White Hair at Young Age: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

Noticing white hair at an early age, in your early twenties or thirties, can be surprising. While grey hair is commonly associated with ageing, it's not unusual to see it appear in younger individuals. Several factors, including genetics and lifestyle decisions, can contribute to premature grey hair or the early onset of white hair.

In this blog, we will understand what causes white hair at an early age, how you can prevent it, and how hair treatments at Dr Batra’s® can manage this condition effectively.

Why Does Hair Start Turning White at an Early Age?

Hair turns white or grey when melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour, decreases or stops being produced. Melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, are present in hair follicles and give your hair its natural colour—black, brown, blonde, or red. As the production of melanin reduces over time, hair begins to turn grey or white.

For most people, this happens as part of the natural ageing process. However, when white hair appears at an early age, it’s often due to other factors.  This phenomenon isn't limited to scalp hair; many may wonder, "What causes beard hair to turn white?" as well. Let’s explore some of the common reasons behind this.

Genetic factors

One of the most significant reasons for premature greying is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had white or grey hair at an early age, there’s a good chance you’ll experience the same. This inherited trait can cause your hair to lose its pigment earlier than usual, sometimes even in your teenage years.

At such a stage, nothing outside can reverse or halt the greying process. It just happens because that is how your body grows or develops according to your genetic code.

Oxidative stress and free radicals

Another major factor behind premature white or grey hair is oxidative stress. This happens when free radicals in your body, unstable molecules produced by environmental pollution, stress, and unhealthy diets start damaging cells, including those responsible for hair pigmentation. When oxidative stress overwhelms the body’s ability to neutralise these free radicals, it can quicken the greying process. Fruits, vegetables, and a well-balanced diet may help fight those free radicals and may delay the whitening of hair.

Autoimmune conditions

Certain autoimmune conditions can cause the body’s immune system to attack its own cells, including melanocytes.

• For instance, vitiligo is a condition where patches of skin lose pigment, and it can also affect hair follicles, leading to premature greying.
• Another autoimmune disease, alopecia areata, can cause hair to fall out, and when it grows back, it may be white or grey.

Get Alopecia Areata Treatment in UAE at Dr. Batra’s

While these diseases are not extremely common, they can lead to white hair at a young age.

Lifestyle factors

Modern lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and stress are also known to speed up the greying process.

• Smoking, for example, reduces the flow of oxygen to hair follicles, damaging melanin-producing cells.
• Stress, particularly chronic stress, is often blamed for greying, although more research is needed to fully understand this connection.
• A diet lacking essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and E can also lead to premature greying, as these nutrients play a role in maintaining healthy hair.

Chemical Exposure

Many young individuals might wonder, "What causes a teenager to get grey hair?" One significant factor is the frequent use of hair-dyeing chemicals, shampoos, and other hair care products. These can damage hair follicles and disrupt melanin production, leading to premature grey hair.

Commercial hair products often contain sulphates, parabens, and other harsh ingredients that can irritate the scalp and cause long-term damage, contributing to the early appearance of white hair.

Average Age and Early Onset of Grey Hair

In the UAE’s diverse population, the onset of grey hair varies by ethnicity, with Caucasians greying in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and Africans in their mid-40s. Factors like UV exposure and smoking can accelerate greying. However, grey hair is increasingly embraced as a fashion statement, reflecting global trends. In the UAE, this shift represents a growing acceptance of natural beauty and individuality across all age groups.

Can You Stop Premature Greying?

At present, there is no definitive way to completely stop or reverse premature greying, especially when caused by genetics. However, managing lifestyle factors and ensuring proper nutrition can slow the process. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, avoiding smoking, and managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can help maintain healthy hair. Additionally, regular checkups can help detect any underlying health issues that may be contributing to premature greying.

How to Manage and Colour White Hair?

If you’re uncomfortable with premature grey hair at a young age, there are several ways to manage it. Natural hair dyes made from plant-based ingredients can offer a gentle way to colour white hair without harsh chemicals. Chemical-based hair dyes are also available but may cause damage to the hair shaft over time. Regularly conditioning your hair and using sulphate-free shampoos can help keep it healthy and prevent further damage from the colouring process.

Myths and Facts About White Hair

Premature greying has always been surrounded by myths. Let’s debunk a few common misconceptions.

Can Hair Turn White Overnight?

It’s a popular myth that hair can turn white overnight due to extreme stress or shock. However, medically, this is impossible. Hair that has already grown out of your scalp cannot change colour. What can occur is a condition called alopecia areata, where pigmented hair falls out suddenly, leaving only white or grey hair behind. This might create the illusion of hair turning white overnight and often leads young individuals to wonder, "What causes a teenager to get grey hair so suddenly?" Factors discussed above can contribute to premature greying, but these changes happen gradually rather than instantaneously.

Plucking White Hairs: Myths vs. Reality?

Another common myth is that plucking one white hair will cause more to grow in its place. In reality, plucking does not affect the number of white hairs you get. Each hair follicle is independent, and the colour of the hair depends on the melanocyte cells within that follicle. That being said, plucking hair regularly can damage the follicle and may lead to hair thinning or loss.

Can White Hair Turn Black Again?

Once a hair follicle stops producing melanin, it cannot start producing it again, meaning that once hair turns white, it cannot naturally turn black. However, maintaining a healthy diet and addressing any deficiencies can slow down the rate of greying and may help you retain your natural hair colour for longer.

Does stress make a person go grey quicker?

Yes, stress can contribute to premature greying. It increases free radicals in the body, leading to oxidative stress that damages melanin-producing cells. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or exercise might help delay grey hair.

Homeopathic Treatments for Premature White Hair

Homeopathy offers several remedies that aim to slow down or stop premature greying by addressing underlying imbalances in the body. Commonly used homoeopathic medicines include Phosphoric acid, Lycopodium, and Vinca minor. These treatments are customised based on an individual’s specific symptoms and overall health, aiming to restore balance and improve hair health. Consulting a qualified homeopathic doctor is crucial for identifying the correct remedy for your case.

Dr Batra’s® Clinic specialises in homeopathic treatments for hair problems, including white hair at an early age. With a combination of advanced technology and homeopathy, the clinic provides personalized treatments based on individual needs, helping manage early white hair more effectively.

Conclusion

Premature white hair can be distressing, but understanding its causes helps in managing it effectively. At Dr Batra’s® Clinic, we offer specialized homeopathic treatments to address premature greying, combining advanced technology with personalized care. By focusing on overall health and exploring tailored remedies, you can promote healthier hair and slow down the greying process. Whether you choose to embrace or manage your white hair, our expertise ensures that your hair remains vibrant and well cared for.

FAQs