What is the average age to go GREY?

Author: Serena Parisian  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Typically, White people start going gray in their mid-30s, Asian people in their late 30s, and Black people in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50. A White person is considered to be prematurely gray if their hair turns gray by age 20.

What is the normal age to grey?

Gray hair develops as melanocytes decrease in number, but exactly when those cells begin to wane differs for each individual. However, there are some general trends. According to the article, “graying typically begins in the mid-30s for Caucasians, the late-30s for Asians, and the mid-40s for Africans."

Can a 70 year old not have grey hair?

It is relatively uncommon for a 70-year-old to have little to no gray or white hair, as graying is a natural part of the aging process for most people. However, a few factors can contribute to this: Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in determining when and how much a person's hair turns gray.

Can grey hair be caused by stress?

Yes, stress can cause your hair to turn grey. This happens when oxidative stress damages hair follicles and stem cells and stops them producing melanin. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of too many damaging free radical chemicals and not enough protective antioxidant chemicals in the body.

Will I look older if I go gray?

Yes, on average, a person with gray hair looks 10 years older that they would otherwise. This is the main reason why there are many products in the market to dye gray hair, as society place a value on youth.

Age isn't the only reason why hair starts to go gray

How can I wear grey hair without looking old?

A more graduated haircut such as the 'lob' – a long bob that sits slightly beneath the jawline at the front – is a great alternative. “The subtle layers will frame the face, making it appear fuller.” Softer styling also creates a youthful effect.

What age does facial hair go grey?

Most guys start to sprout gray hairs in their 30's, though some won't start to go gray until their late 40's. It's a genetic crapshoot, so don't feel bad if you happen to notice your first gray hairs even earlier - like in your 20's. It's not just the hair on you head though. Your facial hair slowly turns gray too.

Can vitamin B12 stop gray hair?

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.

Can grey hair turn black again?

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.

How long does it take to go grey?

"On average it takes about 11 hair cycles for hair to start to turn grey, each hair cycle lasts about 3 years, so most people can expect to see some grey hair emerging by the time they are 33," agrees Eleonore.

At what age does pubic hair turn gray?

In some individuals, the change in color of pubic hair may occur around the age of fifty, but it can happen earlier or later, depending on individual genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors.

What nationality does not get gray hair?

Melanin is what gives your hair (and skin) its natural color. People of African descent, Thai, and Chinese people, go grey more slowly.

At what age do eyebrows turn grey?

Generally, people start seeing grey hairs appear around their forties and fifties, but some can experience greying as early as their twenties or thirties. Unfortunately, it is all down to genetics, so there's no way to predict when grey or white eyebrows will appear.

Do some people's hair never go grey?

More likely than not, at some point in your life, your hair will start to go gray. Some individuals can maintain hair color well into their older age, but most do not. Opinions about gray hair vary, but understanding why it happens can help change the narrative around gray hair. After all, it's a natural aging process.

How to reverse graying?

It's not possible to reverse or treat gray hair.

Does hair turn red before grey?

In fact, once a brown, black, red, or blonde hair strand starts growing, it will never change in color - unless you dye your hair, of course. As you get older, your hair follicles produce less melanin.

What food to eat to stop grey hair?

These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining healthy hair follicles and promoting melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair colour.
  • Berries. ...
  • Nuts and Seeds. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Whole Grains. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Greek Yoghurt. ...
  • Carrots.

Does stress cause gray hair?

Yes. Stress has been shown to speed up signs of aging — including gray hair. When you're stressed, your body has a fight-or-flight response and releases a hormone called norepinephrine. This causes the melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin — to move out of your hair follicles.

What is the average age to start getting GREY hair?

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.

What colors should you avoid with gray hair?

The Colors to Avoid with Gray Hair

Here are a few to steer clear of: Muddy Neutrals: Beige, taupe, and other muted tones can make your skin look washed out and ashy. Earthy Yellows and Oranges: These warm tones clash with the coolness of gray hair and can make your complexion look sallow.

Why is my gray hair turning black again?

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.

What are the negatives to taking B12?

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause:
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Tingling sensation in hands and feet.

At what age does facial hair look good?

Your mid-20s to 30s are often considered the golden years for beard growth. As a matter of fact, most men don't hit peak beard growth until their early to mid thirties. This is when testosterone, the hormone primarily responsible for facial hair growth, peaks.

Is grey hair thicker or thinner?

Gray hair is thinner than hair with natural color because its cuticle is thinner. Your hair needs that natural protection from water, ultraviolet rays from the sun, humidity, chemicals, and heat styling. Without that barrier, your hair loses water. So your gray will feel dry, fragile, and coarse.

What goes grey, first hair or beard?

The hair life cycle of your beard hair is shorter than your head hair. As a result, more melanocytes may be used at a faster rate. Another reason your beard hair appears gray faster than your head is visual. Your beard is front and center on your face, so you'll likely notice every gray hair growing.

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