Why do men's beards turn grey first?

Author: Morris Toy  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

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.

Why does your beard grey first?

The answer is simple, the beard hair grows faster. It seems strange, but going grey is the result of a depletion of pigments in your hair follicles. Since the hair on your face grows much faster than that on your head, the follicles that hold color are depleted much faster.

What age do men's beards 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.

Why do men get grey beards?

Apart from genetic or medical reasons,most of the times greying can be due to use of chemicals such as face care products,bleaches, some of the shaving gels or beard maintenace products,hair care products and Also, perfumes, deos,etc (when sprayed can accumulate on beard hair and cause damage).

Why does hair turn gray around the face first?

However, as you get older, you produce lower amounts of catalase, which allows the hydrogen peroxide to build up. This buildup can damage the pigment-producing cells, leading to gray or white hairs. In women, graying usually begins right around the temples and then moves toward the top of the scalp.

Why Our Beards Go Gray at an Early Age

Where do men go grey first?

The researchers took a stab at the pattern of graying over time: In surveys, about 60 percent of men reported that grays first appeared at the temples, whereas women reported graying generally starting at the front of the head.

Can B12 reverse 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 you reverse 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.

Should I pluck gray beard hair?

No, most experts agree that pulling out gray hair is an impulse best avoided. Though plucking white hairs may seem like a quick and easy solution to your haircare woes, repeated plucking can damage the hair follicle and potentially cause the hair to thin.

Do gray beards make men look older?

Plenty of other factors will affect the way your beard (and age) is perceived, here are a few for example… Beard Color: Noticeably, the man with grey in his beard looks far older than the same man with a fully-colored beard. This is obvious, as the connotations of a grey beard come with age.

At what age does pubic hair turn white?

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.

Why are white beard hairs thicker?

A common realisation after developing grey hairs is that these new grey or white locks feel a lot thicker than before. When your hair stops producing melanin as it did before, the new hair will naturally grow coarser and potentially more brittle.

What is the average age men go grey?

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.

Which vitamin deficiency causes grey beard?

Vitamin deficiencies

Any deficiencies of vitamin B9, B12, biotin, or vitamin D can contribute to premature graying. One 2018 review notes various deficiency studies on vitamin D3, vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and calcium and their connection to graying hair.

How do I stop my beard from turning grey?

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:

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.

How long does beard dye last?

Dyeing your beard with a permanent dye can last for as long as 4-6 weeks, though some color from new growth will be visible by then. Semi-permanent dyes usually last 2-3 weeks, during which the color gets weaker after each wash.

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 vitamin B12 stop gray hair?

A review of research suggests that proper supplementation may reverse premature graying in those who are deficient in certain nutrients, including iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

How to boost melanin production in hair?

The following are a few factors:
  1. Reduce stress. Chronic stress has a direct impact on hair, so it makes sense to find ways to keep your stress levels in check. ...
  2. Sun protection. Some studies indicate that excessive sun exposure can damage the hair and hinder melanin production. ...
  3. Quality sleep.

How can I darken my grey beard naturally?

Natural methods like henna, coffee, and black tea are excellent alternatives for dyeing your beard without the use of harsh chemicals. These options not only help you achieve a darker look but also nourish your beard, making it healthier and shinier.

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.

What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is turning grey?

Context: Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG.

Which fruits have B12?

A good source of B12, such as an apple, banana, blueberry, or eggs, should be added to improve B12 levels over time. However, for short term improvements in your levels you should start with medication.

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