Hair has always been considered a symbol of youth and vitality. So, when those first few strands of grey or white make an early appearance, it can be surprising and unsettling to experience PREMATURE GREYING, or the loss of hair colour at a younger age than expected, is phenomenon affects many people around the world. Premature greying is a common problem faced by people of all ages. It can be quite disheartening to see grey hair appearing in your 20s or 30s when you least expect it. While greying is a natural process, the onset of grey hair before age of 30 is considered premature in Asians.
What is Premature Greying?
It refers to the condition where an individual’s hair begins to turn grey before the typical age of greying, which depends on race and ethnicity. In Indians, greying of hair before the age of 25-30 years is usually considered premature. Premature greying can occur as early as in the late teens or twenties, and in some cases, even in childhood. It is a result of the loss of pigmentation in the hair shaft causing it to lose its natural colour and turn grey or white.
Our hair colour is determined by a pigment called melanin, which is produced by specialized cells in the hair follicles known as melanocytes. Melanin gives our hair its natural colour, ranging from black and brown to blonde and red.
However, several factors can disrupt the normal functioning of melanocytes, leading to premature greying:
1 Genetics– It plays a significant role in premature greying. If your parents or grandparents had early greying, then it is more likely that you will experience the same. This is because genetics determines how much melanin your hail follicles produce, which is responsible for giving your hair its natural colour. If your hair follicles produce less melanin, your hair will start greying early.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about genetics. You can, however, adopt a healthy lifestyle to slow down greying process.
2 Stress– It is one of the leading causes of premature greying. When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can lead to a reduction in melanin production. Over time, this can cause your hair to turn grey.
To reduce stress, try practising meditation or yoga. You can also engage in activities that you enjoy, like reading, painting, or playing sports.
3 Nutritional Deficiencies– The deficiencies, especially in Vitamin B 12 and folic acid, can cause premature greying. These vitamins are essential for melanin production, and a deficiency can lead to a reduction in melanin levels. Some other nutrient deficiencies like that of copper, iron, Vitamin D and calcium can also give rise to the early greying of hair.
Include foods rich in Vitamin B 12 and folic acid in your diet. Foods like eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of these vitamins. You can also take supplements and dietary advice under the guidance of a healthcare professional for other deficiencies.
4 Smoking– It is harmful to your health in many ways, including premature greying. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can cause oxidative stress, damaging hail follicles and reducing melanin production.
Quit smoking. It is the best thing you can do for your overall health and help slow down the greying process.
5 Autoimmune Disorders like alopecia areata and vitiligo can cause premature greying. These conditions cause the immune system to attack hair follicles and melanocytes, which can lead to premature greying.
Consult a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your autoimmune disorder.
Treatment Options
However, it is important to note that reversing grey hair is not always possible, and treatment effects may vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
- Hair Dye- Using hair dye is one of the most common and straightforward methods to cover grey hair. There are numerous hair dye products available in the market. Please go through the side effects before using the product.
- Nutritional Supplements- Taking these supplements, such as biotin, Vitamin B 12, and copper, can help improve melanin production and slow down the greying process in some cases. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to avoid potential side effects.
- Topical treatments such as minoxidil, have been shown to help stimulate melanocyte activity and promote hair pigmentation. However, these treatments may not be effective for everyone and should be used under medical supervision.
Remember that grey hair is a natural part of the ageing process, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Embrace your natural hair colour and take care of your hair and overall health.
I am also the victim of premature greying, my hair started turning grey when I was in my late 20s/early 30s. I started using hair dye when I was around 32 and continued for the next 20 years. I noticed that after I started dyeing my hair, my hair started thinning and slowly I started developing bald patches. Now for almost 22 years, I have stopped using the hair dye, but till that time damage was done and bald patches increased. In my case, now I can say to start with my greying was due to genetics, and in the later stages stress factor was also added, and from 1969 to 1999 I was a heavy smoker. But one thing I have noticed in the last four decades, most of the people who have used hair dye developed bald patches, including ladies.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
18th May 2023