This is an issue which is rising at faster rate these days. Premature greying is generally termed as greying of hair before the age of 20 years. Greying of hair is natural but it is supposed to happen at a later stage in life, when this occurs early then it can be a reason of emotional disturbances. This definitely has a connection with how well one takes care of their hair along with other reasons.
Hair pigmentation is very unique and different in humans. Hair colour is due to melanin pigment produced by special cells called melanocytes. This pigment is transferred to other cells called keratinocytes. The pigment can be of two different types: Eumelanin which gives black brown colour to hair and pheomelanin which gives red brown colour to hair. The actual and final hair colour is decided by the ratio in which these two melanin pigments will be present in the hair follicles. The pigment production reduces with age due to which the greying of hair happens in later ages of life. It has been witnessed in various studies that by the age of 50, a human experiences average 50% greying of hair, which is a natural process. Grey hair are generally fast growing and thicker than black pigmented hair. It has been witnessed that if someone experiences premature greying they complaint that the growth of grey hair is very fast as compared to adjacent black hair. Normally the pigment production reduces with ageing and hence transfer of pigment also reduces. The more the oxidative stress is in the skin cells the earlier will be the onset of greying.
Causes of Premature Greying
- Genetics
This could be one of the major causes of premature greying. If there is a family history of premature greying then one is at more risk to face the same issue. - Oxidative Stress
When the oxidative stress increases it causes more free radicals which hampers the normal cell growth or pigment production in body leading to premature ageing or premature greying. There are various reasons which can be responsible for the free radical production such as:
a. Pollution: this has been witnessed to increase oxidative stress in cells and hence cause premature greying.
b. Smoking: It causes a lot of free radical formation in the body that affects the pigment producing cells and causes greying of hair.
c. Medications: certain medicines recommended for malaria and cancer are known to increase oxidative stress in body and hence can result in premature greying. - Vitamin Deficiency
A lot of vitamins and micronutrient deficiency can be a trigger to premature greying. This can include iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper etc.
Quick Tips to Prevent Premature Greying
There are a few tips and lifestyle changes that can help prevent or control premature greying. The major culprit causing this havoc is stress. So, any lifestyle modification that helps reduce stress will be greatly beneficial in preventing and controlling this problem like proper sleep patterns, reducing stress or doing regular exercise and yoga. Along with lifestyle modification proper balanced diet to ensure to vitamin and mineral levels are up to the mark will also prove to be beneficial. Quit smoking to see further improvements. One can always seek help from the expert. Consult a dermatologist who can help with proper diet plans and get investigations done for vitamin deficiency and treat the underlying causes of this issue. Melitane is one option that can be used to reverse greying. But it should be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist and one should be aware that greying can reoccur once the person stops using it. Vegetable hair colours can also be used to camouflage the greying hair.
Greying is a natural process if it happens with age. If premature greying occurs it is a clear indication that hair needs some extra care and help of a dermatologist. Adapting to healthy lifestyle and proper advice can help to combat and control this problem to a great extent.
Keep Healthy Keep Glowing!