Hair color or pigmentation is determined by the two types of melanin, known as eumelanin and pheomelanin. High level of eumelanin gives the hair a dark brown or black coloration, while pheomelanin imparts the yellow to red-brown color to the hair. Naturally, human hair can be black, brown, red and blond. The type of hair color usually depends on the ethnicity of an individual. People of Asian origin usually have dark brown or black hair, while white people can have blond, brown, red and auburn hair. The level of the pigment melanin can change over a period of time, which can also change the color of the hair. Usually, it has been observed that Asian people experience graying in their late thirties, while white people can begin to gray in their mid thirties. On the other hand, African people may not experience graying till their mid forties. However, premature white hair can be a symptom of several health conditions.
Causes of White Hair
Aging
White or gray hair is usually considered as a sign of aging. As we age, the production of melanin in the hair root reduces, and a large number of hair can grow simply without the pigment. Melanin is produced by the stem cells known as melanocytes, that are located at the base of the hair follicle. When these cells starts to die while aging, the production of melanin gets impaired. However, the age at which a person would experience graying depends on genetics, as it is inherited by people from their parents.
Genetic Factors
Premature graying of hair depends on hereditary factors. If your one or both the parents have experienced premature white or gray hair, you are also likely to face this problem at a young age. Many times, some individuals are born with white hair due to genetic factors. In the genetic abnormality called albinism, one is born with white or blond hair, due to the presence of very little pigment in hair.
Vitamin Deficiency
Apart from aging and genetic factors, hair color can change due to deficiency of certain important vitamins. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can be considered as one of the most common premature gray hair causes. In such a condition, taking vitamin B12 supplements or including foods rich in this vitamin can prevent further graying of hair.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders like, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also manifest in premature graying, along with many other symptoms. The hair can become very dry and brittle due to thyroid problems, and many people can experience significant hair loss due to an overactive or under active thyroid gland.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition, characterized by the destruction of the melanin producing cells, which can be caused by autoimmune, genetic, as well as some environmental factors. The destruction of the melanin producing cells, called melanocytes, causes the development of white patches in the skin and hair.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress is known to cause a great many health problems including, premature graying. Individuals going through a prolonged period of mental stress, as well as those suffering from any serious disease can often witness premature hair graying over a period of time. This is because, both mental stress, anxiety and severe illness can adversely affect the production of melanin.
Pernicious Anemia
It is an autoimmune condition, where the antibodies produced by the immune system attack some specific stomach cells, that impair the absorption of vitamin B12. Deficiency of vitamin B12 causes anemia or deficiency of red blood cells, which can present many symptoms including premature white hair.
Apart from the above mentioned causes, it can be associated with many other conditions, as well as excessive use of harsh chemicals on hair, pollution and smoking. Therefore, it is very important to determine and address the underlying causes, in order to prevent premature graying. At the same time, following a balanced diet, regular exercising to manage the level of stress, proper hair care and avoiding habits like, smoking can prove beneficial for controlling the condition.
