Why am I getting grey hair in my beard?

Author: Mr. Cleveland Walker MD  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

Hair graying is presumably an aftermath of the entire and specific emptying of the bulb and in the outer root sheath melanocytes of human hair (49). When the reservoir of stem cells is depleted, the production of pigment ceases and the hairs turn gray.

What does grey hair in a beard mean?

White or grey hairs in beards, like in scalp hair, occur primarily due to the natural aging process and a decrease in melanin production. Here are some key factors contributing to this phenomenon: Melanin Production: Hair color is determined by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in hair follicles.

How do I stop my beard from turning grey?

What do I do When my Beard Starts Turning Grey?
  • Wash your hair with gentle beard-focused products.
  • Always hydrate after washing and additionally as needed.
  • Brush your whiskers day.

Is it OK to pluck grey beard hair?

Dr. 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.”

Is it possible to reverse grey hair in a beard?

  • Natural greying of hairs is a natural phenomenon which cannot be reversed.
  • There are some measures to prevent premature greying, however, the efficacy of such treatment is not very predictable and depends on the cause and extent.

Why Our Beards Go Gray at an Early Age

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.

Why do men's beards turn grey first?

Why do you get gray hairs in your beard before your head? Other than genetics, it could be because beard hair grows faster than head hair. 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.

What age does a beard turn 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.

What does Islam say about grey hair?

The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Do not pluck out grey hair. If any believer grows a grey hair in Islam, he will have light on the Day of Resurrection. (This is Sufyan's version). Yahya's version says: Allah will record on his behalf a good deed for it, and will blot out a sin for it.

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.

Is a grey beard attractive?

There's undeniable allure in rocking a naturally gray beard. It exudes a sense of maturity, wisdom, and charisma that only comes with time. Sporting your gray can be a bold statement of confidence and authenticity, showing the world that you're comfortable in your skin — or in this case, your facial hair.

Can stress make your beard gray?

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.

Does nicotine cause grey hair?

There is a significant increase in mean percent of individuals with gray hair in smokers, chewers and in individuals with the habit of smoking as well as chewing tobacco, when compared to their normal counterparts, indicating strong genetic damage of melanocytes secondary to free radicals released by tobacco.

How to stop grey in beard?

Here are a few things you can do to slow down grey hair:
  1. ✅ Protect Your Hair From the Sun:
  2. ✅ Boost Your Melanin Production:
  3. ✅ Treat Your Beard With a Grey-Busting Serum:
  4. ✅ Stop Smoking:
  5. ✅ Change Up Your Hair Products:
  6. ✅ Reduce Your Stress:

How to increase melanin in beard hair?

You can take a supplement that contains these vitamins or you can supercharge your diet with foods high in B12 and B6. Eating beetroot, sprouts, eggs, fish, cheese, soy and starchy vegetables are healthy ways you can increase melanin in your hair.

Why can't I grow a beard at 40?

Not being able to grow a beard is a hard feeling to grapple with, but there might be some science-based reasons for it. Genetics is usually the main reason, but it might also have to do with age, ethnicity, testosterone, underlying conditions like alopecia, diet, exercise, or stress.

What does the Bible say about grey hair?

Proverbs 16:31-33 New International Version (NIV)

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Which hair color is not allowed in Islam?

Dyeing hair with pure black dye is prohibited because the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: "Avoid black," and because of the threat of punishment reported with regard to this matter. This ruling applies to both men and women .

Is grey hair an indicator of health?

The vast majority of people with gray hair have age-related graying. However, sometimes graying hair indicates an illness, especially if it occurs at a particularly young age.

Why do I have GREY hair in my beard?

Just as there is a close relationship between diet and hair loss, a vitamin deficiency can lead to premature graying. Specifically, the B vitamins and minerals such as zinc or iron They are key to keeping the hair in the best conditions. In addition, these nutrients help the production of melanin.

Can B12 supplements reverse gray hair?

Q: Can Vitamin B12 prevent gray hair? A: While there is no conclusive evidence that Vitamin B12 can reverse grey hair, it may help prevent premature greying by supporting overall hair health. Adequate levels of Vitamin B12 contribute to healthy hair growth and may help maintain hair color.

How long from first grey hair to full grey?

Redway recommends “reducing heat styling and protecting hair as it can alter the color and texture as well as try to avoid chlorine in water as it can tint your color,” she says. How long does it take from the first gray hair to going full gray? “On average between five and 10 years,” says Onuoha.

Does stress cause grey 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.

Can I reverse a grey beard?

If the cause of greying is genetic, it is not possible to reverse the process, no matter what some marketers on the internet claim. In case of nutritional deficiencies and underlying medical conditions, you can gradually slow down or even reverse the process.

Where do men get grey hair first?

The incidence and age of onset of hair graying appear to be similar for both men and women, although there are differences in the pattern of color change (i.e., beginning in the temporal area in men vs. the frontal area in women).

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