Why Some People Get Grey Hair Early

Why Some People Get Grey Hair Early

Grey hair is usually something people expect to see when they grow older, typically after their 40s or 50s. But in recent years, many young adults — and even school or college students — have started noticing grey strands much earlier than expected. This sudden greying often causes confusion or worry, but early grey hair is actually quite common. It happens for many reasons, including family history, lifestyle choices, health conditions, and even daily habits.

To understand why hair loses its colour early, it helps to know how hair colour is formed. Each hair grows from a tiny opening in the scalp called a follicle. Inside this follicle are special pigment cells that make melanin, the colour that gives hair its natural shade. When these pigment cells slow down or stop working, the hair grows out grey or white. For some people, this process begins earlier than usual.

Here is a detailed and easy explanation of the main reasons why some people get grey hair early and what can be done about it.

1. Family History: The Most Common Cause

The biggest reason for early grey hair is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had grey hair at a young age, there is a strong chance the same may happen to you.

Why genes matter:

• The strength and lifespan of pigment cells often run in families

• The age at which greying begins is usually inherited

In such cases, early greying is not caused by lifestyle or diet — it is simply part of your natural biological makeup.

2. Stress Can Speed Up the Greying Process

Life today brings a lot of stress. Pressure from studies, work, relationships, or emotional situations can take a toll on the body. Studies show that long-term stress affects the cells that produce melanin.

How stress affects hair:

• Pigment cells break down faster

• Hair fall increases, and new growth may appear grey

• Hair roots become weaker

Stress doesn’t turn hair grey in a single night, but it can make the greying process happen sooner.

3. Lack of Key Vitamins and Minerals

Your hair needs proper nutrition just like the rest of your body. When the diet does not include enough essential vitamins and minerals, pigment cells lose strength and stop producing colour.

Important nutrients that help maintain hair colour:

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B6

• Iron

• Copper

• Folate (Vitamin B9)

People who skip meals, follow strict diets, or have poor digestion are more likely to develop early grey hair due to these deficiencies.

4. Thyroid Problems Can Change Hair Colour

The thyroid gland plays a major role in controlling hair growth and pigmentation. Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect the normal colouring process of the hair.

Signs that greying may be connected to thyroid issues:

• Hair becomes thin, rough, or brittle

• A sudden rise in the number of grey strands

• Tiredness, weight gain or loss, and cold hands or feet

If these symptoms appear along with early greying, a thyroid test may be helpful.

5. Smoking Damages Pigment Cells

Smoking is linked to fast ageing of the skin and hair. Research shows that smokers are more likely to get grey hair early.

Why smoking affects hair colour:

• It reduces blood flow to hair follicles

• Harmful chemicals damage pigment cells

• The ageing process speeds up

Even regular exposure to second-hand smoke can have a negative effect.

6. Frequent Hair Dyes and Heat Styling

Chemical hair dyes, bleaching, straighteners, curling rods, and other styling tools can weaken hair over time. Continuous use can harm the scalp and reduce melanin production.

Damage caused by chemicals and heat:

• Dryness and breakage

• Reduced shine and natural colour

• Weak hair follicles

Using these products occasionally is fine, but overuse can lead to early greying.

7. Autoimmune Conditions

Sometimes, an autoimmune disorder can cause early greying. In such conditions, the body mistakenly attacks its own pigment or hair cells.

Examples include:

• Vitiligo

• Alopecia areata

These conditions may require medical treatment and cannot be managed with home remedies alone.

8. Lifestyle Habits That Add to Early Greying

Many everyday habits also influence how early hair turns grey. These include:

• Not sleeping enough

• Eating too much junk food

• Drinking excess caffeine

• Not drinking enough water

• Skipping meals or eating at irregular times

When the body does not get proper rest and nutrition, hair health is often the first to be affected.

Can Early Grey Hair Be Reversed?

It depends on why the greying started.

If greying is genetic, it cannot be reversed.

Once pigment cells stop working due to genetic reasons, they usually do not return to normal.

But if greying is linked to stress, diet, or lifestyle, improvement is possible.

Helpful steps include:

• Eating foods rich in B vitamins, iron, and copper

• Reducing stress through meditation, exercise, or hobbies

• Avoiding smoking

• Minimising the use of harsh styling products

• Using gentle, nourishing hair care products

• Taking supplements if prescribed by a doctor

Regular hair oiling and scalp massage can also improve blood flow and support healthier hair.

Foods That Support Natural Hair Colour

These foods may help maintain or slow down the loss of melanin:

• Almonds and walnuts

• Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens

• Eggs

• Fish

• Lentils and beans

• Beetroot

• Amla (Indian gooseberry)

These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen hair from within.

Early grey hair is not something to feel embarrassed or stressed about. It can happen to anyone — whether because of genes, health issues, lifestyle habits, or nutritional gaps. What matters most is understanding the cause and taking the right steps to care for your hair.

Grey hair does not define your beauty or age. With good nutrition, proper sleep, and healthy habits, you can keep your hair strong, shiny, and confident — no matter its colour.

Disclaimer 

This article provides general information about the possible causes of early grey hair. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience sudden or severe greying, hair loss, or other health-related symptoms, consult a qualified doctor or dermatologist. Individual conditions vary, so please seek professional guidance before making health or hair-care changes.