Blonde, Black, Brunette or Redhead; pigment in hair starts early and often is a defining factor in the development of self identity and expression of personality. For many people the pigment changes early to grey, even in children and teens as well as adults in twenties and thirties, hair can go grey.
Causes of Premature Grey Hair
Hair contains melanin which is the pigment that gives hair its color. The more melanin, the darker the color, consequently when the body stops producing melanin, the hair loses its pigment and becomes grey.
If more than half of the hair is grey before the age of 40, it is considered to be premature grey. In some cases, the grey hair becomes an expression of personality and self identity as well; Anderson Cooper started to grey at the age of 20, American Idol winner Taylor Hick’s signature grey hair has become signature element even though he is only 29.
According to WebMD, graying is a natural process that everyone will experience at some point in the life cycle. They also reported premature graying will be largely due to genetic predisposition.
Grey Overnight
Folklore and legend tell tales of hair going white or grey overnight, because of a scare or supposedly in Marie Antoinette’s case an impending execution. Since the hair above the follicle is already a color it is not possible for that to change without a dye or coloring agent. In some cases, alopecia areata will set in causing the pigmented hair to fall out, leaving only the pigment less hair – which appears grey or white.
Links to Health Conditions
There may be indications from the premature graying that other medical conditions could exist. Thyroid deficiencies, anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiencies can all be associated with premature grey hair. In addition a condition known as vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that destroys the pigments producing cells can leave hair in patches of white.
Some studies have also linked premature grey hair in women to decreased bone density and an increase in osteoporosis.
Other studies have tried to establish a link between smoking and premature graying.
Prevention of Premature Grey Hair
Plenty of home remedies, hair care products and vendor representatives will make claims that premature grey hair can be prevented. In the cases where genetics are the cause of early change in pigmentation, it is unlikely that there are any known ways to prevent the change in color.
However, since there are other causes related to premature graying, minimizing the risks in those areas could have some success. Vitamin B12, iron and other minerals can be at deficient levels; which may have implications for premature grey hair. A healthy diet - balanced, rich in B vitamins, iron and nutrients can increase hair quality, and lower the risk for premature graying.
Treatment of Premature Graying
For many, the best treatment is camouflage or some form of color change. This could be hairpieces, extensions, wigs or hair color – either permanent or semi-permanent.
In the cases where autoimmune system disorders or deficiencies have created the problem it may be possible to halt or reverse the condition with an increase in the vitamin, iron or mineral or control of the autoimmune disorder.
