Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

A head full of hair and its natural color is considered one of the greatest assets for some when it comes to beauty. But once we start aging, our hair starts turning white or gray, which is natural. But this phenomenon of graying is also commonly observed in young people. This can be due to several unhealthy practices you follow in your everyday life.

Here are the most common reasons as to why your hair starts turning gray much earlier than usual.

1. Genetic

Genetics can be a significant reason for premature graying. A young adult is more prone to suffer from premature graying if their parents or grandparents had the same pattern. Your genes determine the time when your hair starts turning gray. In case you have noticed that you have premature graying though it is not in your family, you might have to meet a doctor and get yourself evaluated. You might have to evaluate your vitamin levels and thyroid levels so that you can rule out anemia. Anemia can be a result of there being a deficiency of hemoglobin in your blood.

2. Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune diseases can damage the cells within your body, which include your hair follicles. This makes it possible for a person to suffer from premature whitening or graying.

To give a few examples:

• In case you are affected by alopecia areata, a condition that creates round bald patches in your scalp, the hair which regrows in that area is either white or depigmented.
• Vitiligo is a condition that damages and destroys the pigment making cells in your body. Its symptoms reflect by showing discolorations in both your skin and your hair.

3. Smoking

Smoking can result in the production of a lot of free radicals in your body. These free radicals can affect the production of melanin in your body, which causes premature graying or whitening of your hair. Smoking is known to fasten the aging process of your body on the whole as well.

4. Chronic stress

Premature graying and hair loss are one of the several harmful effects of stress in a person. Anxiety, shock and sorrow can reduce the melanin count in your hair follicles. This naturally makes your hair turn gray.

5. Vitamin deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B12 in your body can result in premature graying of your hair. A combination of copper, zinc and vitamin B12 are required to keep your hair nourished. Lack of vitamins E and C in your body can also turn your hair gray. This is because such a condition brings down the melanin-producing capacity of your body. Diet restrictions of people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet also have a high risk of suffering from premature graying. People who are on medication for digestive issues, gastro problems, even people who take birth control pills regularly, are suffering from the risk of premature graying.

6. Dirty scalp

When you do not maintain your scalp and it is too dirty, it can also be a reason for premature graying. Make sure to take proper care of your scalp and hair.

7. Environment

Environmental toxins and pollutants can make your hair turn gray much faster. Several researchers suggest that even toxins and pollutants can create free radicals and oxidative stress in your body. This can also damage your hair and fasten its aging process.