Early White Hair: Myths, Facts, Causes and Prevention Tips

Introduction

Are you noticing strands of white hair while you’re still young? While it might be startling, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. White hair at an early age isn’t always a reflection of your health condition but a combination of  factors. So, let’s dive into understanding this common yet often misunderstood issue.

Understanding the Reason of Early White Hair

The primary cause of white hair is a decrease in melanin production. This pigment is responsible for giving your hair its colour. When your hair follicles stop producing melanin, the result is colourless or ‘white’ hair.

The Causes of Early White Hair at a Young Age Include:

• Genetics: If your parents or grandparents started greying at an early age, you might too. Genetics significantly influence when and how extensively we develop white hair.
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to many health problems, including early white hair. Some studies show  that stress affects the body’s capacity to produce melanin.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Certain conditions like alopecia areata and vitiligo cause the immune system to attack pigment cells in hair follicles, leading to white hair.
• Thyroid Disorders: Malfunctioning thyroid glands, whether due to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can affect melanin production and contribute to premature greying.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins like vitamins B12, B9, and D can result in pigment loss from your hair. Vitamin B12 is particularly crucial for healthy hair growth and colour.
• Smoking: Your smoking habit can lead to early white hair. The toxins in cigarettes can damage the hair follicles and reduce blood flow, both contributing to pigment loss.
• Oxidative Stress: When there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, it leads to oxidative stress. This condition can harm cells responsible for hair pigmentation and cause premature greying.

Also Read: Top Foods Rich in Vitamin B12

Common Myths About Early White Hair

Here are the common myths about early white hair to consider:

Myth 1: White Hair is Always a Sign of Old Age

While greying is a natural part of the ageing process, not all white hair is due to ageing. Young individuals can develop white hair due to genetics, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions. Age is just one factor in a broader picture. 

Myth 2: Plucking One White Hair Causes More to Grow

It’s a common belief that if you pluck one white hair, more will grow back in its place. This is not true. When you pluck a hair from your scalp, it does not influence the colour of the hair that will eventually replace it. Plucking might harm the hair follicle and possibly prevent new growth altogether, but it won’t cause an increase in white hairs.

Myth 3: Stress is the Main Cause of White Hair

You might have heard that stress is what causes white hair at an early age. But is it true? While stress can indeed contribute to various health problems, including those related to hair, it isn’t the main cause of white hair. Stress-induced conditions like telogen effluvium could lead to shedding of pigmented hairs, making white hairs more visible. However, this doesn’t mean stress changes your hair colour overnight. Genetic and biological factors remain the primary causes of white hair.

Myth 4: White Hair Cannot Be Reversed

The final myth we’re busting today is the widely believed notion that once your hair has turned white, there’s no going back. However, this isn’t always the case. The truth is, while genetics play a significant role in hair colour, certain cases of white hair may be reversible. For instance, if the underlying cause is vitamin deficiency or thyroid disorders, then treating these conditions could potentially restore hair pigmentation. However, keep in mind that everyone’s body responds differently to treatment and there are no guaranteed results.

Facts About Early White Hair

Here are some of the facts about early white hair that you need to be aware of:

Fact 1: Genetics Play a Major Role

One key reason for white hair at an early age is your genetic makeup. Genetics play a crucial role in determining when and how rapidly you might start developing white hair. Scientific research has recognised certain genes, such as the IRF4 gene, which are involved in greying of hair. This particular gene is responsible for controlling melanin production – an essential pigment for maintaining our hair colour. If your family has a history of people developing white hair at a young age, there’s a higher likelihood that you may also encounter the same white hair problem.

Fact 2: Medical Conditions Can Contribute

There’s also an array of medical conditions that can contribute to  white hair at an early age. Autoimmune diseases, like vitiligo and alopecia areata, can lead your immune system to mistakenly attack the pigment-producing cells present in your hair follicles. Similarly, thyroid disorders can interfere with your hormonal balance, which can affect your hair pigmentation. Diseases like pernicious anaemia, which emerges due to vitamin B12 deficiency, can also be underlying causes of early white hair.

Fact 3: Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, can lead to premature greying. Deficiency in vitaminB12, folate (B9), or vitamin D can lead to changes in hair colour. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair; if these nutrients are not consumed adequately, it can hasten the greying process.

Fact 4: Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices significantly impact overall hair health. Smoking, poor diet, and chronic stress can all accelerate ageing at a cellular level. Lack of physical activity and poor sleep habits may indirectly contribute to poor hair health, including pigmentation issues. 

Prevention and Management Tips

Here are key tips for preventing and managing early white hair while supporting overall well-being:

Tip 1: Maintain a Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet can help manage the white hair problem organically. Consuming food rich in  vitamins and antioxidants plays a crucial role in maintaining hair health. Try to include foods rich in the following vitamins and minerals in your diet:

• Vitamin B12: This is found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. 
• Folate (Vitamin B9): Leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals are excellent sources of this vitamin.
• Vitamin D: We can obtain this primarily from sunlight. It is also found in fatty fish and fortified foods.
• Antioxidants: Foods, such as berries, nuts, and green tea, are rich in antioxidants. They combat oxidative stress, which may cause white hair at an early age.

Tip 2: Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can disrupt overall health, including hair pigmentation. It is one of the  white hair causes at an early age. Consider incorporating these techniques into your daily routine:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practising mindfulness or meditation daily can help calm your mind.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost your mood and reduce stress levels.
• Hobbies: Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as reading or gardening, can help manage stress.

Tip 3: Regular Health Check-Ups

Routine health check-ups with your family doctor can help identify any underlying issues that could contribute to early greying of hair. Conditions, like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies, can be appropriately managed with timely diagnosis and treatment. Regular blood tests can also ensure that your nutrient levels are optimal.

Tip 4: Proper Hair Care

Good hair care practices can contribute significantly to maintaining the health and colour of your hair. Here are a few tips:

• Gentle Washing: Use a mild shampoo, and avoid over-washing your hair as it can strip it off its natural oils.
• Conditioning: Regularly moisturise your hair using a conditioner to keep it hydrated and manageable.
• Limit Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat styling tools can damage your hair and lead to premature greying.

Tip 5: Avoid Smoking

Smoking is a well-known cause of numerous health issues, including premature graying. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and may help slow down the graying process. Consider seeking support from healthcare professionals or groups if needed.

Also Read: Natural Hair Dye for Grey Hair

Conclusion

While early white hair is largely influenced by genetics, it’s not entirely beyond your control. Nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, stress, and poor lifestyle habits can all play a part in how early you begin to grey. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and staying on top of your health through regular check-ups, you may be able to slow down the onset of white hair and maintain healthy hair longer. Though you may not be able to reverse white hair entirely, proper care and awareness can go a long way in managing it gracefully. 

FAQs

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are on medication.

References

• Kumar, A., Shamim, H., & Nagaraju, U. (2018). Premature graying of hair: Review with updates. International Journal of Trichology, 10(5), 198. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_47_18
• Chakrabarty, S., Krishnappa, P., Gowda, D., & Hiremath, J. (2016). Factors associated with premature hair graying in a young Indian population. International Journal of Trichology, 8(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.179384
• Zayed, A., Shahait, A., Ayoub, M., & Yousef, A. M. (2013). Smokers′ hair: Does smoking cause premature hair graying? Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 90. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110586
• Jo, S. K., Lee, J. Y., Lee, Y., Kim, C. D., Lee, J.-H., & Lee, Y. H. (2018). Three Streams for the Mechanism of Hair Graying. Annals of Dermatology, 30(4), 397–401. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2018.30.4.397