We all have that moment – when we spot our first grey hair. While some people may find it okay to spot the grey, for most, it is a time of much contemplation over what could have suddenly happened to bring about that much-dreaded sign of ageing. There was a time when grey hair was related directly to one’s age and treated as a sign of ageing. These would appear typically around the 40s, and in some cases, even later. But today, the picture is quite different. While most people spot their first grey around their late 20s or early 30s, there are some cases where white hair is seen as early as in the teens. Going by the trend, you’re lucky if you have hit the mid-30s and still have only one or two greys. Our hair follicles generate a pigment called melanin, that’s responsible for giving our hair the colour it naturally has. The higher melanin content your hair follicles will generate, the darker your hair colour will be. And similarly, the lower the melanin content generated by your hair follicles, the lighter your hair will be, or, in other words, will turn into grey. When the melanin count decreases significantly at an early age, premature greying of hair is experienced.
Causes of premature greying of hair:
There are various causes that can lead to greying of hair. Here are the major causes that result in those grey strands:
1. Genetics: Yes, this is one thing you can certainly blame on your parents, and they, in turn, can most likely blame it on theirs. It is scientifically proven that premature greying of hair is mostly genetic in nature. So if your parents experienced the same issues and spotted their greys early, chances are, you will do the same as well.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Another important reason that leads to premature greying is the deficiency of Vitamin B12. The absence or lack of this vitamin allows the greying process to happen faster and earlier. Because of this, the grey hair begins showing up at a much younger age than would otherwise have happened.
3. Thyroid problems and health issues: If you have been diagnosed with any major illness or are suffering from some health issue over a prolonged period of time, then you can expect to see some premature greys. Also, people who suffer from thyroid tend to grey earlier.
4. Lack of nutrition: Being healthy is all about eating healthy and right. What you eat is what you will see, on your skin, on your hair and on your overall health. The right kind of diet will give you all the nutrients that your body needs to function properly. If you are fit and healthy, your hair too will show the signs. And this will also help in postponing the advent of the greys.
5. Stress / Hectic Lifestyle: This is not something that is entirely backed by science, but it is a known fact that the more amount of stress you have, the higher the chances of your health getting affected. Those who are prone to getting stressed or take unnecessary stress show signs of premature greying earlier than others of their age.
6. Smoking: If you have not been able to kick the butt yet, time to start thinking. Studies have proven that those who smoke stand a 4 times higher chance of facing premature greying than those who don’t. Each time we see a new hair it’s equally frustrating, isn’t it? Of course you can’t really help it if it’s happening due to genetics, or some medical issues. But for all the other causes, you can surely try and postpone the appearance of greys. Take care of yourself and stay happy.
