Most people start noticing their first gray hairs in their 30s—although some may find them in their late 20s. This period, when graying has just begun, is probably when the process is most reversible, according to Paus.
Vitamin or mineral deficiency — Any deficiencies of vitamin B-6, B-12, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin E can contribute to prematurely going gray. Similarly, deficiencies in minerals like calcium, copper, iron, protein and zinc can also contribute to graying hair earlier than usual.
Typically, white people start going gray in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and African-Americans in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50.
The odds of premature graying depend on how your hair follicles produce melanin. Sometimes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and other lifestyle factors can halt melanin production. Once these issues are reversed, melanin may be restored.
It can be a shock to find your first gray hairs on your head, especially if you're only in your 20s. But women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says a few gray hairs is perfectly normal, even for women in their late 20s and early 30s. However, stress, genetics and other factors can play a role.
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.
Premature graying of a person's hair is largely connected to genetics, according to a 2013 report in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. Race and ethnicity play roles, as well.
Genetics: It's all in genetics, say doctors. According to studies, premature greying happens due to genetics. Talk to your parents or even grandparents on when they first spotted their grey hair. If they had it very early in their age, chances are there you too will do the same.
Does going gray earlier mean I'm aging more quickly? Silvery strands are one of the more conspicuous signs of aging. That said, getting gray hair doesn't necessarily mean that you're closer to the end of your life span than anyone else your age.
Kraleti doesn't recommend plucking or pulling the hairs out. “If there is a gray hair you must get rid of, very carefully cut it off. Plucking can traumatize the hair follicle, and repeated trauma to any follicle can cause infection, scar formation or possibly lead to bald patches.”
Melanin doesn't produce at the same rate forever. As you get older, your hair follicles make less of it, which leads to less color and, eventually, graying hair. Another reason your hair may turn gray is related to its chemical processes. The cells in your hair naturally produce a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.
Alopecia and grey hair are associated with COVID-19 Severity.
There's a lot of misinformation about gaining back your natural hair color once it's started turning gray or white. While certain nutrient deficits and health conditions may spawn premature gray hairs, it's impossible to restore your natural hair color if your grays are genetic or due to natural aging.
You have a medical condition
In rare cases, premature graying may be triggered by health issues like thyroid disease or problems with the pituitary glands. Autoimmune diseases that attack the skin and hair, such as alopecia or vitiligo, can also cause grays.
Though, ageing is the primary reason of grey hair but premature greying of hair in early 20's or 30's is now common. Genetic factors, stress, lack of nutrition, chemicals, smoking or any underlying disease like anemia can also lead to premature greying of hair.
"Some autoimmune and genetic conditions are linked to premature graying," Benabio says. Check with a doctor to make sure you don't have a thyroid disorder; vitiligo, which causes areas of the skin and hair to become white; or anemia.
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, medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.
Just look at Salma Hayek. The hair we all once used to try to cover with dye is a singular statement of personal independence, and a way to stand out from the crowd.
Gray hairs before the age of 30 are normal.
“It's not unusual to have a few gray hairs even if you're 18 or 20,” says Cotsarelis, noting that a gray hair occurs when the follicle stops producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.
It's normal for hair color to change, as people age and grows older. Grey hair can appear at almost any time in life, even if you are young. Even teenagers and people in their 20s may notice strands of white hair.
Genetics
The most common cause of premature greying of hair in children is genetics. Simply put, if the parents or grandparents had a similar problem of premature greying of hair in their childhood, the children will also be at a higher risk of this condition.
Although this may seem like a permanent change, new research reveals that the graying process can be undone—at least temporarily. Hints that gray hairs could spontaneously regain color have existed as isolated case studies within the scientific literature for decades.
People can get gray hair at any age. Some people go gray at a young age — as early as when they are in high school or college — whereas others may be in their 30s or 40s before they see that first gray hair.
Lack of proper sleep and stress are main reason of premature greying of hairs. Such lifestyle increases the ageing process which in turn may affect the hair growth, volume and overall health.