Many people consider their hair and its colour one of their greatest beauty assets. As we age, our hair turns grey or white, which is an expected part of aging. However, the greying phenomenon is gradually becoming common in younger people, some as young as in their teens, which makes such premature greying an unwelcomed change.
According to a June 2017 review in Pigment International, premature greying is defined as loss of hair pigment that occurs before the age of 25 in Asians. The pigment Melanin, found in hair follicles, is an ingredient in the hair formation process. Over time, less melanin is available during hair growth, and this loss of pigment causes the hair to turn grey, silver and eventually white.
Although the underlying mechanisms are still not clearly defined, here are some possible reasons why your hair is turning grey earlier than expected.
1. Genetic
The main reason for grey hair at an early age is genetic. The child is more prone to have grey hair earlier in life if his or her parents have the same problem. Genes will determine when you will get your first grey hair since they regulate the pigmentation potential of each hair follicle.However, if premature greying is not a trait that runs in your family, it is recommended to see a doctor to evaluate thyroid health, vitamin levels, and to rule out anaemia – a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood.
2. Autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune diseases can attack cells within the body, including hair follicles, making it possible for premature greying or whitening to occur. For example, the hair that regrows after the scalp is affected by alopecia areata, a condition which causes round patches of hair loss, can be depigmented, or white. Vitiligo is another autoimmune disorder which causes the pigment-making cells to be destroyed. While this condition often affects the skin, it can also lead to patches of white hair.
3. Smoking
Smoking produces free radicals in the smoker’s body and these will cause a decrease in melanin, resulting in greying of hair.Despite the potential effects of smoking on the aging process, it still does not have near as much of an impact as genetics.
4. Chronic stress
Stress can lead to many harmful consequences and one of them is hair loss and premature greying. Shock, sorrow and anxiety can reduce the number of melanin cells in the hair follicles, thus leading to premature greying. While there is a bit of a debate on this, some research has uncovered a correlation between stress and grey hair.
5. Vitamin deficiency
Deficiency of vitamin B12 has been linked to premature greying of hair. Together with vitamin B12, zinc and copper are also responsible for the nourishment of hair. In addition, if the body is suffering from lack of Vitamin C and E, then the hair turns grey. Their deficiency can decrease the amount of melanin-producing cells and thereby cause grey hair. Vegetarians and vegans, due to their dietary restrictions, may also have a higher risk for premature greying. Individuals who take birth control pills and those with gastrointestinal or digestive issues are at a higher risk for premature greying as well.
6. Dirty scalp
An unclean scalp due to insufficient hygiene may be another cause for premature hair greying. If you do not take good care of your hair, it will turn grey faster.
7. Environment
Pollutants and toxins can cause your hair to turn grey faster. Studies have suggested that these chemicals can generate free radicals or oxidative stress, which can cause damage to melanin cells and in turn speed up hair aging.
If you have premature, genetic & age-related grey hair issues, it’s no reason to panic, and certainly you’re not alone. Although having grey hair is an expected process that all of us will go through when getting older, losing your natural hair colour can really knock your confidence, and you may go also feel like you would do anything to find out how to stop grey hair. The Anti Grey Hair Therapy at Oriental Hair Solutions will be the solution to these problems. The best part is, you get to enjoy a session of the therapy with a complimentary $100 Service Voucher and a Herbal Hair Tonic, all for only $18 (U.P. $298).
Contact us for an appointment today to let us help you solve your hair problems!