The appearance of white hair at a young age is known as premature graying or canities. Graying of hair can be due to many causes, ranging from natural processes to medical conditions. Let us take a look at some of the most common causes of white hair appearing at a young age:...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Genetic Factors:
According to webmd, A leading cause of gray hair in young people is genetics. There is a strong association between the genetics of a person and the onset of gray hair at an early age. This is because the pigmented cells responsible for the color of hair become non-functional due to changes in a person’s genes.
A study conducted at the University of Alabama found that a person’s genetics account for up to 50% of the variance in the age of gray hair onset. Several genes, such as MC1R, IRF4, FOX03, and PRSS53 have been linked to premature graying and play a role in the timing of when hair turns gray.
Hormonal Imbalance:
Hormones can also influence the onset of gray hair. An imbalance in hormones like thyroid hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), and growth hormone can cause hair to turn gray prematurely. These hormones are responsible for cell division, melanin synthesis, and development of hair follicles.
An imbalance of these hormones can cause the pigmented cells to become non-functional, resulting in white hair. Additionally, a protein called Trichohyalin, which is responsible for providing protein to the hair, can become damaged due to the hormonal imbalance, leading to white hair.
Deficiencies:
Nutrient deficiencies are another factor that can lead to white hair at a young age. A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D, can cause the bodies melanin production to slow down, resulting in white hair.
Additionally, a lack of Vitamin E and Vitamin C can also lead to premature graying, by interfering with the pigmented cells. Low levels of zinc and copper can also cause hair to turn gray prematurely, as these minerals play an important role in the production of melanin.
Environmental Factors:
Environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and ultraviolet radiation, can cause not only the premature graying of hair, but can also damage the hair follicles.
A study conducted in Thailand found that exposure to hair dyes, bleaches, and perms was associated with an increased risk of premature graying. Additionally, exposure to toxins, such as cigarette smoke, can cause DNA damage to the melanocyte cells, leading to the production of white hair.
Stress:
Stress is a well-known cause of premature graying. Stress can trigger the body to release hormones like cortisol, which can cause damage to the melanin-producing cells. Additionally, stress can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients, leading to deficiencies that can cause hair to turn gray.
Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions, such as anemia, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and thyroid disease, can also cause premature graying of hair. Anemia, or a lack of iron, is known to cause the production of white hair at a young age.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out, leading to the appearance of white hair. Vitiligo is a condition where patches of skin lose their pigmentation and can cause hair to turn gray. Lastly, thyroid disease is known to cause hair to turn white prematurely.
Age:
Last, but not least, age can be a cause of premature graying. Even though the exact cause of age-related graying is unknown, it is believed to be due to the reduction in melanin production with age. As people get older, the number of melanin-producing cells in the hair follicles decreases, leading to the appearance of white hair.
There are many causes of white hair appearing at a young age. Genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, environmental factors, stress, and medical conditions can all contribute to the premature graying of hair.
Additionally, age can also cause white hair to appear earlier. It is important to understand the cause of your premature graying and to seek medical attention, if necessary...READFULL
