The Causes of Premature Greying of Hair
Hair greying is a natural process that happens to everyone as they age. The hair follicle, the part of the hair which produces pigment or color, will eventually stop producing melanin and the hair will turn white. The human body has a natural hair color pigment called melanin. This pigment is located in the innermost layer of the hair shaft and it protects the hair from environmental damage such as UV rays.
Here are some of the causes of premature greying of hair;
Genetics
If your parents had grey hair at an early age, then you might experience premature greying too. Genetics is the main cause of premature greying of hair. Determine the age when your parents start getting grey hair so you can know when to expect grey hair. The genes that are passed down from parents to their children determine how melanin is produced in the hair follicle and how quickly it will stop doing so.
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Excessive stress
One of the most common causes of premature greying of hair is stress. When we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called cortisol which can interfere with the natural production of melanin and lead to premature greying, and accelerate the rate at which your hair turns grey.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are many causes of premature greying of hair. One of the most common is due to a lack of B-vitamins, which can lead to a decrease in melanin production. Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the common causes of premature greying of hair. It is found in people who have a low intake of animal products. If you’re vegan or vegetarian find a way of substituting Vitamin B12.
Smoking
There are certain chemicals that are released when you smoke and these chemicals have a negative effect on your hair and skin. Smoking also decreases the blood flow to your scalp, which results in less oxygen to your hair follicles, leading to premature greying. The chemicals in cigarettes can also cause scalp damage and inflammation. This can lead to an increase in the hormone DHT, which is associated with increased hair loss and greying.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders can also contribute to premature greying of hair. Thyroid issues are the most common cause of hair greying. Thyroid hormones control the production of melanin, which is responsible for giving hair its color. When thyroid levels go down, it can lead to hair loss and premature greying.
Lifestyle
A person may have a poor diet or lack of exercise which could lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and premature greying. Embracing a healthy lifestyle ensures your hormones are well balanced.