It is normal for hair color to change as people age. And, premature hair greying or white hair can appear at almost any moment in life. Most people associate premature hair greying with old age. And even though it isn’t uncommon to get white hair as you grow older, the fact that it can only happen because of old age is far from true. Even teenagers or people in their twenties can notice signs of premature hair greying and strands of white hair. 

The human body has millions of hair follicles in small sacs that underline the skin cells. The hair follicles generate hair and have pigment cells called melanin. Melanin cells are what give your hair color. Now, over time hair follicles start losing the pigment cells, resulting in premature hair greying and white hair. 

And, while premature hair greying can be a difficult life change to cope with, there are a lot of things you can do to prevent them and treat them. But, first, it is important to diagnose the cause behind premature hair greying. In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about premature hair greying including premature greying of hair home remedies. 

What Causes Premature Hair Greying? 

There can be many causes behind premature hair greying besides age. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Genetics and Ethnicity 

As you may already know, your genetic makeup plays a big role in your hair woes. Be it premature hair greying or a receding hairline, most times your genetics are to be blamed. According to a 2013 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprology, premature hair greying of a person’s hair is closely tied to genetics. 

If you notice white or grey hair at an early age, your parents and grandparents likely suffered from it too. Race and ethnicity can play a role, as well. Premature graying in white people can start as early as 20 years old.

2. Vitamin Deficiencies

White hair or premature hair greying at an early age can be an indicator of vitamin B-12 deficiency. The Vitamin B group has several important functions in the human body. It gives you energy, keeps you fit, and also promotes healthy hair growth from the roots. 

A vitamin-B deficiency is associated with a condition known as pernicious anemia. In this condition, your body cannot absorb enough vitamin B-12. Thus, this deficiency can weaken melanin pigment cells and affect melanin production. 

3. Oxidative Stress

Everyone deals with stress once in a while. It is a normal part of our life and job. The consequences of chronic stress are many, including sleep disorders, changes in appetite, anxiety, high blood pressure, etc.

A 2013 study found a link between stress and the depletion of stem cells in hair follicles, thus, causing premature hair greying. So, if you notice a sudden increase of white strands, your stress might be the one to be blamed. 

4. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune Diseases can also be responsible for premature hair greying and white hair. Autoimmune diseases can lead to premature greying when the body’s immune system attacks their cells. In diseases like vitiligo and alopecia, the immune system can attack hair cells and cause a lack of pigment. 

5. Hair products and chemical hair dyes

Hair dyes and hair products like certain shampoos and conditioners can cause premature hair greying. Some of these products have chemicals and harmful ingredients that decrease melanin. One such harmful chemical is hydrogen peroxide. Before purchasing hair products, make sure they are free of hydrogen peroxide. 

6. Thyroid Disorder

As you may already know, hormonal changes caused by thyroid problems like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may be responsible for premature hair greying. Thus, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may affect the process of melanin production. 

7. Smoking

There is also a link between chain-smoking and premature hair greying. A study was conducted with 107 subjects where a connection was discovered between the onset of premature hair greying and cigarette smoking. 

The logic behind this is that smoking constricts the blood vessels, which then reduces blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles and causes hair loss. Additionally, toxins in tobacco and cigarettes can damage parts of your body including your hair follicles, causing early white hair and premature hair greying. 

Can Premature Hair Greying be prevented? 

Before we explore some of the premature greying of hair home remedies, let us answer this question. The ability to prevent white hair and premature hair greying primarily depends on the cause and intensity. If the cause is genetics, there isn’t anything you can do to prevent or reverse premature hair greying, but there are several treatments that can reduce its appearance of it.

If you are concerned about any underlying health issue, consult a doctor. If you treat the underlying health problem in time, pigmentation can return. If a thyroid problem causes white hair and premature hair greying, re-pigmentation may occur after hormone therapy treatment. However, if premature hair greying occurs due to stress or smoking, there isn’t any related study claiming that the pigment may be reversed after quitting smoking or reducing stress.

Premature Greying of Hair Home Remedies 

Some of the most effective premature greying of hair home remedies include using the following: 

1. Amla or Indian gooseberry
2. Copper
3. Black Tea
4. Bhringraj
5. Ridge gourd
6. Curry leaves

Besides, you could also address your vitamin B-12 deficiencies and make lifestyle changes to slow down the natural process of premature hair greying. Some common lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, eating a properly balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, exercising regularly, efforts to relax and reduce stress, etc. 

Also Read: Premature Grey Hair: Here Is What You Need To Do