Gray hair is a common sign of aging, and it can start appearing as early as in your 20s or 30s. While it is a natural occurrence, some people may start to get gray hair at a relatively younger age due to certain factors.

What causes hair to turn white? Here are some possible causes:.

1. Genetics

The most significant factor that determines when your hair turns gray is your genes. If your parents or grandparents went gray early, then you are also likely to experience the same condition.

The melanin pigment production in hair is a genetic trait, and some people naturally produce less melanin, which leads to hair turning gray.

2. Age

As people age, the production of melanin gradually reduces, leading to the appearance of gray hair. Most people start getting gray hair in their late 30s or early 40s, and it gradually increases as they age.

A person’s hair turns gray when the follicles stop producing melanin altogether as the body stops replenishing pigment cells.

3. Stress

Stress can also lead to hair turning gray, as it causes oxidative damage that depletes melanin production. Stress increases the free radicals in the body, which can damage the pigment-producing cells.

Stressful conditions like emotional trauma or illness can also trigger hair turning gray because it leads to the production of stress hormones and radical oxygen species that contribute to hair graying.

4. Smoking

Smoking is known to cause premature aging, and it is also linked to hair turning gray.

Smoking cigarettes leads to the production of hydrogen cyanide, a toxic compound that causes damage to the DNA in follicle cells, leading to reduced melanin production. Smoking can also lead to blood vessel constriction, which impairs melanin pigment delivery to the hair follicles.

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5. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that supports healthy hair growth. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to hair turning gray due to the role it plays in the production of melanin.

A lack of vitamin B12 leads to decreased levels of melanin pigment, which accelerates the graying process.

6. Medical conditions

Medical conditions like alopecia areata, thyroid disorders, and vitiligo are known to cause hair turning gray. Vitiligo causes the immune system to attack the melanin-producing cells, leading to a depletion of pigment production.

Thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can also lead to a lack of melanin production.

7. Haircare products

Overuse of hair care products like hair dyes or bleaching agents can damage hair follicles, leading to hair turning gray. The chemicals in these hair products can cause oxidative stress, leading to reduced production of melanin.

8. Sun Exposure

Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can also cause hair turning gray. The UV rays can cause damage to the hair shafts, leading to dryness and brittleness. The hair follicles then become unable to produce melanin, leading to gray hair.

9. Pollution

Environmental pollution is also a known cause of hair turning gray. Air pollutants like lead, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide contribute to oxidative stress in the body, leading to reduced melanin pigment production.

This damage can lead to the development of gray hair.

10. Diet

A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can also cause hair turning gray. A diet lacking in vitamins B12, C, D and E, and minerals like copper, zinc, and iron can lead to a reduction in melanin production.

In addition, a diet high in processed foods, salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can also contribute to the premature aging of hair.