Why is My Hair Turning White Before the Age of 20?

It's a distressing sight: seeing silvery strands sprouting prematurely from your head. Many young individuals, not even 20 years old, find themselves grappling with this problem. Here's an exploration of the reasons behind premature graying and how to combat it.

Main Causes and Genetics

While genetics often play a significant role, premature graying and premature balding can also be influenced by other factors such as diet, stress, and harmful chemicals. Here are the common causes:

Unbalanced diet Hormonal imbalance Stressful lifestyle Disturbed routine Use of harmful chemicals Use of harsh hair products Not having proper sleep

If your hair is turning white due to genetics, there's nothing you can do about it. However, if it’s due to stress, it is possible to address the issue through lifestyle changes. Consulting a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen is advisable, especially if the problem is medical.

Premature Graying of Hair (PGH)

Premature graying of hair (PGH) is a specific condition. Men below 25 from South Asian countries who have gray hair may be said to suffer from PGH. The exact causes of PGH are not fully understood, but it is often linked to:

Nutritional deficiencies of certain vitamins and micronutrients Detrimental habits like smoking or alcohol consumption Genetic anomalies or certain autoimmune disorders Oxidative stress Environmental factors like excessive use of hair dyes, shampoos, and exposure to UV rays Intake of certain medications

Many teenagers do not have a balanced diet. Deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D3, iron, copper, calcium, and zinc can diminish melanogenesis, resulting in lesser hair pigmentation and thus PGH.

Your Personal Experience with Premature Graying

I started experiencing prematurely gray hair in my 20s and initially, only small portions of my scalp had gray hairs. By 19, the number had increased, but a balanced diet and regular exercise helped reduce the visibility of these gray hairs. The distribution of gray hair varied over time, and the only concern was that gray hair could be stiff and brittle.

Prevention and Treatment

While you can’t stop the process completely, these steps may help slow it down:

Have a Balanced Diet: Focus on micronutrients like calcium, pantothenate, zinc, copper, and selenium. Avoid Harmful Habits: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Choose Gentle Hair Products: Avoid harsh chemical shampoos and excessive dyeing. Natural hair dyes like henna can be a safer option. Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include fruits high in vitamins C and E to combat oxidative stress damage. Hygiene: Keep your scalp free of infection, especially during the monsoon season. Physical Activity: Exercise regularly to stay fit and prevent chemo-drugs from damaging melanocytes. UV Protection: Wear a hat to protect your scalp from prolonged UV exposure or dust.

Worry not if you notice a few strands turning gray; it can be a sign of nutrient deficiency or simply genetic. If you are concerned about the extent of graying over the years with hair loss, make an appointment with a doctor.