-pepper hair, this inexpensive home remedy may help restore a darker, healthier look.

Gray hair often makes women feel older and less confident. While it doesn’t affect your health, it can be a frustrating cosmetic concern. Many factors can cause premature graying, including:

• Genetics: If your parents or grandparents went gray early, chances are you will, too.

• Lifestyle habits: Smoking can make your hair turn gray four times faster. Poor diet and staying up late also contribute.

• Stress: Long-term stress or overthinking accelerates the loss of pigment.

• Hair follicle health: Reduced melanin production in the follicles leads to thinning and graying.

Fortunately, you can try a simple, natural darkening treatment using sour starfruit and potatoes — cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective.

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1. Darken Hair with Sour Starfruit

Sour starfruit is rich in vitamin C, which boosts hair growth and encourages pigment restoration. It’s an excellent option for those experiencing both hair loss and gray strands.

Ingredients

• 3–5 sour starfruits (depending on hair length and thickness)

• 200 ml fresh coconut water

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Blender, strainer, bowl, and spoon

How to Make It

1. Wash and dry the starfruit, then cut into small pieces.

2. Blend for about 5 minutes until smooth.

3. Strain the mixture to remove the pulp, keeping only the juice.

4. Add coconut water and honey to the juice and stir until well-combined.

How to Use

1. Wash your hair with warm water to open the follicles.

2. Apply the mixture from roots to ends, making sure every strand is coated.

3. Massage your scalp gently for 3–5 minutes.

4. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave for 30 minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and allow your hair to air-dry.

👉 Use 2–3 times a week for best results.

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2. Darken Hair with Potato Peels

Potato skins contain natural starch that helps coat the hair shaft, gradually giving gray strands a darker tint while making your hair softer and smoother.

How to Make It

1. Choose 3–4 large potatoes. Wash well and peel the skins.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the potato peels.

3. Boil for 20 minutes to release the starch.

4. Turn off the heat and strain out the liquid.

How to Use

1. Wash your hair with shampoo as usual.

2. After rinsing, pour the potato peel water over your hair.

3. Massage gently, then wrap your hair in a towel and leave it for 15 minutes.

4. Rinse again with warm water.

👉 Alternate this method with regular washing:

• 1 wash with potato water

• next wash with regular water

• next wash with potato water again