Generally, gray or white hair is considered a sign of aging. As we age, our hair starts to lighten in color, eventually turning completely white. This change is so synonymous with aging that many people disguise their hair color change with various dyes and hairstyles. Let’s delve deeper into the causes and process of hair whitening and why it happens earlier for some than others.
What Is Hair Graying/Whitening?
The gradual loss of melanin pigment in the hair follicle is known as graying or whitening of hair. There are several technical terms to refer to this phenomenon, such as achromotrichia or canities. The gray or white color is not due to a pigment, rather it happens due to loss of melanin and depigmentation.
According to research, there is a 10% – 20% decrease in melanin production (a pigment that gives hair its color) by age 30.
What Are The Causes of Gray/White Hair?
The most common cause of normal graying of hair is the natural aging process. However, many people suffer from this phenomenon early on in their life. Multiple factors influence this gradual color change or loss of pigment in hair. These include:
Genetics
Genetics is a predominant factor in the appearance of early gray or white hair. If a person’s first-degree relatives (parents, grandparents) have a history of early graying of hair, they will likely develop the same.
The Amount of Stress
Excessive stress adversely affects many organ systems in the body. The hair is not spared from this negative impact. Chronic and unrelenting stress alters the body’s chemistry in ways that lead to sleep issues, skin changes, digestive problems, along with early appearance of gray/white hair.
Autoimmune And Other Diseases
Systemic/chronic diseases impact the overall health status of the body. This is particularly true for autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune response mistakes its own cells as foreign and attacks them. Some autoimmune diseases specifically target the hair follicle itself like vitiligo or alopecia while others impact the overall health.
Apart from these, hormonal issues like thyroid disease affect melanin production and hair color. Malnutrition, albinism, and diabetes (Type 2) all impact hair pigmentation and melanin production to varying extents leading to gray and white hair.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies impact melanin production and concentration. A deficiency of B12 (for example) impacts the health, longevity, and pigmentation of the hair. Diseases like pernicious anemia that hinder the absorption of vitamin B12 by the body, trigger early graying or whitening of hair.
Cigarette Smoking
Most people associate cigarettes with respiratory, skin, or heart problems but studies suggest that chronic smokers have early-onset whitening of hair follicles too. This occurs due to the negative impact of smoking on blood vessels and the damage due to the toxins in tobacco.
Sun Damage
People who spend too much time in the sun without protecting their hair suffer from the early onset of graying or whitening of hair. This happens due to photochemical damage to hair structure and loss of pigment.
Are Gray and White Hair the Same?
There is a difference between the terms gray hair and white hair. Gray hair means the combination of various hues of gray and white hair. Most hair at this stage has some melanin pigment left in them. However, white hair lacks melanin pigment. This absolute lack of pigment manifests in a consistently white and uniform hair shade.
The natural process that leads to graying of hair begins with a gradual decrease in melanin production. Low melanin levels in the hair follicle dilute the overall hair color and result in a mix of various shades of gray. As the aging progresses the melanin production keeps on decreasing until a point of complete depigmentation is reached and the hair follicle fully turns white.
Is There a Permanent Solution For Gray or White Hair?
There is no permanent solution for naturally gray or white hair. While various hair dyes can temporarily restore color, they are not long-lasting or permanent. However, if you’re looking to reverse premature graying, the best approach is to treat the cause behind it. If the damage to the follicle and pigment is not permanent, there is a chance that the effect may be reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the age at which the hair begins to turn gray?
Normally, people start noticing gray hair from age 30 and onwards.
Is graying of hair related to stress?
Yes, there is a strong relation between the graying of hair and high stress levels.
Does hair fall and graying/whitening of hair occur simultaneously?
Aging affects the structure of the hair follicles as well as pigment production. This leads to thinning hair and decreasing hair growth.
