7 Glaring Causes of Premature Grey Hair - Key Tips to Combat

White hair or premature grey hair is one of the most exasperating issues of the contemporary lifestyle. While some of you might appreciate the salt and pepper look, but who derives pleasure from it if it occurs in your teenage or early twenties?

Perhaps, nobody!

We all know that white or grey hair is inevitable, but this acceptance is developed at an older age. Hair changes its color and loses its luster as we age. This indeed is a natural progression. But, when you notice white or grey strands of hair when you least expect them, it can cause you anguish.

I you are someone who has been grappling to understand the exact causes of white hair and incessantly mulling over how to stop greying of hair or how to prevent white hair from spreading, look no further!

Read on to know the seven conspicuous reasons for white hair or premature grey hair. Also, learn how to stop grey hair naturally and know when to opt for treatment for white hair.

Seven major causes for white hair

In this section, we will talk about some of the apparent reasons for white hair. But, before discussing the reasons for greying of hair, let us first understand how hair gets its color in the first place.

Our body has millions of hair follicles or tiny sacs covering the skin. These follicles are responsible for generating hair as well as the pigment cells containing melanin.

The type and amount of this pigment melanin determines our hair color.

As we age, the hair follicles begin losing the pigment cells. And this results in white hair. But, all of this is acceptable when you are growing older and not when you are in your salad days.

So, what are the reasons for white hair at a young age?

Without fiddling about it, let’s move on to learning about the reasons for premature grey hair. Knowing these causes can help you to prevent white hair from spreading early enough.

1. Micronutrients deficiency

One of the most commonly observed greying of hair causes vitamin deficiency. Inadequacy of micronutrients like iron, folate, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12,  vitamin D, or E can lead to untimely whitening of hair follicles.

A study backs thi claim of vitamin deficiencies affecting pigmentation. The same study suggests that this adverse effect of vitamin deficiency can be reversed by improving the intake of the necessary nutrients.

If you identify vitamin deficiency as the reason for white hair at a young age, how to stop/ prevent white hair from spreading?

If this is the case, do not fret! The lost color can resurface by consuming foods rich in these nutrients, and in some cases, vitamin supplements are also recommended by medical experts.

2. Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is one of the critical causes of premature grey hair. This oxidative stress on skin and hair cells is caused by the free radicals or the reactive oxygen species floating in the atmosphere.

These highly reactive free radicals can damage our skin cells and lead to premature aging and other skin ailments. The damage due to oxidative stress gets intensified when there’s a dearth of antioxidants to fend off the adversities of these free radicals.

Research reaffirms that oxidative stress is one of the major reasons for white hair and hair loss too. In severe cases, it may even lead to a critical health condition known as Vitiligo. This health condition can lead to melanin cell death or loss of cell function, resulting in untimely grey or white hair.

3. Real-life stress

Stress can have various adverse effects on both your emotional and physical health. As per the latest NIH (National Institute of Health) research, it is confirmed that psychological stress and anxiety can affect the stem cells that are behind generating the hair pigment thereby resulting in premature grey hair.

So, if you are racking your brains over how to stop white hair or how to stop greying of hair, the foremost step is to stop doing that!

If it is stress-induced hair greying in your case, it can be tackled by working on your psychological and emotional well-being.

4. Chemical hair products

One of the key causes of white hair is entailing harsh chemical products in your regular hair-care regime. You must watch out for harmful chemicals in your hair-care and hair-styling products like shampoo, conditioner, serum, hair sprays, hair dye, hair color, etc.

One such damaging chemical is hydrogen peroxide which is present in various hair-styling products. Products containing hydrogen peroxide cause hair to bleach and eventually turn white if used in the long run.

5. Genetics and racial variation

Genetics is one of the primary reasons for white hair. According to a study, premature grey hair can largely be attributed to a person’s genes.

The same research paper attests to the fact that race and line of descent also play an important role in determining the appearance of grey hair in people.

As per the study, in Caucasians, the greying of hair begins in their mid-30s; in Asians, it starts in their late 30s, while for Africans, it begins in their mid-40s.

6. Medical conditions

Untimely greying of hair has been associated with AI (autoimmune) disorders like pernicious anemia (a type of vitamin B12 anemia.), AI thyroid diseases, Vitiligo, and Werner's syndrome (a premature aging syndrome).

Another autoimmune disorder is alopecia areata which is also a reason for white hair at a young age. This skin condition majorly causes unpredictable hair loss on the scalp, and in extreme conditions, on other parts of the body as well. One of the clinical signs of alopecia areata is the growth of white hair in areas affected by hair loss.

7. Smoking

Smokers are more likely to get premature grey hair as compared to non-smokers.

An NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) study article has determined a significant association between untimely greying of hair and cigarette smoking. The study suggests that smokers are two and a half times more likely to start greying their hair prematurely (before the age of 30) than non-smokers.

How to Stop White Hair

Now that you know the primary reasons for white hair, you are sure to be bugged by the next obvious question- how to prevent white hair from spreading? Or, how to stop grey hair naturally?

1. If the greying of hair causes are aging or genetics

Firstly, you need to know that if aging or genetic conditions are responsible for the premature greying of hair, you cannot do much about it. However poignant it may sound, you need to accept it deep down in your heart.

Nonetheless, when you know that the hair condition is irrevocable and white hair is causing you anguish, you can resort to using hair colors like Biotique Bio Herbcolor, which is organic and dermatologically tested VLCC Henna Natural Colour, which is backed by a traditional Ayurvedic recipe.

There’s another product, Aroma Magic Henna, which you can consider using. The product uses natural henna and is free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and artificial colors. The formulation is enriched with shikakai, green tea, aloe vera, and fenugreek. This henna powder will help strengthen hair roots and reduce hair fall, along with rendering a natural and healthy shine to your hair.

2. If the cause is smoking

If the primary reason for white hair at a young age is smoking, the easiest and the only effective solution is to quit smoking. If you are addicted to smoking cigarettes, you can consider seeking professional help. The medical experts can counsel you and prescribe you certain medications to boost your willpower and get over the addiction.

3. If the cause is a nutritional deficiency or some medical condition

Now, if the reason for white hair at a young age is some medical condition or nutritional deficiency, a proper treatment for white hair can help.

If the cause of premature grey hair has been identified to be a vitamin deficiency, you must immediately include foods in your diet that are loaded with vitamins.

• You must increase the intake of fruits, green vegetables, milk and milk products, legumes, nuts, and seeds, a treasure trove of micronutrients. If you are a nonvegetarian, you can consider including eggs and seafood in your diet regularly.
• You may also consider Purna Complete Beauty Multivitamin Gummies that can be consumed by both adults and kids. The product consists of over twenty essential ingredients. Moreover, the gummy bear candies are tasty, vegan and paraben-free.
• You can also try Power Gummies Hair Vitamins with Biotin or By Nature Fab Hair Skin Nail Vitamins with Biotin. Both these products are flavorful chewable multi-vitamins that can help you with your hair and skin issues, and give you flawless skin, promote hair growth, and give you healthy, shinier nails.

Also, you must seek professional help in case of a severe medical condition. Early diagnosis is crucial for the premature greying of hair treatment to work.

How to Stop Grey Hair Naturally

Many of you might be wondering how to stop grey hair naturally?

Well, there are several natural remedies that you can use to effectively cure premature grey hair or just as a preventive measure to avert the sprouting of white hair.

And, if you are seeking some medication for your hair issues, you can still adopt these natural hair-care solutions. They do not have any adverse effects and can be used in combination with professional medication to minimize the growth of white hair.

Here are listed some natural remedies that you can easily try at home and implement in your regular hair-care regime.

Curry leaves

Curry leaves have been popularly used in Indian cuisine to enhance the flavour of food. At the same time, curry leaves are famed to be an effective home remedy for dealing with your hair woes.

Blend dry curry leaf powder with coconut oil or any other hair oil that you prefer to use. Gently massage the oil in your hair and your scalp using a circular motion. Let it stay in your hair for at least an hour and later, wash your hair with any mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

You can use this hair oil infused with curry leaf powder along with Biotique Bio Henna Leaf Fresh Texture Shampoo and Conditioner regularly as a home remedy to fend off premature grey hair. This product by Biotique is a unique combination of shampoo and conditioner. It is formulated using a proven ayurvedic recipe and is suitable for all hair types.

Black tea

You will find many hair-care experts vouching for black tea as a potent treatment for white hair as well as other hair issues.

All you have to do is boil two black tea bags or teaspoons of black tea powder in two cups of water. If you have long hair, you may consider increasing the quantity of this concoction.

Allow the concoction to cool down completely and rinse your shampooed hair with it. Let this mixture stay on your hair for at least twenty minutes before washing it off.

If you have dry hair, you may consider using a conditioner along with this concoction for deep hydration.

Bhringraj

For treating grey hair, you can follow this easy Bhringraj recipe.

Mix a teaspoon of bhringraj powder with two tablespoons of coconut oil, and allow the mixture to heat on a low flame. Let it cool down, and gently massage this mixture into your hair and scalp. Allow it to sit on your hair before washing it off your hair.

You can repeat this process twice/ thrice a week.

If you do wish to get into the hassle of making this concoction, you may also use Vayam Ayurveda Hair Nourishing Pack- Bhringraj to combat premature grey hair. 

If you are time-starved and looking for some readily available and trustworthy products, you can try Kama Ayurveda Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment Oil. It is an all-in-one hair treatment for premature grey hair, hair loss and dandruff. It is suitable for all hair types and can restore the health and sheen of your damaged hair.

FAQs

1. What are the best-selling oils for treating premature grey hair?

A few of the bestsellers that you can consider are Good Vibes Amla and Bhringraj Strengthening Hair Oil, Indulekha Bhringa Hair Oil, and Biotique Bio Bhringraj Therapeutic Oil.

2. Does treatment for white hair work?

Yes, it may work if the primary cause of your white hair is either a medical condition or a deficiency of micronutrients. But, if the cause is genetic, hair treatment for white hair may not yield desired results.

Nonetheless, you must always use quality hair-care products and resort to nutritional supplements for improving the overall health of your hair and delay the greying process.

Shop at Purplle to combat your hair woes effectively

Premature grey hair can indeed trample your confidence and self-esteem. But, if you wish to get over this issue, you need to tough it out and take prompt measures. Check out Purplle for authentic hair-care products that can help you tackle your hair woes in the nick of time. Good luck!