7 reasons why people grey early, and how to stem it

Greying of the hair is a natural process as one grows older, but for some people it can occur much earlier than expected.  

With an increasing number of younger people greying prematurely,  there has been a marked interest in pinning down both its causes, prevention and treatment. 

According to a 2018 study by dermatologist Dr Anagha Kumar and her team, premature greying of the hair (PGH) refers to the onset of grey hair before the age of 20 in white population and before 30 in black population.  

Some authors have proposed that 25 years could be considered a cut-off for individuals in the Indian subcontinent. 

Anitha Rao of Chennai noticed the first sign of greying at 18 when she was a college student. Initially, she resorted to dyeing her hair, but this worsened the condition, causing hair fall and dryness. Rao says, “Hair dyeing is not a solution for greying hair.” She eventually switched to natural methods like henna and made lifestyle changes, which helped to stem the greying to some extent. 

Underlying health reasons 

“Premature greying can be attributed to genetics, stress, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and certain medical conditions,” says Dr Mikki Singh, consultant dermatologist at Bodycraft Clinics, Bengaluru. According to Singh, research indicates that oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation can damage melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in hair, and contribute to premature greying. 

Dr Priyanka Reddy, dermatologist and founder of DNA Skin Clinic, Bengaluru, lists these reasons for PHG. 

• Genetics: The onset of premature hair greying can be significantly influenced by genetics. If one’s parent or grandparent was predisposed to premature hair greying, there is a higher probability of them being prone to it. 
• Stress: Stress is a common cause of PGH. Stressful events such as the loss of a loved one, a job change or a major illness can be some causes. 
• Nutritional deficiencies: nutritional deficiencies, especially in vitamins B12 and D, can contribute to premature greying of hair. 
• Smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to premature greying. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage hair follicles and lead to greying. 
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and vitiligo, can also cause early greying. 

• Environment: Exposure to pollution, toxins and chemicals can also contribute to premature hair greying. 

Lifestyle and nutrition 

While genetics are the primary cause of premature hair greying, environmental factors such as deficiencies in calcium, vitamins B12 and D3 may also contribute to it, as was found in a 2016 research titled Factors Associated with Premature Hair Greying in a Young Indian Population. Sedentary lifestyle, infrequent eating, and low levels of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) are all linked to it, as are low levels of serum ferritin, which causes grey hair.  

Premature greying can be prevented with a good diet and active lifestyle. The rate at which one’s hair turns grey can be slowed with a healthy, balanced diet high in nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin. 

 Hair mirrors people’s diet, according to Chennai based Shuchita Gupta, nutritionist and wellness coach. Shortages of some vitamins and minerals may cause early greying. 

She recommends eating a healthy, vitamin- and mineral-rich diet, getting regular exercise, limiting smoking and consumption of alcohol, and protecting the hair from being damaged by the elements. 

Premature greying has also been related to several lifestyle variables, such as stress, smoking, poor nutrition, and environmental pollutants. “While there is no sure-shot way to prevent premature greying, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk,” adds Gupta.  

She notes that using natural hair dyes like henna and indigo might be good for the hair’s health. A simple way of preventing further damage to the hair is by oiling it regularly and staying away from damaging substances. Greying can become faster if one ignores underlying health issues such thyroid disorders, hypertension and polycystic ovary syndrome.  

How to tackle early greying 

Eat a healthy and balanced diet: Consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins B12 and D. Include leafy greens, nuts, fish, and fortified cereals in the diet. 

Manage stress: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Plan your day in advance and separate personal and professional time to reduce stress levels. 

Avoid smoking: Avoid smoking or exposing yourself to second-hand smoke as it contributes to premature greying.

Protect hair from environmental damage: Shield your hair from pollutants and toxins by wearing a hat or scarf when exposed to pollution or harsh environmental conditions. 

Use hair care products that promote hair health: Choose gentle and nourishing hair care products that support hair health. Avoid harsh chemicals or dyes that can harm hair follicles. 

Consider supplements: If you have a vitamin deficiency that may lead to premature hair greying, consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements. Regular blood tests can help you monitor your internal health. 

Tips & tricks 

Singh suggests some tips to deal with premature greying of the hair: 

• Use hair dyes or henna to cover grey hair. 
• Avoid harsh hair treatments such as bleaching or excessive heat styling. 
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health. 

• Use haircare products made for grey hair, such as moisturising shampoos and conditioners that prevent yellowing. 
• Accept your natural hair colour. 

According to Dr Reddy, individuals can choose between colouring their hair with dyes; or use natural options such as henna. The third one is to embrace the natural salt-and-pepper look.