Why Am I Prematurely Graying?

1. Genetics
2. Vitamin Deficiencies
3. Certain Medical Conditions
4. Oxidative Stress
5. Smoking

It is a natural phenomenon for a person’s hair color to change. Even at an early age you may notice a strand or two of gray hairs. You may wonder why your hair is more gray than black at your age, and why other people your age have no gray to show.

One of following might be the reason why you are prematurely graying:

Genetics

Graying of hair at an early age is largely connected to genetics. If your parents or grandparents grayed at an early age, you will probably gray prematurely. 

Premature graying in Caucasians can start as early as 20 years old, while a person can be as young as 25 years old among Asians, or 30 years in African-American populations, according to a 2013 report in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Insufficient supply of B-6, B-12, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin E in your body can lead to premature graying. Poor nutrition is thought to affect the production of Melanin. When your body stops generating Melanin, your hair becomes gray or white.

Certain Medical Conditions

A person with an autoimmune disease has an increased chances of graying early. This is due to melanin deficiency. There was even a research in 2008 that showed a connection between hair abnormalities and thyroid dysfunction.

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Excessive free radicals and fewer antioxidants may cause cell damage, thus leading to aging and disease. Too much oxidative stress can further the development of diseases, such as Vitiligo, a skin-pigment condition. 

Smoking

There has always been a link between premature white hair and smoking. Smoking compresses blood vessels causing a reduced blood flow to the hair follicles. Toxins from cigarettes can damage a large number of body parts including your hair.

At the end of the day, the color of your hair doesn’t define you. Gray, black, blond, red, natural or dyed, as long as you are healthy and you feel good about yourself, that is good enough!