Why have I gone grey so quickly?

Author: Ezekiel Blanda  |  Last update: Sunday, April 20, 2025

The primary — and most scientifically-sound — reason for gray hair is in your genes. This is especially true if you go gray before 20 years old, which is referred to as premature graying. If your parents developed gray hair at a young age, chances are you will, too — and there's not much you can do about it.

Why am I graying so fast?

Genetics. According to a 2017 study , there is a strong family history and genetic component to premature hair graying. Race and ethnicity play a role, as well.

Why do my greys come through so quickly?

The speed of greying is in our genetics, they tell us. It's just a case of contrast, says Josh Wood. "The lighter you are, the more the grey blends in," Josh explains. "But when you've got a darker head of hair with a streak of grey in it, it looks very black and white, like piano keys," says Josh.

What is the average age to go grey?

Gray hair typically starts to appear in a person's mid-30s for Caucasians, late 30s for Asians, and late 40s for African Americans. However, the onset of gray hair can vary significantly based on genetics, lifestyle, and health factors.

How fast can you turn grey?

"People usually notice their first grey hairs in their early 30s," says Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and president of Philip Kingsley haircare. "On average, over half of our hair will be white (unpigmented) by our 50s.

Here’s What Causes Gray Hair at Early Age (You Can Avoid This) - Andrew Huberman

Why have I gone grey overnight?

However, there may be links between stress and alopecia, a condition whereby large numbers of pigmented hairs can fall out in a short space of time – so, if only the white hairs remain, it may look as if someone has gone grey (or white) overnight (but it's not true).

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.

What age should you stop coloring your hair?

There's no hard-and-fast rule about when (or if!) you should stop coloring your hair and go gray; it's ultimately a personal choice.

Will I look older if I go gray?

So, gray hair is not actually a color resigned to the elderly. Gray hair is a natural color that many young people are masking. And, with the right hairstyle, gray hair doesn't have to look frail or frumpy.

Is gray hair caused by stress?

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.

Why did I suddenly go grey?

Scientists don't know exactly why some people go gray early, but genes play a large role. Also, a vitamin B-12 deficiency or problems with your pituitary or thyroid gland can cause premature graying that's reversible if the problem is corrected, Benabio says.

How to cover gray hair without dye?

How can I conceal grey hair?
  1. Root sprays. Light roots are easily concealed with root sprays until the next time the hair is washed. ...
  2. Hair mascara. Special hair mascaras for individual strands or light roots work similarly to root sprays. ...
  3. Toners. ...
  4. Highlights. ...
  5. Shampoos with colour effect.

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.

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 Gen Z greying so early?

Gray hair is often associated with aging, but for many millennials and Gen Zers, those frosty strands are showing up far earlier than expected. While genetics and stress are the usual suspects, experts suggest another overlooked factor could be at play: mineral deficiencies.

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 purple shampoo good for gray hair?

According to Bellemare, purple shampoo is a great option for those with gray hair as it can help neutralize yellow tones. This brassiness can develop from environmental factors such as pollution, UV exposure, hard water, heat styling and product buildup, says Bellemare.

At what age does your look change?

Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's. But with these physical changes brought on by aging also comes a change in the appearance of our face - Luckily, there is treatment available.

Does coloring your hair make you look younger?

It can even change how others perceive your age and make it more favorable. The right hair shade exists to make you younger, giving you just the right amount of light, fun color, and a polished alternative that can help diminish wrinkles and refresh your look.

Will my hair be healthier if I stop coloring it?

And your hair might feel healthier

While hair dyes and techniques have come a long way since their follicle-frying beginnings, they do still leave some damage. Taking a hiatus from color will help your hair return to its previous state--especially as dyed ends get chopped off.

What is grey blending?

Gray blending is a hair coloring technique that involves blending gray hairs with your base color to help soften the contrast between shades. Typically, the process involves either highlighting your hair or adding lowlights.

How to go gray without looking old?

How to Transition to Gray Hair
  1. Go gray for a day. ...
  2. Let your roots grow in. ...
  3. Apply all-over permanent gray hair color. ...
  4. Opt for highlights and lowlights. ...
  5. Apply hair color with foils. ...
  6. Try root coverup. ...
  7. Use a hair gloss to tint light hair. ...
  8. Consult a professional.

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.

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 fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

There are ten major sources of vitamin B12 fruits. These are apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, guava, avocado, pomegranate, kiwi, and blueberries. Apples- Apples rank first in the vitamin B12 fruits list.

Previous article
What happens if you use expired tanning lotion?
Next article
How do you get rid of grey hair without dying it?