Vitamin deficiencies such as low iron, copper, b12, and hypothyroidism can lead to premature greying. Compelling evidence suggests that prolonged intense stress can cause premature greying.
"Poor diets that are low in iron, vitamin D and the complex of B vitamins can play a role in the process of hair turning grey," Eva tells us. And it's not just vitamin deficiencies that are culprit to causing grey hair.
"One study of premature greying in an 11-year-old, found that five months of iron supplementation reversed this case of premature greying." Further studies have suggested it could help brighten the skin, although more research is needed.
One of the most frequent causes of premature hair greying is a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Researchers have found that in persons whose hair has already begun to grey early, vitamin B-12 shortages frequently coexist with folic acid and biotin deficiencies.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that increasing vitamin B12 intake can reverse existing gray hair. Hair that has already lost its pigment is unlikely to regain its natural color.
It has long been thought that reversal of gray hair on a large scale is rare. However, a recent study reported that individual gray hair darkening is a common phenomenon, suggesting the possibility of large-scale reversal of gray hair.
You may develop hormonal imbalances, infertility issues and anaemia too. Finally, B12 deficiency hair loss manifests itself in greying or thinning hair. Although this is a symptom of a deficiency in B12, there is little evidence to suggest that increasing levels will restore hair growth.
The average age of onset of hair graying appears to be mid- to late forties; however, this varies with race, with the average age for Caucasians being mid-thirties, that for Asians being late thirties, and that for Africans being mid-forties.
There isn't a lot of medical data to back it up, but some research does show that magnesium deficiency may be behind some (not all) causes of gray hair. If this is the cause of your greying, then making sure your magnesium stores are optimal could stop or even reverse the greying of your hair.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
A new study shows that stress really can give you gray hair. Researchers found that the body's fight-or-flight response plays a key role in turning hair gray. Your hair color is determined by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Heavy amounts of iron will tint light-colored hair orange and cause dark hair to become darker with red highlights. Oxidized iron actually functions as an oxidizer in hair in much the same way that mild peroxide attacks the hair.
When you do not have enough iron, you may notice that you are tired and weak. People may tell you that you look pale or greyish, and the whites of your eyes can become blue-tinted.
Genetics and certain chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders like vitiligo, have also been linked with early grays, Dr. Taylor adds. And if you're wondering if there's anything you can do to regain your lost pigment: “In short, probably not,” according to Dr. Taylor.
Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.
While greying is often a natural part of ageing, it can sometimes signify underlying health issues such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders. Your doctor can conduct necessary tests to identify any potential medical conditions and provide personalised guidance.
That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.
It's not possible to reverse or treat gray hair.
There's no hard-and-fast rule about when (or if!) you should stop coloring your hair and go gray; it's ultimately a personal choice.
Melanin is what gives your hair (and skin) its natural color. People of African descent, Thai, and Chinese people, go grey more slowly.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.