Premature graying of hair before age 30 can be caused by stress, poor diet, excessive smoking or living environment.
Hair typically starts to turn grey around the age of 30 as the melanocytes slow down and produce less melanin (the pigment that gives hair its colour). However, some people experience grey hair earlier than usual. Here are some factors that can lead to this condition.
Stress
Symptoms of stress such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, high blood pressure, and changes in appetite can reduce stem cells in hair follicles, leading to premature graying. Stress also triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which interferes with melanin production, causing hair to lose its natural color and turn gray prematurely.
Lack of nutrients
Diets low in ferritin, calcium, and vitamin D3 all affect hair. Scientists have also found that low levels of copper, zinc, and iron contribute to the condition.
Vitamin B12 deficiency also causes premature graying of hair. This deficiency can easily lead to pernicious anemia. When this happens, the body cannot absorb the vitamin, healthy blood cells are not produced and cause a lack of oxygen in the cells, affecting melanin production.
Premature gray hair can appear in the 20s and 30s. Photo: Freepik
Hereditary
According to research from University College London (UK) and the University of Oviedo (Spain), turning gray hair can be caused by the gene IRF4. This gene is involved in regulating the production and storage of melanin, the pigment that determines hair, skin and eye color. The study published in 2016 used data from DNA samples of more than 6,000 people in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
If your parents had premature gray hair, you are at higher risk of having the same problem. Certain genetic conditions can also lead to premature gray hair.
Smoking
According to a 2013 study by the University of Jordan (USA), smoking habits and gray hair before the age of 30 are closely related. The study was published in 2013 with more than 200 participants.
Scientists explain that hair color depends on the melanin pigment produced by melanocytes. Smoking can create a large amount of reactive oxygen species leading to increased oxidative stress, damaging melanin-producing cells. Toxins in cigarettes also damage hair follicles, causing premature graying.
Living environment
Pollution and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can create oxidative stress, which is linked to various forms of aging. This can lead to a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles and cause greying.
Prolonged exposure to chemicals in hair products and harsh hair treatments can damage hair follicles. Over time, this disrupts melanin production, leading to graying of hair.
Huyen My (According to The Guardian, Health.com )
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