It is normal for hair color to change, as people age.
But white hair can appear at almost any time in life. Even teenagers and people in their 20s may notice strands of white hair.
Why does white hair appear?
There can be many causes besides age that result in a person’s hair turning white. The following factors may play a role in graying:
- Vitamin deficiencies. Any deficiencies of vitamin B-6, B-12, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin E can contribute to premature graying. One 2015 study reports that nutritional deficiencies affect pigmentation, suggesting color can return with vitamin supplementation;
- Genetics. Premature graying of a person’s hair is largely connected to genetics;
- Stress. Oxidative stress in the body may play a part when the process happens prematurely. Oxidative stress causes imbalances when antioxidants are not enough to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals. The stress of life also contributes to the appearance of grayness;
- Certain medical conditions. Some medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, may increase a person’s risk for graying early;
- Smoking.
- Chemical hair dyes and hair products. Chemical hair dyes and hair products, even shampoos, can contribute to premature hair graying. Many of these products contain harmful ingredients that decrease melanin.
Prevention and reversing premature gray hair.
If genetics or aging is the cause, nothing can prevent or reverse the process.
When diet and vitamin deficiencies are the cause of prematurely white hair, correcting these may reverse the problem or stop it from worsening.
A diet rich in antioxidants (fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea, olive oil, fish) can reduce oxidative stress.
Anyone who has white hair resulting from a vitamin deficiency should consume more foods loaded with those vitamins, for example: seafood, eggs, meats, milk and cheese.
It is also recommended to consult an endocrinologist, who will prescribe an adequate dose of the vitamin based on the response to the appropriate laboratory analysis.
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