Premature Grey Hair Causes and Treatments

As we grow older, our hair inevitably starts to show signs of maturity and age. The roots start to show more, the strands become more brittle and less elastic, and the ends begin to thin out. All these changes are normal for most people as they age.

However, sometimes people can start to grey at a much younger age. This is known as premature greying, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. If you’re wondering what causes premature greying, keep reading to find out and also find out what you can do to prevent it. We will also touch on some of the myths surrounding grey hair at a young age and how to deal with it if you are already experiencing it. If you are looking for ways to get rid of premature greying hair, you’re in the right place! Read on to learn more about why this is happening, potential causes and possible treatment options.

What is premature greying of hair?

When it comes to your hair, premature greying can be defined as when the natural colour of your hair starts to fade away at an earlier age than it should. For some people, this can happen in their early twenties, while for others, it may not occur until they’re in their thirties or forties.

Premature greying of hair is a condition in which the hair starts to grey at an early age. The exact cause of premature greying is not known, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Premature greying can be a distressing condition, especially for young people. There are no medical treatments available for premature greying, but there are some cosmetic options that can help camouflage the grey hair.

If you are concerned about premature greying, it is important to see your doctor or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. They will be able to rule out any underlying medical conditions and advise you on the best course of treatment.

What causes premature grey hair?

Premature grey hair causes vary from person to person. For some people, premature greying of hair may be due to ageing, while for others, genetics or medical conditions may be the reasons. Given below are some of the major premature grey hair causes that affect people. 

• Stress: Many people believe that premature grey hair is caused by stress. Overstress can cause hair loss and premature greying. Though there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, studies show some connection between stress and the depletion of hair follicles. 
• Ageing is the most common cause of grey hair. As we age, our hair follicles produce less melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. This process is gradual and usually starts around the age of 30.
• Certain medical conditions can also cause grey hair. These include vitiligo, a condition that causes the loss of skin colour; alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that affects hair follicles; and u problems.
• Smoking cigarettes can also lead to premature grey hair. This is because the chemicals in tobacco smoke reduce the amount of melanin in the hair follicle.
• Deficiency of Vitamin- B12 or problems with your thyroid gland can cause premature greying of hair. The health of your thyroid can also affect your hair colour. An underactive or overactive thyroid can make your body produce less melanin, causing premature grey hair. 
• Genetics: If you start noticing white hair or grey hair at a young age, it’s likely that your parents or grandparents also had the same issue due to genetics. 
• Over-styling and chemical treatments: Over-styling and frequent chemical treatments on hair can cause premature greying of hair in some people. If you are prone to greying of hair at a young age, it is better to avoid overuse of chemical products like keratin and hair botox treatment.
• In some cases, grey hair at a young age may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. If you are concerned about your grey hair, consult a dermatologist or other medical professional for an evaluation.

Treatment of premature greying of hair

There are a number of ways to treat premature greying of hair, depending on the cause. If the cause is genetic, there is not much that can be done to prevent or reverse the process. However, if the cause is nutrient deficiency, there are a number of vitamins and minerals that can be taken to help with hair growth and health. These include vitamin B12, iron, and copper. If stress is the primary cause of premature greying, there are a number of relaxation techniques that can be employed, such as yoga or meditation. In some cases, changes in diet and lifestyle may be all that is necessary to stop or reverse the process of premature greying.

Home remedies for premature greying of hair

According to Ayurveda, the root cause of all diseases is an issue with the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda says that premature greying of hair happens due to the vitiated Bhrajaka pitta, a subtype of pitta, preventing the production of melanin in the hair. 

There are a number of home remedies that can help prevent or delay the onset of premature greying. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.
• Use natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil to massage the scalp.
• Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen when outdoors.
• Give yourself regular scalp massages with your fingertips or using a wooden comb.

If you are already experiencing premature greying, there are still a number of things you can do to reduce its appearance. These include:

•  Coconut oil and curry leaves: Do you know about all the great advantages of coconut oil that go hand in hand with curry leaves? Put in some curry leaves immediately, please. The end product is a powerful potion that promotes hair health and development. After applying this hydrating treatment, massage your scalp to encourage penetration into the deeper layers of your hair.
• Onion juice: Using onions in hair care products is a modern application of one of the oldest known therapies for avoiding grey hair. Onions not only prevent grey hair from developing, but they also provide a glossy sheen due to their vitamin C content.
• Mustard oil: Mustard seed oil is beneficial for your hair and has a nice flavour when used in cooking. Mustard oils are incredibly nourishing for your hair since they are full of antioxidants, selenium, and healthy fats. Don’t fret about becoming grey any longer; the delicious flavour will hide any symptoms of ageing.
• Henna and Eggs: Applying henna to your hair is not simply a trend for aesthetics; it can also prevent your hair from greying too quickly. This mediaeval treatment, performed using an egg-based concoction, will treat your hair thoroughly and nurture it from the inside out.
• Shikakai powder and Yogurt: In order to promote dark hair, mix shikakai powder with some yoghurt and apply it to your scalp topically. Remove it after thirty minutes and shower. Shikakai powder has a long history of usage in Ayurvedic medicine for maintaining healthy hair. It’s a safe and all-natural shampoo that can slow the ageing process and even reverse some grey hair. If you apply it regularly, your scalp will improve, and your hair will grow.

Aside from the home remedies mentioned above, you can seek Ayurvedic treatment to prevent premature greying of hair. Ayurvedic hair treatments are beneficial to strengthen your hair, delay premature hair greying, and maintain the natural texture and shine.

How to prevent premature grey hair?

Identifying the cause is the most important step in preventing premature greying of hair. If the cause is genetic, there is not much that can be done to prevent it. However, if the cause is due to a nutritional deficiency, such as vitamin B12 or iron, supplements may be recommended. One method is to take vitamins that promote healthy hair growth, such as biotin or folic acid. Another method is to avoid over-styling the hair, which can lead to breakage and damage. Instead, opt for gentle styling methods and products that will help to keep the hair healthy and strong. Finally, try to manage stress levels, as stress can contribute to hair loss and greying. By following these tips, you can help keep your hair looking its best and prevent premature greying.

Some myths about premature grey hair:

You might have heard a lot of myths and myths about grey hair at a young age. Here are 4 common myths about grey hair, and why you shouldn’t believe them

Greying hair is a common side effect of stress:

Although stress speeds up the greying process, it is not the root cause. After a trying day at the office or a heated argument at home, you won’t wake up with grey hair everywhere. Nonetheless, stress does hasten the process. 

Lifestyle plays no role in greying hair:

Oh, it does! If you smoke, you may speed up the process of your hair going grey. Premature greying has also been linked to deficiencies in vitamin B, folic acid, and biotin. Grey hair at a young age can be delayed with the help of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The more often you dye your hair, the sooner it will turn white:

The truth is, if you start covering up your greys with colour, the disparity between the shades and the grey becomes greater, making the grey roots more noticeable, and giving the impression that you’re greying more quickly.

Overexposure to the sun can cause greying of hair:

The sun is harmful to your skin and your cosmetic routine, period. Lack of sun protection can hasten the ageing process, leading to wrinkles and sun damage; it can also dry out your hair, making it more vulnerable to breakage. However, exposure to sunlight won’t cause premature greying, but it can be damaging to your hair.

Style your grey hair

Embracing your grey hair by styling in a very modern way is one way if you opt to go with your grey hair.  Grey hair makes you old is just a myth nowadays. For a lot of people, grey hair is just the colour they wanted to apply to their hair. If you consider grey as another colour choice, you can choose to go with your white strands.

Given below are some simple tips to style your grey hair:

• A chic, short haircut would be an absolute style if you consider going with your grey hair.
• Try a modern haircut with sharper edges, smooth bangs/fringes, or a bob cut.
• Use a flat iron to prevent your hair from getting more frizzy and to make it look shinier.
• To avoid discolouration and an unflattering yellow tone, use a toner with a blue or violet base.
• Nourish your hair with the right products to make your tresses smooth and shiny
• if you don’t like salt and pepper hairstyle, consider going all grey

Conclusion

So, you might have got some idea about premature grey hair causes and its remedies. Greying hair is often seen as a sign of wisdom and sophistication, but for some people, it can come too early. Premature greying of hair can be a very stressful experience for some people, especially when they start experiencing it at a much younger age than most people do. This is why it’s important to consult a licenced medical professional for an evaluation. Your physician will be able to detect any underlying medical conditions and advise you on the best course of treatment. If you’re already experiencing grey hair at a young age, there are still a number of things you can do to reduce its appearance. If you’re looking to prevent premature greying, there are a few things you can do, including eating a healthy diet and avoiding excessive stress.