Premature greying of hair can be linked to several lifestyle, nutritional and medical factors, with research suggesting that certain habits may increase the likelihood of hair turning grey at a younger age.
A study previously published in the Italian Dermatology Online Journal found that smokers were about 2.5 times more likely than non-smokers to develop grey hair before the age of 30, highlighting smoking as a potential risk factor for premature greying.
Hair dyes and other hair-care products may also contribute to the process. Some colouring and hair-treatment products contain chemicals that can affect melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour. Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used in hair dyes, has also been associated with damage that may affect hair pigmentation.
Stress is another factor that researchers have linked to premature greying. Research published in Nature Medicine by scientists at New York University suggested that stress can affect the cells responsible for maintaining hair pigmentation. Managing stress may therefore help reduce one potential contributor to early greying.
Certain medical conditions may also play a role. Autoimmune disorders have been associated with changes in hair pigmentation, while previous research has reported a link between hair abnormalities and thyroid disorders. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, may also be associated with premature greying.
Nutritional deficiencies are another possible factor. Low levels of vitamins such as B6, B12, biotin, vitamin D and vitamin E have been linked to premature hair greying in some studies.
A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Trichology also reported an association between low serum ferritin levels and premature greying among people under 25. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body.
While premature greying can have several causes, including genetic factors, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, managing stress and addressing underlying medical or nutritional deficiencies may help reduce some of the associated risks.
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