Causes of Premature Graying of Hair and How You Reverse It
Premature graying is when hair turns gray or white in your 20s. This may be due to genetics, depression, or other medical conditions.
Even a silvery strand or gray hair can make you tizzy, especially if it happened before your period! When hair begins to lose melanin, it appears white or gray. However, if you are young and your hair is graying prematurely, it may be due to your genetics or medical conditions. While there are many ways to treat hair pigmentation, it is important to determine the cause of premature graying. Read on to find out what causes premature graying of hair and how to prevent it.
What is premature graying hair?
Premature graying of hair, also known as premature graying or premature canities, is a condition in which a person’s hair turns gray earlier than normal later in life. Although some degree of graying is part of aging, premature graying can occur even in our teens or 20s. A study published in the International Journal of Trichology pointed out that genetics, along with other factors such as vitamin deficiency, may cause premature graying of hair.
What is the average age of gray hair?
By the time people reach their 30s or 40s, their hair naturally begins to turn grey or white. It occurs when melanin production in the body gradually decreases with the aging process. However, if your hair turns gray or white before the age of 20, it is usually a matter of premature hair loss or premature graying of hair. Although graying of hair is normal in adults, if it occurs before the appropriate time, it causes alarm.
What causes premature graying of hair?
1. Genetics
Premature graying often runs in families and is a sign of a genetic predisposition to this condition. According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, the phenomenon of premature graying of hair does not have any pathology or diagnosis and is said to be genetic. So, if you see your hair turning gray or white at a young age, it is likely that your father or grandfather also experienced this condition at that age.
2. Stress
Chronic stress is linked to premature graying of hair. Stress hormones inhibit melanin production, causing premature graying of hair. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (NIAMS) and other divisions of the NIH funded the study to determine how stress affects premature hair loss. In this rat study, rats were exposed to different stress factors such as mild pain, mental stress, and movement limitation. All this leads to a decrease in melanin.
3. Malnutrition
Insufficient intake of some vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin B12, iron, copper and zinc) can cause premature graying of hair. This study, published in the International Journal of Trichology, shows that vitamin B12, vitamin D3 and calcium deficiency can cause premature graying of hair.
4. Smoking
Smoking accelerates the graying process of hair because smoking is harmful to hair follicles and melanin production. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology Online examined 207 participants who were divided into two groups: prematurely graying hair and normal graying hair. It can be seen that smokers are more likely to have premature graying of their hair. Therefore, there is a relationship between premature graying of hair and smoking.
5. Medical conditions and exposure to chemicals
Certain conditions, such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, and autoimmune diseases, can cause premature graying of hair. Exposure to harsh chemicals in hair care products, environmental pollution and some medications can damage hair follicles and cause graying of hair.
How to prevent premature graying of hair?
Can premature graying of hair be prevented? Yes, it can. While it is not possible to completely prevent premature graying of hair, preventive measures can help reduce graying and maintain the overall health of your hair. A visit to a doctor or dermatologist can help identify and treat the underlying cause of premature graying. However, if the cause is genetic, there is no way to prevent it.
- Eat healthy foods – Make sure you eat healthy foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support melanin production and overall hair health.
- Stress Management – Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing to reduce the effects of stress on hair health.
- Quit smoking – Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of premature graying of hair and improve overall health.
- Reduce chemical exposure – Use fewer hair care products and minimize harsh chemicals and pollutants.
- Regular Hair Care – Maintain good hair care like regular washing, gentle handling and conditioning to keep your hair healthy.
- Check out underlying causes – Thyroid problems can also cause premature graying of hair, and hormonal treatment can help prevent further hair loss.
Can you reverse premature gray hair?
The answer is no. There is currently no scientific evidence to support reversing gray hair. “But living a healthy lifestyle and controlling underlying factors such as poor diet or stress can help reduce graying,” said Dr. Curry. Unfortunately, once hair has turned gray, it is unlikely to return to its original color without the use of dye or other cosmetic procedures.
Treatment of premature graying hair
When there is no treatment to turn gray hair black; The first step is to determine the cause of premature graying of hair. If the cause is not genetics but nutritional deficiency, natural treatments will also help treat hair color. However, this will take a few weeks. Using hormonal medications to treat other conditions such as vitiligo, thyroid, and alopecia can help treat premature hair loss.