Hair color can start to change at any age, but most commonly it begins in a person’s 30s or 40s. There are a few key factors that influence when and how hair color changes as we get older:
Genetics
Genetics play a major role in determining when hair color starts to change. People who inherit genes for early graying will begin to go gray in their 20s or 30s. Those with genes for later graying may not see it happen until their 50s or 60s. Ethnic background also affects when graying occurs, with Caucasians tending to go gray earlier than Asians or Africans.
Stress
Stress can accelerate the graying process. High levels of psychological and physiological stress can interfere with the production of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. People under chronic stress may start to see more grays appear earlier than they otherwise would.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions are linked to early graying of hair. These include vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata. Treating the underlying condition may help slow or stop premature graying.
Lifestyle factors
Unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to earlier graying as well. Smoking, drinking excess alcohol, poor nutrition, and other factors may put oxidative stress on hair follicles and deplete melanin. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can potentially delay the graying process.
Hair color treatments
Using chemical hair dyes and bleaches can damage hair over time and cause it to gray prematurely. Heat-styling tools and harsh hair products have a similar effect. Limiting use of these products may help hair maintain its natural color longer.
When does hair stop changing color?
Hair typically continues to gray well into a person’s 50s, 60s, or even 70s. There is no specific age when hair color stops changing. However, the graying process does begin to slow down eventually. Once hair goes completely gray, there is little change over time, other than perhaps some fading of color.
What percentage of hair needs to be gray to look gray?
There is no definitive percentage of gray hairs needed to make hair appear gray overall. However, research indicates that once around 50% of hairs are at least 50% gray, the hair will start to take on a noticeably gray appearance. At around 75-80% gray hair, the scalp will look predominantly gray or white.
Can hair re-pigment after going gray?
It is very rare for hair to re-pigment and turn back to its original color after going gray. However, some research shows that correcting vitamin deficiencies, reducing stress, removing toxins, and improving circulation may help restore a small percentage of melanin to gray hairs.
What causes some hair to gray early while other hair gray’s later?
Hair does not gray uniformly across the head. This is due to the fact that hair cycles are not synchronized. At any given time, hairs on the scalp are in different phases of the growth cycle. Hairs in the same area usually cycle together, which is why graying may start in patches.
Does plucking grays cause more grays?
No, plucking gray hairs will not cause more grays to grow in its place. This is just a myth. However, plucking can damage the hair follicle, lead to infection, and cause other problems, so it is not recommended.
What other hair color changes happen with age?
In addition to graying, other age-related hair color changes can occur:
- Hair may become duller and lose its luster
- Blondes may start to see their hair darken
- Brunettes and redheads may notice their hair lighten
- Hair may yellow due to decreased production of melanin
Does hair color return after chemotherapy?
Hair color after chemotherapy usually returns to normal once the chemotherapy ends and new hair regrows. However, sometimes chemotherapy can cause long-term changes to hair color. The new hair growth may be a different shade than before, or be streaked with gray hairs.
What natural remedies help delay graying?
Some natural remedies that may help slow down premature graying include:
- Taking supplements like vitamin B complex, biotin, copper, and catalase
- Eating antioxidant-rich foods like colorful fruits and vegetables
- Using anti-graying oils like coconut, almond, and sesame oils
- Drinking black tea, which contains compounds that may protect hair pigment
However, keep in mind these remedies have limited scientific evidence. Genetics and aging remain the main factors affecting hair color.
Does gray hair signify vitamin deficiency?
Premature graying can sometimes be a symptom of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. However, most age-related graying is genetic and does not indicate any vitamin deficiency. Having gray hair does not necessarily mean you need to take vitamins or supplements.
At what age is it normal to have a lot of gray hairs?
There is no strict definition of when gray hair becomes “a lot” of gray hair. However, these general age guidelines can give a sense of what is typical:
- 20s-30s: Up to 5% gray is normal
- 40s: Up to 20% gray is common
- 50s: Around 50% gray hairs often appears
- 60s-70s: More than 50% gray is expected
Having significant graying before age 30 would be considered premature unless it runs very strongly in your family. Talk to your doctor if your hair grays rapidly before age 40.
What diseases cause premature graying?
Some medical conditions associated with premature graying include:
| Disease | Description |
|---|---|
| Vitiligo | Autoimmune disease causing skin and hair pigment loss |
| Thyroid disorders | Both overactive and underactive thyroid linked to early graying |
| Pernicious anemia | Vitamin B12 deficiency that can accelerate graying |
| Alopecia areata | Autoimmune hair loss disease causing hair to regrow white |
Consult a doctor if you are experiencing rapid graying along with other concerning symptoms. Treating the underlying medical issue may help slow further graying.
Does early graying increase health risks?
Premature graying has been associated with a slightly higher risk of certain health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Impaired bone density
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Thyroid problems
However, more research is needed to confirm if premature graying directly raises disease risk. It may simply be an indicator of underlying genetics or environmental factors that influence health. Those with premature graying should focus on maintaining good lifestyle habits.
Should I take vitamins if my hair is graying early?
Before starting vitamins, have your doctor test your vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Supplementing is only helpful if a true vitamin deficiency exists. Taking vitamins will not reverse graying if it is primarily age-related. Focus on getting vitamins through a healthy, balanced diet first.
Does dying your hair cause it to gray quicker?
No, dyeing your hair will not directly lead to faster graying. However, the artificial color can make new gray growth seem more pronounced. The contrast between dyed hair and regrowing white roots is more noticeable. Thus, it may appear as if the hair is graying quicker.
Conclusion
Hair color changes are complex and influenced by many factors. While genetics play a key role, stress, health conditions, and lifestyle habits also impact when graying begins and progresses. Each person’s experience will be unique. Although early graying can be distressing, the health risks are low. Focus on maintaining healthy locks through proper care and nutrition.