Why do white hairs keep growing?

Author: Kameron Kassulke  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color — like gray, silver, or white — as it grows.

Why am I getting so many white hairs?

White hair is caused by a loss of pigmentation in the hair strand. This can happen due to aging, as the hair follicles produce less melanin over time. Other potential causes include medical conditions such as vitiligo or alopecia, and certain medications can also cause hair to turn white.

Is white hair caused by stress?

Many things can cause our hair to gray, including genetics and stress. The graying of hair most of the time is unrelated to stress, but it can worsen the graying.

Can white hair turn black again?

In most cases, once hair has turned grey or white, it cannot naturally return to its original color. This is because the melanocytes in the hair follicles stop producing melanin. While there are exceptions due to specific factors, regaining natural hair color without external intervention is rare.

Why do random white long hairs grow?

Androgens are male hormones, and when there are high amounts of the androgen testosterone, this can trigger hair growth in males in random places. In females longer, different colored, or random hairs may appear when there is a disrupted balance between their female hormones (estrogen) and testosterone.

REVERSE GRAY HAIR with these 3 Supplements!

Is it okay to pluck white 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.

How do I stop my white hair from growing?

However, treating certain health conditions can help prevent early white hairs in the first place.
  1. Have your thyroid checked.
  2. Get more B-12.
  3. Don't forget vitamins B-6, D, and E and biotin.
  4. Get your essential minerals.
  5. Combat oxidative stress through your diet.
  6. Stop smoking and try to limit stress.
  7. Be nicer to your hair.

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.

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.

Does lack of sleep cause white hair?

Disrupted sleep patterns can disturb melatonin production, affecting the balance of melanin in the hair follicles. Inflammatory Response: Poor sleep can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, potentially affecting the hair follicles and contributing to greying.

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.

What is the average age to go grey?

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.

Can hair turn white from stress?

Stress can cause hair to gray prematurely by affecting the stem cells that are responsible for regenerating hair pigment. The findings give insights for future research into how stress affects stem cells and tissue regeneration.

How much white hair is normal?

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.

How to get back melanin in hair?

Vitamin A, C and B12 are the most needed vitamins to increase the melanin production in your hair. Add citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, pineapple, and melon to your diet. Also eat vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beans, etc. Non vegetarians can try adding red meat, chicken liver, fish, and eggs to their diet.

What race has the thickest hair?

Asian hair is the thickest, with a larger diameter of about 70 µm. Caucasian hair has an average diameter of 65 µm, and African hair is the finest, with a diameter of 55 µm. The cross-section of Asian hair is the most round and uniform, Caucasian hair has an elliptical shape, and African hair has a flattened shape.

Which ethnicity ages the slower?

Results: Findings indicated that non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics have accelerated aging, and non-Hispanic Whites have decelerated aging. Racial/ethnic differences were strongly tied to educational attainment. We also observed a significant difference by birthplace for Hispanics.

Does caffeine cause gray hair?

While moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe, excessive intake may negatively impact hair health. Potential Effects of Caffeine on Hair 1. Hormonal Imbalance: Caffeine can disrupt hormonal balances, particularly affecting the thyroid gland. Hormonal changes can contribute to hair graying, thinning, or loss.

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.

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.

What does baking soda do to gray hair?

Regarding using baking soda for gray hair, experts endorse its potential benefits such as controlling pigmentation loss, lightening the strands, and providing texture. It can be used on coarse grey locks to make them smoother too by eliminating product buildup from oils or soaps.

Why do I keep growing white hairs?

Hair follicles slowly produce less and less melanin over time, eventually turning white. You can't always control it. You can't change your genetics, but you may be able to address other causes of white hair like thyroid disorders, stress, and smoking. You may be able to prevent whitening.

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.

Previous article
How to wear a yamaka if bald?
Next article
Are foil shavers better for sensitive skin?