HEALTH
Your genetic makeup significantly influences when your hair might start graying.
The timing and pace of this process are largely dictated by genetics. If premature graying runs in your family, there is a higher chance that you might also experience early graying.
Stress does not directly cause hair to turn gray, but there is a correlation between chronic stress and premature graying.
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but prolonged stress can affect the body in various ways, including potentially accelerating the graying process.
Smoking has been linked to premature aging, including the premature graying of hair. Chemicals that are present in cigarettes, and the toxins they release can have damaging effects on the body, including the hair follicles and the production of melanin.
Nutritional deficiencies can potentially contribute to premature graying of hair, although the direct causal relationship between specific deficiencies and gray hair is not always straightforward.
Certain nutrients play essential roles in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. For instance, deficiencies in vitamins like B12, D and E, and minerals like copper and iron can impact melanin production and overall hair health. When the body lacks these vital nutrients, it might affect the health and function of the hair follicles, potentially leading to changes in hair color.
Certain medical conditions often impact the body’s overall health and can affect hair pigmentation as a result like Vitiligo, Thyroid or Autoimmune disorders.
Pollutants such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, heavy metals and certain chemicals can generate oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the melanocytes.