What is premature graying?

Premature graying of hair also known as canities in medical terms means getting gray or white hair earlier than usual

Average Age of Graying by Ethnicity

• White people: Mid-30s

• Asian people: Late 30s

• Black people: Mid-40s

  By the age of 50, about 50% of people will have a noticeable amount of gray hair — a phenomenon often referred to as the “50-50-50 rule.”

What’s Considered Premature Graying?

• White individuals: Graying before age 20

• Asian individuals: Graying before age 25

• Black individuals: Graying before age 30

Why does hair turn gray?

Hair turns gray when your body stops making enough melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. It is produced by cells called melanocytes in your hair follicles. As you age:

• Melanocytes slow down melanin production

• Eventually, hair grows in gray or white as pigment fades

What causes early graying?

There are many reasons — some you can control, some you can’t. While genetics is the most common cause, several other internal and external factors may contribute to early loss of hair pigment:

• Genetics

  • If your parents or grandparents went gray early, you’re more likely to as well.

  • This is often the strongest predictor.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Low levels of: Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Biotin, Iron, Copper can affect melanin production and speed up graying.

• Health Conditions

  • Autoimmune diseases like vitiligo and alopecia areata can cause pigment loss in hair.

  • Thyroid disorders (hypo- or hyperthyroidism) may also play a role.

• Stress

  • Chronic stress can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which may damage melanocytes.

  • Stress is not the sole cause, but may accelerate graying in genetically prone individuals.

• Smoking

  • Strongly associated with premature graying.

  • Studies show smokers are more than 2 times as likely to develop gray hair early.

• Oxidative Stress

  • The buildup of free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells) contributes to aging and pigment loss.

  • Environmental factors like pollution, poor diet, and UV radiation play a role.

• Certain medications – Some long-term drugs may play a role.

Can gray hair turn black again?

In most cases, no — once a hair turns gray, it stays gray. But if it's due to a treatable cause like vitamin deficiency or thyroid imbalance, or autoimmune condition—your doctor can help create a treatment plan. Addressing these root causes may help slow further graying in some cases and might improve with the right treatment.

Can you prevent premature graying?

There’s no guaranteed way, but these tips may help slow it down: while you can’t override your genetics, these lifestyle and dietary tips may slow down the process:

• Eat a Pigment-Friendly Diet

  Focus on foods rich in:

  • B vitamins (whole grains, eggs, dairy)

  • Iron (spinach, lentils)

  • Copper (nuts, seeds, mushrooms)

  • Antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, citrus)

  • Stay hydrated to support overall scalp and follicle health.

• Quit Smoking

  • Smoking not only affects your lungs but also accelerates skin and hair aging, including graying.

• Manage Stress

  • Practice mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or breathing techniques.

  • Chronic stress may not directly cause graying, but it contributes to early aging at the cellular level.

• Consider Natural Remedies

  • Amla (Indian gooseberry): Used in Ayurvedic medicine to slow graying.

  • Black sesame seeds: Thought to nourish hair follicles.

  • Curry leaves: Traditionally believed to support melanin production.

• Use Gentle Hair Care Products

  • Harsh shampoos and frequent chemical treatments can weaken hair over time.

  • Look for sulfate-free, nourishing shampoos with antioxidants or botanical extracts.

Are there treatments?

• There’s no magic cure, at present, there are no proven medical treatments that can restore natural pigment once hair has turned gray.

• Here's what we currently know about managing early gray hair.

A. Covering Gray Hair: Hair Dye Options

If you're looking to cover gray hair for cosmetic reasons, there are several types of dyes to choose from:

• Natural Dyes (e.g., Henna)

  • Gentler on the scalp

  • Fewer synthetic chemicals

  • Need frequent touch-ups, as they fade faster

  • Limited color options

• Synthetic Hair Dyes

  • Available in permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary forms

  • Permanent dyes last longer and offer full coverage but may irritate sensitive skin

  • Always do a patch test to check for allergic reactions

  • Tip: If you have a sensitive scalp, look for hair dyes labeled ammonia-free or PPD-free (para-phenylenediamine, a common allergen).

B. Talk to a Dermatologist

A dermatologist can:

• Help rule out underlying causes of graying

• Suggest gentle haircare routines and safe coloring methods

• Guide you through treatments if deficiencies or autoimmune issues are detected

• Suggest PRP or peptides.

Is it something to worry about?

Mostly, no — it’s often just cosmetic. But if it’s happening rapidly or with other symptoms (like tiredness, weight gain, etc.), get it checked — it could be a sign of something else.

Premature Graying: Myths vs. Facts

• Myth 1: Pulling out one gray hair will cause more to grow.

  Fact: Not true! Pulling out one hair won’t cause more gray hairs to grow. But it can damage your hair follicle over time — so it's better to leave it alone.

• Myth 2: Only old people get gray hair.

  Fact: You can start graying in your teens or early 20s. It's more about your genes and body than your age.

• Myth 3: Coloring your hair causes it to turn gray.

  Fact: Hair dye doesn’t cause graying. It may damage hair if overused, but it doesn’t change melanin production inside the hair follicle.

• Myth 4: Eating certain foods like curry leaves or amla can reverse gray hair.

  Fact: While some foods are rich in nutrients that support hair health, they can’t turn gray hair back to black once it’s already lost pigment.

• Myth 5: Gray hair means you’re unhealthy.

  Fact: Not always! Premature graying can happen in perfectly healthy people, especially due to family history. But in some cases, it may signal deficiencies or thyroid issues.

Final Word:

Premature graying might be annoying, but it’s harmless for most people. Carry it, color it, or treat it -it’s your choice!

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.