Hair volume and color are important aesthetic features for both males and females. In India, black hair is the most desired color, as it is often associated with youth. However, hair naturally turns gray for everyone at some point. In some cases, this process occurs prematurely, known as premature graying. Here, we will briefly discuss premature graying and its causes.
Biology of hair pigmentation
Hair pigmentation (color) is one of the unique features of humans, ranging from black and brown to blonde and red. The color of human hair is determined by a pigment called melanin, which is produced by melanocytes. Melanin travels throughout the body, providing color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
Melanocytes produce two types of melanin that determine the color of skin, hair, and eyes:
- Eumelanin: This pigment primarily creates dark black color.
- Pheomelanin: This pigment results in red, brown, or yellow color.
Premature graying of hair can occur when melanin production decreases earlier than usual, leading to the loss of hair color at a younger age. Understanding the roles of eumelanin and pheomelanin helps explain why premature graying happens and its impact on hair color.
Greying of Hair
Greying of hair is typically a natural part of the aging process. As we grow older, hair color gradually changes from black to grey when the melanocyte cells responsible for producing melanin cease to function. Generally, greying of hair is a progressive and permanent condition.
Premature greying
Premature graying refers to hair turning white before the age of 30. This condition is notably observed in India, though the age at which premature graying occurs can vary among different racial groups due to genetic factors. The exact cause of premature graying remains unknown. Understanding premature graying is important as it highlights variations in the onset of hair color change.
Factors for premature greying
Several factors contribute to the process of premature graying of hair:
- Hereditary: Genetics are the most common factor responsible for premature graying. If your family members experienced early graying, you might be predisposed to it as well.
- Melanin production: Low or halted production of melanin can lead to premature graying of hair. Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair color, and its decrease results in the loss of color.
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Stress: High levels of stress can impact hair health and contribute to premature graying. Stress affects overall hair growth and can accelerate the graying process.
- Nutritional deficiency: Deficiencies, particularly in Vitamin B12, can weaken hair cells and disrupt melanin production. This deficiency can negatively affect hair health and lead to premature graying.
- Smoking: Prolonged smoking affects more than just the lungs and heart. It constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to hair follicles and introducing toxins that can cause early onset of graying and hair loss.
- Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune disorders can also trigger premature graying of hair, as these conditions can disrupt normal hair pigmentation.
Understanding these factors can help in managing and potentially mitigating the effects of premature graying.
Prevention
While genetic factors usually determine the onset of premature graying and color change is typically permanent, addressing underlying health issues can sometimes reverse or slow down the process. For example, if premature graying is due to conditions like Vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid issues, re-pigmentation of the hair may be possible with proper treatment.
In addition, using antioxidant-rich, plant-based topical formulations can help protect hair from free radicals. These formulations work by reducing and neutralizing free radicals, which helps in maintaining hair color and potentially mitigating the effects of premature graying.