Why Hair Turns White at a Young Age and Its Complete Treatment
Premature graying of hair, which is the whitening or graying of strands before the age of 25 in Asians, 30 in Africans, and 20 in Caucasians, is becoming more common around the world. Considered part of aging in the past, today’s youth face various factors causing early graying a condition potentially affecting their confidence, looks, and emotional well being. The reasons are manifold, and it’s impossible to view what causes early graying without referring to biological, genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle reasons for this loss of natural hair pigment. This paper outlines in detail why early greying occurs and which treatment and preventive measures may retard or reverse its progress.
Hair acquires its natural color from a pigment called melanin, which is produced by special cells called melanocytes located in hair follicles. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin, which imparts black or brown color, and pheomelanin, responsible for reddish or yellowish shades. When melanocyte cells produce melanin normally, the hair is dark. The moment these cells start slowing down, weakening, or dying, melanin production goes down, and grey or white hair appears. When such a decline takes place at the beginning of life, it falls in the category of premature graying. Genetics is one of the biggest and most powerful factors behind early graying. If anybody’s parents or grandparents started graying earlier in their lives, there is a strong likelihood that the succeeding generation may also experience this. Scientists believe that certain genes determine when melanocytes start losing their function. This means even if one has a good diet and lifestyle, hereditary traits may still lead to early white hair.
Apart from genetics, nutritional deficiencies also play a major role. Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins like B12, B9 (Folate), Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and minerals such as iron, copper, and zinc can disrupt the production of melanin. Particular vitamin B12 deficiency is strongly related to premature greying since it leads to impaired formation of red blood cells, transportation of oxygen, and energy at the cellular level all vital for melanocyte health. Copper deficiency hampers the rate of melanin production because copper is used in the enzyme tyrosinase that plays a central role in pigment formation. Due to the deficiency of these nutrients, melanocytes weaken and result in early white hair even among teenagers.
Another important contributor is stress. According to recent studies, chronic stress can be another cause for the emergence of gray hair prematurely by releasing stress hormones and causing oxidative damage to melanocyte cells. If a person goes through long term anxiety or emotional pressure, his sympathetic nervous system gets hyperactive, which can destroy the hair pigment producing cells? This is the reason why most people start finding their first white hair after experiencing trauma, exams, workload pressure, heartbreak, or personal loss.
Hormonal imbalances are also one of the major causes of early greying. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism disturb the normal growth cycle of hair and affect melanin production. Similarly, hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, or disorders such as PCOS may hasten the process of greying. Even low levels of testosterone or an imbalance of hormones in men may cause changes in hair color.
One such but very important factor is oxidative stress, which is a condition where harmful molecules called free radicals increase in the body. Free radicals inflict cellular damage and, consequently, decrease the productivity of cells, including melanocytes. Poor diet, along with smoking, junk food, too much sunlight, and pollution, are causative agents for oxidative stress. Most youngsters who eat a lot of fried, processed snacks, sweetened drinks, or fast foods can see early graying because their bodies lack antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals.
Smoking is one of the major modes of accelerating graying of hairs in your lifestyle. Studies have found that smokers are twice as likely to develop premature graying before nonsmokers. Cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals that reduce blood flow, damage the hair follicles, and build oxidative stress. Graying can also be caused by excess alcohol consumption, sleep disorders, and persistent fatigue, which can weaken the hair follicles.
There are also various diseases and conditions associated with early graying. Certain autoimmune diseases, like vitiligo, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia, may disturb melanin production. When the immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocyte cells, hair quickly loses color. In the same way, strong medications, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may change graying overnight because of their effect on the health of hair follicles.
Apart from internal causes, various harsh hair products, dyes full of chemicals, frequent bleaching, heat styling, and excessive shampoo use may weaken hair follicles. Certain chemical reactions from low quality dyes have the possibility of weakening melanocyte cells. The continuous use of strengtheners, curling irons, or blow dryers can also desiccate the scalp and reduce melanin production. Young people often experiment with hair color or different styling tools. This enhances their possibility of damaging melanocytes and accelerating premature graying.
Now, after considering the causes, one should take a look at the treatment options. The main realistic and constructive step is the identification of underlying nutritional deficiencies and their correction. Blood tests for Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, folate, zinc, and copper can reveal the root cause. If deficiencies are found, supplements and dietary changes can restore melanin production. Eggs, fish, dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lentils, and seafood are all very beneficial on the path toward enhancing hair pigmentation. Among the copper rich foods, there are almonds, sesame seeds, dark chocolate, chickpeas, and liver; these are the most effective.
Secondly, the prevention of further greying can be achieved by managing stress through techniques of relaxation. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity reduce stress hormones and improve melanocyte health. A calm mind supports healthy hair growth. Even people who have genetic tendencies often face slower greying if they maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Ayurvedic and natural remedies are also popular and can be effective if used consistently. Oils like amla oil, black seed oil commonly known as kalonji, coconut oil, castor oil, and mustard oil help to nourish the scalp, improve the flow of blood, and strengthen hair follicles. Amla has been rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which again restore pigment and protect from oxidative stress. Most traditional recipes include a mixture of amla and coconut oil applied on the scalp twice a week.
Another very promising treatment is catalase rich foods. Catalase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide, that one chemical accumulating in hair follicles, which bleaches your hair from the inside. Foods that help increase catalase levels within the body are garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, and almonds. Reducing the buildup of hydrogen peroxide will eventually slow down the whitening process.
Medical treatments involving PRP therapy, or Platelet Rich Plasma, are also fast becoming popular. PRP involves the injection of the patient’s own plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and melanocyte activity. Though mainly used for hair fall, some dermatologists report improvement in premature graying, too, along with nutritional correction. Hair colors mask the white strands temporarily, but do not treat the root cause. Ammonia free, organic, or herbal shades are the best to reduce damage to a minimum. Chemical dyes should be used sparingly because improper application can accentuate hair greying. Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important. Balanced nutrition, proper hydration, regular scalp massage, reduced chemical exposure, and stress management form the foundation for preventing premature graying. Though this might not always be able to restore white hair completely mostly if genetics is involved addressing the contributing factors can slow down the process significantly. The causes responsible for the condition include genetics, nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal disturbances, oxidative stress, diseases, and unhealthy lifestyle practices. The key to treatment basically lies in ascertaining the root cause and involving a holistic approach that includes dietary measures, stress management, naturopathy, and changes in lifestyle. Consistency and due care can help many people slow down or partially reverse early graying and regain confidence with healthier hair.
