Why Is Your Hair Turning Gray In Early Age?
That one or two strands of gray hair you noticed while brushing your hair might have stressed you. You’re wondering you’re young and have started graying already; why?
Well, early signs of aging are stressful for everyone, especially women. But, sooner or later, we all are going to experience gray hair. So, no worries.
On the other side, Premature hair graying is something you better look into. A proper diagnosis is essential to save yourself from further damage.
Here, I have penned down all the possible reasons you’re turning gray in your early 20’s and how you can prevent them.
What produces Gray Hair?
Your hair strands consist of two parts:
- Hair shaft (the part that emerges from your scalp)
- Roots (area under the skin from where hair shaft comes out)
Roots are surrounded by follicles. And these follicles produce a certain number of pigment cells. Eventually, these pigment cells produce a chemical named melanin.
Yes, it’s the same melanin that is in your skin and decides your skin color. It determines your hair color too. What color your hair will depend upon the melanin type, distribution, and amount. As you age, your pigment cells start dying, so melanin decreases, resulting in gray hair.
Therefore, you can say that the connection of your hair turning gray to white and your age is a non-preventable factor. But, there are other factors as well, probably for the early age graying. Many of these factors are under your control. Let’s have a look at them.
Genes:
Scientists have concluded that your genes are a more significant factor for your hair turning gray at an early age. If one of your parents had their hair gray in their early 20’s, chances are you’ll follow the same path.
In that case, there’s nothing to worry about, as it’s natural for you. Your race and ethnicity also play a part in this. White people are considered to have gray hair early as compared to Asians and African Americans.
Now it’s all up to you whether you want to embrace this new look or want to cover it up.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
We’re living in the age of variety. There’s a range of snacks and their flavors. And young taste buds are attracted more towards flavors. As a result, kids and teenagers lack more proper nutrition and energy as compared to the past.
So you can say your nutritional deficiencies can also cause your hair to turn gray. Yes, there are other exceptional possibilities as well. But, many young kids with vitamin deficiencies are reported to have gray hair.
Those specific vitamin deficiencies are:
- Vitamin B-12
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Biotin
- Vitamin D-3
Such graying process can be reversed with proper diagnosis and meeting the vitamin requirements. In these cases, you’re advised to eat food that is rich in vitamins and proteins, such as:
- Beans
- Fish
- Milk
- Fruits and veggies
- Eggs
Or in extreme cases, to meet your nutritional requirements, vitamin supplements are given.
Oxidative Stress:
While this factor has a vague connection, it is still a small part of the big picture. Extreme exposure to pollution and Ultraviolet Rays cause hydrogen peroxide build-up in your hair which is a harmful chemical. Resultantly, it bleaches your hair.
Also, oxidative stress kills melanocyte cells (that give color to your hair). And once the melanocyte cells are gone, they’re gone for good, turning your hair gray, silver, and white.
Stress:
Yes! The part came which you believe on the most. Many young mothers, professionals, and students would love to blame their graying hair on stress. But, from today onwards, stop believing this myth that stress causes your hair to turn gray.
According to scientists, stress has a very mere connection that is almost negligible with your graying hair. Well, there are still conflicts regarding this. Many believe that stress somehow plays an indirect role in your aging and graying hair. Continuous stress affects your sympathetic nervous system that causes your melanocyte cells to die.
Well, in either case, stop stressing your mothers as you don’t want to be pointed out for their gray hair.
Chemical Dyes and Shampoos:
Remember that time when your mother told you to not color your hair cause you were young? You better have listened to her.
Chemical hair dyes contain many harmful ingredients that can damage your hair regardless of your age. And especially when you’re young, coloring your hair is the worst decision you could have made. Your hair can turn damaged, gray, and thin.
Also, some shampoos contain chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide that can turn your hair gray over time.
Medical Conditions:
Lastly, some medical conditions can also turn your hair gray at an early age. For instance, two immune-related diseases are mostly referred to with graying hair.
- Thyroid Disease
- Alopecia Areata
The one mentioned later is an autoimmune disease related to bald hair patches. And when hair grows back, they’re gray.
Preventions and Reversal Of The Process:
If age is not the factor, you can prevent your graying hair. All you need to do is eat healthily and live a balanced life. You must eat oxidative foods and those rich in proteins and vitamins. Also, kick off your unhealthy habits, if any, such as smoking and alcohol. In the end, a proper diagnosis and treatment can help reverse the graying process.
Furthermore, if the factor is non-preventable or permanent damage has already been occurred, you can use natural hair dyes. Curry leaves and black tea are some of the natural remedies.
Takeaway:
Many celebrities and models are opting for gray hair in their early 20’s, calling it their signature style. So, what’s the point of worry if it is happening naturally to you? Embrace yourself, for you have to be you either sooner or later. And take preventive actions if your graying is due to some health issues.
