In a study conducted on 467 participants,46.46% were found to have a history of premature graying of hair. The association was strong with mother, father, and sibling history. The study also established a correlation between premature graying of hair with iron and calcium deficiency. The graying of hair before the 20s is considered premature and can signify underlying health conditions and syndromes. In this article, we discuss all you need to know about premature graying, ways to control it, and more. Read on to know more.
Is Premature Graying A Medical Issue? What Are The Causes?
Premature graying is not a medical issue. However, it is associated with multiple underlying conditions and syndromes. The factors that cause premature graying are:
1. Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are responsible for melanin production (melanogenesis) in the hair follicles. A low level of these hormones may cause premature graying (1).
2. Autoimmune Disorders
Premature graying is linked to autoimmune disorders, such as vitiligo and pernicious anemia, and premature aging syndromes like Werner’s syndrome (2).
3. Psychological And Oxidative Stress
Research shows that psychological stress triggered by emotional factors can increase the oxidative load or oxidative stress. This also plays a role in premature graying. Other factors like pollution and UV exposure also cause oxidative stress, leading to premature graying (1).
4. Diet And Nutritional Deficiencies
A study involving 35 schoolchildren found that the levels of nutrients like calcium, ferritin, and vitamin D3 were low in those with prematurely gray hair (2). Low serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations also play a role in premature graying (3). However, further research is needed to conclude this. An imbalanced diet causes the body to create free radicals, making your hair turn gray.
5. Smoking
Smoking is harmful for your overall health and is also linked to premature graying. A study found a possible connection between premature graying before the age of 30. It concluded that smokers could have an earlier onset of graying than non-smokers (4).
6. Hair Products
Hair products, such as chemical bleaches and colors, often contain chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. A study demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide could accumulate in the hair follicles, affect the hair pigments, and cause graying (5).
7. Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Studies indicate a correlation between nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of Vitamin B12, and premature graying (6). This vitamin is essential for melanin production, hence its insufficient levels may result in premature graying by impeding pigment synthesis, impacting the natural color of hair. Vegetarians and vegans are more susceptible to B-12 deficiencies due to lacking animal product intake, exacerbating the risk of premature graying.
8. Environmental Factors
Exposure to pollutants, harsh chemicals, and UV radiation can contribute to premature graying of hair. These external elements may lead to damage to hair follicles, affecting melanin production and accelerating the natural aging process of hair, resulting in the early onset of gray or white strands (7). Consult a doctor to determine the exact reason for your premature gray hair. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment. Meanwhile, if you want, you may follow the tips below to hide the gray strands.
How To Conceal Premature Gray Hair
Use Tinting Sprays: Choose a color closer to the natural hair color for even coverage. Curl Your Hair: Curly or wavy hair makes the gray roots and strands less noticeable. You may even style your hair in French braids to hide them. Use Hair Accessories: Hair bands, headbands, bandanas, and scarves can effectively hide the grays.
You may also try home remedies to prevent premature graying. Check out the recipes in the next section.
Home Remedies To Prevent Premature Graying
1. Indian Gooseberry And Fenugreek
Indian gooseberry (amla) is widely used in traditional recipes to enrich hair pigmentation and health. Fenugreek leaves paste helps preserve the natural hair color (8) (9). You Will Need
3-5 Indian gooseberries (chopped) ½ cup of coconut oil 1 tablespoon of fenugreek paste
Method
2. Henna And Coffee Dye
Henna is traditionally used for conditioning and tinting the hair. Often, coffee powder is added to henna to darken the tint. This can be a natural alternative to chemical hair dyes. You Will Need
1 packet of henna powder 1 tablespoon of instant coffee 1 tablespoon of almond oil
Method Lauren, a blogger, wrote about her ordeal with premature grey hair. She has an allergy to hair dye and admits to having tried resorting to henna to give color to the hair. She wrote, ”I had to stop using conventional dye, and switched to henna. Henna is awesome, it’s all natural, made from the flowering plant Lawsonia and also indigo (i).”
3. Ridge Gourd Oil
Ridge gourd oil is often used to prevent premature graying. However, there are no clinical studies to prove the efficacy of the oil on gray hair. You Will Need
1 cup of sundried ridge-gourd 1 cup of coconut oil
Method While treating the underlying condition (if any) causing premature graying is crucial, it is also important that you follow a balanced lifestyle, as a lot of lifestyle factors may also contribute to premature graying. Here are a few tips to stay healthy and manage premature graying.
Ways To Manage Premature Graying
1. Consume A Balanced Diet
Nutritional deficiency is one of the factors responsible for premature graying. Get yourself tested for any deficiencies and eat your way to health. Follow a diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, seafood, poultry, dairy, and fruits. Consult a doctor and take supplements to cover vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Avoid processed foods. This will keep your health in check and help prevent premature graying.
2. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Stress turns your locks gray. Hence, take some time out and indulge in any activity that calms your mind. Listen to music, burn your stress (and calories) with exercise, travel, read books, try yoga and meditation, get a pet, or take up new hobbies. You may take professional help and reach out to counselors and therapists.
3. Focus On Overall Well-Being
Quit smoking. It is good for your lungs, hair, and overall well-being. Take care of your hair indulge in spa treatments, use hair nourishing masks and oils, and follow a hair care routine. This helps keep your hair healthy and prevent premature graying. Can you reverse premature graying of hair? While premature graying caused due to genetic factors may not be reversed, taking precautions and having a balanced diet may help reverse graying caused by nutritional deficiencies or other underlying medical conditions. Can anxiety cause gray hair? Yes, anxiety, stress, and emotional imbalance may lead to hair graying. Does plucking gray hair increase it? Plucking gray hair will only result in gray hair regrowth in the same hair follicle. It wouldn’t affect other hair follicles or hair strands.
Check out this video to learn how to manage premature graying. Get expert insights and tips like what can be used topically, and what lifestyle changes can be made to help you keep your hair vibrant and healthy. https://howbourgeois.blogspot.com/2012/12/50-shades-of-grayhair.html
