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Are you noticing more gray hairs than usual – even in your 20s? Premature graying of hair is becoming more common and is no longer limited to older age. From chronic stress and pollution to nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle habits, modern environmental stressors are accelerating this process much sooner than expected.
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Dr. Joyce Park, a Stanford and NYU-trained dermatologist and beauty consultant, explains why premature graying of hair is becoming more common today. In an Instagram video posted on October 22, the dermatologist outlines the various factors leading to premature hair graying and shares strategies that can help slow the process.
Why is premature graying of hair becoming common?
Dr. Park defines premature graying as the loss of hair color at an unusually early age, noting that the cut-off varies by ethnicity – before 20 in Caucasians, before 25 in Asians and before 30 in Africans. She explains why premature graying of hair has become more common in recent years and outlines the key factors contributing to it.
genetics
One of the major factors behind premature graying of hair is genetics – meaning the age at which your parents’ hair started graying can largely impact when your hair turns grey, too. “The biggest factor is genetics. If your parents went gray early, chances are you may too,” says Dr. Park.
oxidative stress
According to dermatologists, oxidative stress from the environment also plays a major role in premature graying of hair. “The free radicals then outnumber the antioxidants and damage the pigment-producing cells, melanocytes, in your hair,” she explains. Daily habits like smoking, chronic stress, pollution and harmful UV rays can accelerate the process of premature hair loss by increasing oxidative stress in the body.
nutritional deficiencies
reduction in essential Vitamins and minerals can also hasten the onset of premature gray hair. Dr. Park highlights, “Low levels of vitamin B12, D, iron, copper or zinc can really set things off. So, diet really matters.”
medical conditions
According to the dermatologist, certain medical conditions – like thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases – can also contribute to premature graying of hair.
How to slow down premature graying?
Dr. Park emphasizes that premature graying of hair is multifactorial, and although genetics cannot be changed, lifestyle adjustments can help reduce environmental stressors and slow the process. She explains the following ways in which you can slow down the process of premature graying of hair:
- A diet rich in nutrients rich in antioxidants.
- stress management.
- Quit smoking.
- Check with a doctor for underlying health problems.
- Anti-greying supplements and topicals may help.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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