What Causes White Hair at an Early Age?

Uban (white or graying hair) is an inevitable part of human life. Some people get their first one in middle age while others may spot a rogue silver strand as early as their teenage years. If you’re the latter, you might be curious about what causes white hair at an early age. Keep reading to learn why you already have uban and how to keep your hair looking great – no matter its color.

In the hair follicles, some melanocyte stem cells that regenerate and mature into fully developed cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin that gives hair its color. As you age, these pigment-producing cells lose their regenerative ability and slowly die. When the stem cell pool depletes, your hair loses its source of melanin, causing new hair growth to be gray or white.

Researchers aren’t clear on what causes white hair at an early age. However, they have reason to believe genetics, diet, and lifestyle can likely speed up melanocyte decay.

When your hair changes in color is mostly influenced by your genes– the same way your DNA determines hair texture and thickness. If your mom and/or pop have been rocking a salt-and-pepper look since their 20s, chances are you’ll follow suit.

Race also affects the onset of graying hair, as various studies suggest. Caucasians, especially those who have lighter hair color, tend to develop white hair earlier than their Asian and African counterparts. On average, Asians start to notice uban in their mid-30s to early 40s.

Key nutrients such as antioxidants, copper, and vitamins B and D are vital for maintaining healthy hair. Vitamins B6 and B12, in particular, can help boost melanin production in the hair follicles. So, make good food choices. Balance daily meals with loads of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. If you want to lose or gain weight, consult a dietitian to create a plan that also meets your nutritional requirements.

One study suggests that smokers are twice as likely to have white hair before the age of 30 than non-smokers. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage your hair follicles and reduce melanin production. Moreover, smoking triggers oxidative stress, a process where harmful free radicals attack your cells, including those responsible for hair growth and pigmentation. The reduced blood flow caused by smoking also means your scalp and hair are deprived of essential nutrients, which further accelerates the graying process.

Most people are aware that stress is what causes white hair at an early age. Recently, scientists found a clear connection between the two.

According to a 2020 mice study, stress stimulates the release of norepinephrine – a hormone that raises blood pressure and heartbeat. The hormone also causes melanocyte stem cells to rapidly deplete, leaving no reserves to replace them. And once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

Unfortunately, you can’t reverse gray hair. If you’re bothered by the look of uban, the best route is to dye your hair. You can either go all out with a cool, daring shade or opt for a hue that’s close to your natural hair color.

Of course, another alternative is to embrace your silver fox charm. You can make up for the lack of color density in your strands by getting a haircut that makes your hair look fuller.

Proper hair care is also important, whether you choose to dye or leave your uban be. Texture-wise, white hair is coarser, drier, and more fragile. Use Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo to help fortify your strands. Enriched with caffeine and calcium, it makes your hair look visibly thicker and stronger against breakage. You can also use Clear Men Cool Sport Menthol Shampoo if you have dandruff. It has Triple Anti-Dandruff technology, taurine, and vitamin B3 that effectively remove as well as prevent annoying flakes.

What causes white hair at an early age? The answer is more complex than one might think. Genetics, lifestyle choices, diet, and stress can determine how soon you’ll spot that first silver strand. Sure, most of these factors are out of your control, but how you handle premature graying is entirely up to you. Whatever you do, just don’t pluck your uban or you’ll end up with a bald spot.