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Greying of hair is a normal part of the aging process. But, when you notice them in your early 30s and sometimes, even 20s, it makes the person appear much older than his or her age causing poor self-esteem and personality issues.
What Causes Premature Grey Hair?
1. Genetics
Genetic makeup plays a vital role in hair colour. If you have a history of premature greying in your family, you have a higher chance of getting grey hair earlier in life.Image credit: pinterest.com
How to prevent/reverse it: If genetics are responsible, there is not much you can do to reverse the change.
2. Smoking
Smoking constricts blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to hair follicles and cause hair loss. Additionally, toxins in cigarettes can damage parts of your body including your hair follicles, causing early grey hair.Image credit: aao.org
How to prevent/reverse it: Giving up smoking may not reverse the existing grey hair. However, it will definitely stop further premature greying of your hair.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Certain underlying medical conditions can trigger a loss of pigment in your hair. Premature grey hair is also triggered by autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, alopecia areata, pernicious anaemia, and premature aging syndromes.
How to prevent/reverse it: Consulting a doctor to see what can be done is the best course of action.
4. Vitamin deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of premature grey hair. Researchers have noted that vitamin B12 deficiencies are often concurrent with folic acid and biotin deficiencies in people whose hair has started to turn grey early.Image credit: pulse.ng
How to prevent/reverse it: While it’s not possible to use vitamins to reverse grey hair, it may be possible to use certain vitamins to prevent future hairs from going grey.
Vitamin B12 food sources: Lean meat, Fish, including salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, Milk, Cheese, Eggs, and Fortified breakfast cereals.
5. Stress
Stress and anxiety has a major role in greying your hair before the right age. If you are anxious and live with a certain kind of tension all the time, it will accelerate your genetic density that will also affect hair colour.Image credit: medicalnewstoday.com
How to prevent/reverse it: Regular physical exercises, meditation and listening to music will help you overcome stress and anxiety. You should have a social life as well so that you can make the most of your life.
6. Thyroid disorder
Hormonal changes caused by thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone levels) or hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormone levels) can cause premature greying hair.Image credit: thatsnotmyage.com
How to prevent/reverse it: Consulting a doctor to see what can be done is the best course of action.
7. Harsh hair products
Sometimes, the use of shampoos, hair dyes or soaps with harsh chemicals may directly result in premature grey hair. Excess dryness of scalp, due to reduced production of oil from the oil glands of scalp is also responsible for early greying.Image credit: peteandpedro.com
How to prevent/reverse it: Be mindful of the products you use to wash, dye, and style your hair. Bleaching and harsh shampoos can lead to damage and early grey hairs.
