Causes of premature graying
Graying of hair before the age of 20 is considered premature graying. Some potential causes include:
- Genetics – Graying is largely determined by genetics and tends to run in families. People with a family history of premature graying are more likely to experience it themselves.
- Oxidative stress – Reactive oxygen species can damage melanin-producing cells, causing hair to turn gray. Things that increase oxidative stress like smoking, sun exposure, and psychological stress can contribute to premature graying.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency – Low vitamin B12 can interfere with melanin production and lead to premature graying.
- Autoimmune disorders – Conditions like alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, and vitiligo can sometimes cause patchy graying of hair.
- Thyroid disorders – Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been associated with premature graying.
When does graying usually start?
Graying of hair is a normal part of aging. On average:
- Caucasians start graying in their mid-30s.
- Asians start graying in their late 30s.
- Africans start graying in their mid-40s.
However, some individuals may start to notice gray hairs much earlier or later than these average ages. The age when you’ll begin to go gray depends on a complex interaction between your genetics, environmental factors, and how sensitive you are to spotting those first subtle gray strands.
Is the rate of graying speeding up?
It may seem like gray hairs are taking over faster than ever before, but is this actually true? There is limited research on changes in graying rates over time.
Some studies suggest the rate of graying could be accelerating in modern societies compared to previous generations:
- One study found people born in the 1930s were twice as likely to have gray hair in their 20s compared to their parent’s generation.
- Smoking rates have fallen, but other factors like increased sun exposure, stress, and obesity may contribute to faster graying today.
- Higher rates of divorce and single parenthood could be a marker of increased psychosocial stress.
However, we can’t say for certain if premature graying is more common today. Some experts argue we are just more obsessively examining our hair and attuned to spotting those first grays now than in the past. Improved hair dyes also make covering up gray a priority at younger ages.
Lifestyle factors that may influence graying
While you can’t prevent the natural graying process, certain lifestyle factors may influence when those first silvery strands appear.
Smoking
Smoking has been linked to premature graying of hair. The toxins in cigarette smoke generate free radicals that can damage melanin pigment. Studies show smokers are 2-3 times more likely to start graying early compared to nonsmokers.
Sun exposure
UV radiation from sunlight can degrade melanin and accelerate graying. Wearing sunscreen may help delay the graying process by preventing sun damage to your hair and scalp.
Stress
There appears to be a link between chronic stress and premature graying. Stress hormones may interfere with melanin production. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga may help slow down graying.
Nutrient deficiencies
Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals tied to hair pigmentation like vitamin B12, copper, and iron may help delay graying. Consider having your levels tested by a doctor.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid gland speeds up metabolism which can deplete vitamin B12 and antioxidant reserves – both which influence graying. Getting hyperthyroidism treated may prevent premature graying.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants combat oxidative stress that degrades melanin. Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fats provides antioxidants that may postpone graying.
When to see a doctor
Premature graying is rarely a medical concern. However, consider seeing a doctor if you have other bothersome symptoms like:
- Diffuse thinning of hair
- Patchy hair loss
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Rapid weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Abnormal heart rate
These could indicate an underlying medical issue may be causing your premature graying, like an autoimmune disorder or thyroid problem.
Should I worry about going gray?
While finding your first few gray hairs can be distressing, graying is a normal biological process rather than anything to worry about. Gray hair doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy or that something is wrong.
Instead of fixating on fighting the grays, it may be healthier to gracefully embrace this natural transition. Remember that our hair color does not define us or diminish our value – true beauty comes from within.
How can I gracefully transition to gray hair?
If you decide to let your hair go gray, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep gray hair from getting dingy or yellow.
- Switch to a deeply conditioning shampoo and conditioner.
- Use purple or blue toning shampoos to reduce brassiness and brighten up silvery tones.
- Get a shorter, easy-care hairstyle that flatters your face as you grow out your grays.
- Embrace stylish highlights, ombre, or lowlights if you want to blend the grays.
- Protect hair from sun damage with hats or spray-on SPF.
The transition to gray can take 6 months to 2 years. Be patient and take good care of your hair during this time. Eventually you’ll be rocking a chic, graceful mane of silver.
Should I start coloring my hair?
Once gray hairs are coming in, you’ll need to decide whether to cover them up with dye or let nature take its course. Here are some pros and cons of starting to color your hair once graying begins:
| Pros of Coloring Grays | Cons of Coloring Grays |
|---|---|
| – Covers up unwanted gray hairs | – Roots will need regular touch ups |
| – Can match your original or desired hair color | – Hair dye can irritate scalp or cause allergic reaction |
| – May improve self-esteem or confidence | – Chemicals damage hair over time |
| – Youthful appearance | – Artificial look |
It’s a personal choice whether to color grays or not. For some people, covering up gray can improve self-image. But dying also requires maintenance and doesn’t address aging attitudes. Embracing your natural hair may promote self-acceptance.
How to color grays
If you decide to move forward with coloring your new gray strands, here are some tips:
- Get a professional dye job rather than doing it yourself initially.
- Select ammonia-free hair color to minimize scalp irritation.
- Do a strand test to check for allergic reaction before full application.
- Consider lowlights or highlights instead of full dye for a more natural look.
- Time touch ups around 4-6 weeks when regrowth becomes noticeable.
- Use Olaplex or similar system to repair damage from coloring.
- Consider going gradually lighter over time for a seamless transition.
Consult with your stylist to create the best gray coverage strategy for your hair type and lifestyle.
How to prevent going gray
While you can’t actually prevent graying indefinitely, implementing healthy lifestyle habits and taking good care of your hair may help delay the process:
- Don’t smoke – Smoking accelerates graying.
- Use sunscreen – Protect hair from sun damage.
- Reduce stress – Manage stress through yoga, meditation, etc.
- Eat antioxidant foods – Berries, green tea, nuts contain antioxidants.
- Take B12 – Supplement if deficient in vitamin B12.
- Treat thyroid dysfunction – Hyper/hypothyroidism linked to graying.
- Moisturize hair – Condition regularly to keep hair healthy.
- Scalp massage – Improves circulation which may delay grays.
- Avoid heat styling – Limit use of hot tools that damage hair.
While you’ll eventually go gray, following these tips can potentially buy you some time before those silver strands start popping through.
How to cover up grays
If you’re not ready to embrace the salt and pepper, there are ways to conceal gray hairs blending in:
Semi-permanent rinses
These deposit pigments that wash out over 4-6 weeks. Grays blend in but you avoid permanently altering hair color.
Temporary root touch up sprays
These quickly conceal new gray growth but wash out with one shampooing. Reapply as needed between dye jobs.
Root touch up powders or crayons
These cling to hairs and camouflage gray regrowth between salon visits. Avoid wetting hair.
Hair thickening powders
Some brands contain pigments that disguise thinning and grays. Shake onto roots for density.
Headbands and hats
Stylish headwear like bandanas, scarves, fedoras can hide grays around the hairline.
Changing part or style
Try a deep side part, layers, bangs or a change in style to mask emerging gray patches.
Perm or texture spray
Adding wave or volume can help integrate grays into your hair color more seamlessly.
When to stop coloring grays
If you’ve been covering your gray for years, you may eventually decide to embrace your natural hair color. Some signs it may be time to ditch the dye include:
- You’ve developed an allergy or irritation to hair dye.
- You want to embrace a more natural look.
- You’re tired of the cost, time and maintenance.
- You’re finding the contrast between dyed hair and wrinkled skin unflattering.
- You think gray hair could be trendy and stylish.
- You want to stop worrying about concealing regrowth.
Going gray can be liberating for many women. The transition process can take time and adjustments but learning to love your natural hair is important as we age.
Am I going gray prematurely?
Graying before age 30 is generally considered premature graying. To assess if your graying is premature:
- Compare when you started graying to others in your family.
- Consider your ethnic background – Caucasians gray in mid-30s on average.
- Note if you have other symptoms like sudden weight loss.
- Reflect on lifestyle factors like smoking, stress, thyroid issues.
- Ask your doctor if any underlying conditions could be causing early graying.
Remember that some people just naturally gray earlier than the norm. If your health is otherwise good, premature graying itself is not really a problem.
Tips for transitioning to gray hair
If you’ve decided to stop dyeing and grow in your gray, these tips can make the process smoother:
- Use a clarifying shampoo to prevent yellow discoloration
- Switch to a volumizing, nourishing shampoo and conditioner
- Get regular trims to cut off split ends and promote growth
- Use toning or purple shampoos to reduce brassiness
- Consider shorter hairstyles or layers while growing out color
- Protect hair from sun damage with hats or spray SPF
- Be patient – transitioning can take several months
- Express your beauty and style through fashion, makeup, skincare
It may feel awkward at first but own the process! In time your gorgeous gray locks will feel natural.
Going gray gracefully
While the aging process can’t be stopped, transitioning gracefully to gray hair is an art. Here are some tips for aging elegantly:
- Embrace graying as a rite of passage, not something to battle.
- Remember hair color doesn’t define you.
- Exude confidence and style at any age.
- Take good care of your hair – condition frequently, use protective styles.
- Don’t overload on product – let your beautiful grays shine.
- Consider enhancing with highlights instead of full dye.
- Invest in flattering haircuts with layers to create movement.
- Express yourself through makeup, fashion and accessories.
- Focus on graceful aging for the whole body – fitness, diet, mental health.
Gray hair can be glamorous and alluring when embraced confidently. Let your wisdom and inner sparkle shine through.
Conclusion
While premature graying can certainly feel distressing, it is a normal biological process that everyone goes through sooner or later. Understanding the common causes, like genetics, stress, and lifestyle factors can provide insight into your changing hair color.
There are options to conceal grays if you prefer, from dyes to simple stylistic tricks. However, allowing your hair to transition gracefully to gray can also be beautiful. Focus on self-care, feeling confident, and expressing your personal flair.
Remember that our hair does not define us. Be patient with the process and learn to celebrate your silvery locks. They reflect a life lived with rich experiences.