Between the age of 30 and 50, people’s hair gradually becomes grayer. While this may be an unpleasant process for many, it’s actually totally natural. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving your hair color. Over time, less melanin is produced in the hair follicle, meaning your hair appears increasingly gray. But what if you’re finding gray hairs when you’re still only in your twenties?
The following factors could be the reason why your hair is turning gray earlier than it should be…
1. Illnesses
Gray hair may be a sign that you’re having trouble with your endocrine glands or thyroid. Autoimmune illnesses, cancer or acute infections with a fever can also cause damage to your hair cells.
2. Lack of vitamin B12
Gray hair at a young age could also indicate that you’re not getting enough vitamin B12 in your diet. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk. That’s why vegans should try to find another source of vitamin B12, e.g. through supplements. Once there’s no longer a deficiency, your hair should start growing in its original color again.
3. Nicotine consumption
Smoking doesn’t just damage your health and skin — it can also cause your hair to turn gray in your twenties. This has been supported by several clinical studies, which show that smoking damages the hair follicle in such a way that it only produces gray hair.
4. Stress
A study conducted by New York University in 2013 has shown that extreme stress can lead to the stem cells in the hair follicles becoming fatigued, resulting in gray hair at a young age. That’s why you need to take a proactive approach to tackling the issues that are causing you stress. It may be worth trying measures such as progressive muscle relaxation to help you beat the stress.
5. Medication
Some types of medication used to treat malaria or autoimmune illnesses contain hydroxychloroquine. A side effect of this chemical is graying hair. Once you stop using the medication, your natural hair color should return.
6. Genetics
If your parents or grandparents were “blessed” with gray hair at a young age, it’s fairly likely that you’ll experience a similar fate. Unfortunately, there’s little you can do about your genes, but stress can cause grayness to happen even sooner.
7. Poor diet
There have been many discussion regarding how certain foods can cause gray hair at an earlier stage. Some studies have shown that sugar inhibits the function of vitamin E, which is key to healthy hair growth. In addition, it’s also suspected that sugar prevents the body from absorbing proteins, vitamins, and minerals as efficiently — all important components for healthy and strong hair. However, too much animal can lead to the build up of uric acid. Research has shown that excess levels of uric acid can cause hair to go gray. On top of that, artificial coloring agents and sweeteners are also known to lead to graying hair.
What can you do to combat gray hair?
If your hair doesn’t go back to its original color after taking these measures, you might want to give our onion treatment a try. First, blend two onions in a mixer and pour out the juice. Next, massage the onion juice into your scalp and leave it for one hour. The onion juice should stimulate melanin production. You can also simply dye your hair for the color you want.
There’s no need to feel ashamed as sooner or later everyone’s hair turns gray. In fact, gray hair has been en vogue over the past few years, even among younger people. So there’s one reason to be proud of your silver mane! :-)