Introduction
White hair is a normal part of growing older. You can blame the loss of melanin for this. Melanin is the pigment that gives our hair colour. But for some individuals they notice white hair at a younger age because other than aging, factors like genes, stress, and health issues can lead to early white hair. In this article, we will try to understand why you may be seeing white hair before your time. Also, we will explore ways that may aid in reversing the process. Knowledge is power, and as you get to the root cause of your early greys, you will find better ways to manage them. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Key Highlights:
- White hair occurs due to the loss of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour.
- Genetics plays a major role in early-onset white hair.
- Stress, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can cause premature white hair.
- Environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution can contribute to the process.
- There are various natural remedies and medical management options available to manage white hair.
What Causes White Hair at an Early Age?
Below we will try to understand what causes white hair to occur early.
Genetics
If your parents or grandparents have a history of early white hair then your genes might share the blame. How your genes play out determines when the pigment cells in your hair start to lose their touch, turning your hair white.
Stress
Stress seems to be an inseparable part of modern life. Your hair could pay the price due to stress. Stress impacts pigment cells in hair, triggering early white hair.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune conditions happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. When conditions like alopecia and vitiligo show up, the immune system can target hair pigment as well. Addressing these autoimmune conditions may limit further colour loss and even restore hair colour.
Thyroid Disorder
Hormonal changes from thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism could also trigger early white hair. The thyroid helps control many of our body functions, hair colour included. If the thyroid is not in balance, there could be less melanin produced, leading to loss of hair colour.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Having less vitamin B-12 could cause your hair to turn white early. This vital vitamin maintains healthy red blood cells which deliver oxygen to your body cells, hair cells included. Without enough vitamin B-12, your hair cells weaken, disrupting melanin production and causing early whitening.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco could cause your hair to grey before it’s time. Research has linked smoking to greying before the age of 30. Besides increasing the risk for diseases like lung cancer and heart disease, long-term smoking affects the hair by causing early white hair.
If you feel you have started to get white hair before its time, always consult a healthcare professional to rule out the presence of any medical condition that may be causing it.
Understanding the Science Behind White Hair
The science of white hair involves many factors, with melanin and hair follicles playing central roles.
Role of Melanin
Melanin is a pigment made by special cells called melanocytes. It gives colour to our skin, hair, and eyes, and also protects our skin from harmful UV rays.
We have two types of melanin which include eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible dark hair colours while pheomelanin gives a red or yellow tint. Your unique hair colour is determined by the balance of these pigments.
Hair Follicles and Pigment Cells
Melanocytes, our pigment makers, live in hair follicles where hair is produced. Melanin from these cells gets into growing hair fiber, colouring it. With time, these cells become less productive, leading to loss of colour.
- Depletion of pigment-producing cells
As we grow older, our hair follicles produce less melanin. When this happens, our hair loses colour. The reasons for this can range from genetics to simply aging
- Decline in melanocyte stem cells
Melanocyte stem cells help keep the pigment cells in our hair follicles multiplying. A decrease in these stem cells could lead to less melanin and white hair.
Other Factors Contributing to White Hair
Not only do your age and genes have a say in your hair colour, but also several other factors that are described below.
1. Chemical Hair Dyes and Hair Products
The chemicals used in hair dyes and products can harm your hair. This can result in loss of colour and white hair. Switching to natural, gentle alternatives may help save your hair colour.
2. Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress leads to premature white hair. It upsets the balance between free radicals and our body’s defense against them, harming hair follicles and leading to loss of hair colour. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, staying calm, and quitting smoking may help reduce oxidative stress and keep your hair colour intact.
3. Environmental Factors
Sun rays and pollution can harm your hair and lead to early greying. The key to protecting your hair is to limit sun exposure and include more antioxidants in your diet and hair care routine.
- UV Rays
UV rays from the sun can destroy hair follicles and cause loss of hair colour. Protect your hair from UV rays by wearing a hat or using sun-protective hair products.
- Pollution
Air pollutants and chemicals can harm your hair and cause early greying. Using hair products that clean and protect your hair from these toxins may help keep your hair healthy and colourful.
Can White Hair Be Reversed?
You might be wondering if white hair can be reversed. While we can’t stop it completely, we may be able to slow it down or even reverse it to some extent in some cases. Below we have described ways in which greying may be slowed or the risk of greying may be reduced.
1. Addressing Vitamin Deficiencies
Make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals to nourish your hair. Key nutrients to focus on include B vitamins, copper, and antioxidants.
- B Vitamins and Copper
B-12 plays an essential role in melanin production, while copper helps make melanin. Foods rich in B-12 and copper include seafood, eggs, meat, and milk products, which may help keep your natural hair colour.
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital for shielding your hair from harm due to oxidative stress and free radicals. Eating antioxidant-rich foods may keep your hair’s natural colour and health in check.
2. Natural Remedies for White Hair
Natural remedies may help. Using these along with a healthy diet and strong hair care habits may help keep your hair colourful.
- Indian Gooseberry and Coconut Oil
Indian gooseberry, or amla, is rich in antioxidants. It is a traditional remedy for promoting hair pigmentation. Mixed with coconut oil, it is proposed to nourish your hair and boost melanin production.
- Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil
Curry leaves have been used traditionally to keep the natural hair colour and reduce the risk of early greying. Boiling curry leaves in coconut oil and massaging the mixture into your scalp may help keep your natural hair colour.
- Onion Juice and Olive Oil
Onion juice has antibacterial properties and helps hair growth. Mixed with olive oil, it is proposed to nourish hair, promote hair pigmentation, and counteract early greying.
- Sage Leaves
People have used sage leaves for ages to keep their hair colour and avoid white hair. Rinse your hair with water steeped in sage leaves to help keep your hair’s natural colour.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Changing your lifestyle in simple ways may boost hair health and colour. To slow down early white hair, focus on stress management, give up smoking, eat a balanced diet, and practice good hair care habits.
- Managing Stress
Activities that lower stress like exercise, meditation, and nature walks may help cope with stress. Less stress is good for your hair colour and overall health.
- Quitting Smoking
Giving up smoking may improve your health and reduce early greying risks. If you need help quitting, your healthcare provider can guide you.
