There is an elderly saying that grey hair is a crown of wisdom and a legacy spun. It is often associated with ageing; it is normal to have as people age. Thus, it does not have to be something to dread. On average, an individual starts having grey hair in their 30s. Although the average age also depends upon ethnicity and race.
However, grey hair can be a matter of concern when it starts to occur at an early age. If you are experiencing grey hair in your 20s, then its not just grey hair; its called premature grey hair! In this era, the number of individuals in their 20s starts having premature grey hair.
If this is something that you are so worked up about? You have landed on the right page! Continue reading and learn about “what premature grey hair is” and its causes, treatments, and prevention with the expert insights from a renowned hair loss doctor in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic.
What is Premature Grey Hair?
Premature grey hair is a cosmetic and dermatological concern. It can be described as the greying or whitening of the hair before the average or estimated age for grey hair. The medical term for premature grey hair is premature canities, affecting individuals in their teenage years or 20s.
Generally, hair greying is caused when our hair follicles stop producing enough melanin pigments. Melanin pigments are responsible for the colour of our hair. Now, the ability to produce melanin by hair follicles can be diminished as we age. This is because the melanocytes cells (responsible for producing melanin) become dysfunctional or lost.
Causes of Premature Grey Hair
The study suggests there are many reasons for premature hair greying, apart from just age. Thus, there are multiple reasons behind premature hair greying. The leading premature greying causes are further mentioned below:
- Genetic or Family History: People who have premature greying running in their families have a high chance of experiencing the same due to their genetic makeup. Their genes control the life span of melanocytes in their hair and dictate when the normal functioning of these melanocytes will halt or become dysfunctional.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Apart from genetics, nutritional deficiencies can also be a prominent cause of premature hair greying. This is because some essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, and proteins influence the ability of hair follicles to produce melanin pigments. Thus, deficiency of these nutrients could effect the natural hair colour, leading to the onset of premature hair greying.
- Stress: Cortisol is a stress hormone and responsible for impacting the natural hair color by reducing melanin production. This usually happens when these hormones adversely spike.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism or autoimmune conditions like vitiligo are the known cause of premature hair greying. Patients suffering from hypothyroidism tend to have low levels of thyroid hormone, affecting the normal functioning of melanocytes in the hair. Whereas, in the case of vitiligo, the immune system starts to attack the melanocytes present in the hair follicles, resulting in melanin loss and premature hair greying.
- Chemical Exposure: Exposure to harsh chemicals present in hair products can also damage hair follicles and lead to premature hair greying.
- Alcohol consumption, or smoking: Excessive alcohol intake or smoking can be associated with premature hair greying. This is because chemicals present in alcohol or smoking substances give the body an oxidative stress, disrupting the ageing of tissues, decreasing melanin production and eventually causing premature hair greying.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors like polluted air, water, UV rays from the sun, or free radicals can lead to oxidative stress. This damages the hair follicles, disrupts the production of melanin pigments, and results in premature hair greying.
Premature Grey Hair Treatment Options
The treatment options, such as lifestyle changes or natural remedies, are worth trying, but sometimes they are not promising. Natural home remedies such as eating Indian gooseberry, curry leaves, black tea, etc. Lifestyle changes such as stress management, having a nutritious diet, avoiding or limiting smoking and alcohol intake, and having a proper schedule can be an effective treatment, but again, it cannot be promising.
If you are looking for premature grey hair treatment in Hyderabad, then Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic is the best choice for you. The clinic leverages advanced technologies and medications to provide effective and best possible treatment for your grey hair.
Can Premature Grey Hair Be Cured?
The curing of grey hair depends upon what’s causing your hair strands to be grey. If the cause of the concern is genetics, then there is no cure. However, if stress, nutritional deficiencies, or an unhealthy lifestyle is causing grey hair, then it is curable with the right treatment plan.
Preventing Premature Grey Hair
Avoiding premature greying in the first place is better than thinking of premature grey hair treatment. Multiple things can be done for premature greying prevention. Here are some scientifically backed-up tips to keep premature grey hair at bay:
- Have a diet rich in antioxidants, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, copper, proteins, and calcium
- Regularly oil massage the hair roots to ensure hair follicles stay protected from dryness or oxidative stress.
- Protect the hair from environmental pollutants, chemicals/heat exposure, and UV radiation.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body and hair hydrated and moisturized
- Use hair products with organic ingredients; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Avoid excessive heat styling.
- Take professional advice for treating premature grey hair at an early stage.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
One should seek professional help for premature grey hair treatment if you are experiencing:
- Onset of a significant amount of grey hair
- A sudden increase in grey hair count within a short time
- Concern about underlying illness being the cause of premature grey hair
- Desire to timely receive premature grey hair treatment
Note: A dermatologist will review one’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, run some tests to identify the cause of premature greying, and suggest appropriate treatment.
Consult a Doctor for Grey Hair Treatment Today!
Although grey hair is normal with age, premature grey hair is not. Premature greying is a cosmetic concern with no potential complications. However, some studies suggest premature hair greying can lead to hair loss. Therefore, one must promptly seek a dermatologist\’s attention to identify the potential cause and address it at the earliest with an effective and personalised treatment plan today!
Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic is one of the top-rated clinics with dynamic technologies and expert hair doctors who offer the best premature grey hair treatment and tips on its prevention.
FAQs on Grey Hair Treatment
What Causes Premature Grey Hair?
Premature grey hair can be caused by genetic predisposition, nutrition deficiency, environmental factors, stress, an underlying medical condition, or an unhealthy lifestyle.
Can Premature Grey Hair Be Reversed?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support grey hair reversal, especially if it\’s genetic. Knowing the cause may help slow down the greying of hair or even reverse it, but only if it\’s induced by stress or nutritional deficiency.
What Treatments Are Available for Premature Grey Hair?
The treatments available for premature grey hair are oral medications such as minoxidil and supplements. Stree management can also be an effective treatment option for premature grey hair. But with advanced hair greying, the only effective option would be dyes and hair colours.
Does Stress Cause Premature Grey Hair?
Yes, stress can cause premature grey hair. This is because when you take stress, your body releases a stress hormone called cortisol. A high level of cortisol impacts the functioning of melanocytes in the hair, followed by reducing the level of melanin, resulting in grey hair.
Is Premature Grey Hair Linked to Health Issues?
Yes, certain health issues can cause premature grey hair. Such health issues are thyroid disorders, endocrine system disorders, autoimmune diseases, etc.
Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic is the best clinic for grey hair treatment in Hyderabad. From grey hair to hair loss, the clinic holds solutions to all types of scalp and hair issues. For more information, book your consultation today!
