Whether it’s early access to information, constant product experimentation, or their fast-paced lifestyles, Gen Z is showing signs of aging sooner than expected.
One of their most common concerns is gray hair, and millennials are no exception to this problem: People in their 20s and early 30s are increasingly worried about the appearance of gray hair.
If the premature grey hair growth is keeping you up at night, we ask experts why hair goes grey and how you can reverse it quickly.
Understand what and why
“Premature greying, also known as canity, refers to the greying of hair before the age of 20 in Caucasians, 25 in Asians and 30 in African-Americans,” Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Aparna Santhanam told India Today.
According to Dr DM Mahajan, senior consultant, dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, the main causes of premature greying of hair include genetic predisposition, which accounts for around 30 per cent of cases, as well as environmental factors such as oxidative stress, UV radiation and pollution.
Nutritional deficiencies and certain medical conditions such as vitiligo, alopecia areata, and thyroid disease can also lead to premature greying of hair.
“Modern lifestyle choices like unhealthy diet, smoking and alcohol consumption can accelerate oxidative stress and affect hair pigmentation,” adds Dr Shitij Goel, Head Physician, Dermatology, Sharda Care, NCR.
Dr Goel points out that millennials and Gen Z are going grey earlier due to a combination of modern lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, dietary habits and genetic predisposition. They are more likely to suffer from high stress levels, irregular sleep patterns and nutritional deficiencies, all of which can hasten the greying process.
Lifestyle is a big factor
“Lifestyle habits play a major role in premature greying of hair, especially in busy urban environments,” says Dr Rachana Shilpakar, consultant dermatologist, Rainbow Hospital for Children, Bangalore.
The pressure to achieve top grades, meet office deadlines, and cope with a sedentary, screen-bound life, combined with lack of sleep, increases oxidative stress.
The rise of fast food has exacerbated this problem, leading to widespread nutritional deficiencies, obesity and metabolic syndrome, worsening the problem like wildfire.
Blame it on stress
It is important to understand that chronic stress causes the release of norepinephrine, which overactivates melanocyte stem cells and depletes pigment-producing cell stores, which reduces melanin production and leads to the appearance of grey hair.
Additionally, hormonal changes caused by stress can affect hair growth cycles and pigmentation.
However, Dr. Santhanam points out that once hair has gone grey, reducing stress alone won’t naturally restore it to its original colour. Managing stress can help prevent further greying and maintain the overall health of your hair.
Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, regular exercise, and enough sleep can help reduce the impact of stress on hair pigmentation.
“In rare cases, particularly if the greying of hair is caused by stress and is caught very early, once the stress is significantly reduced some of the hair colour may return in a small number of people. But this is rare,” Dr Mahajan added.
Smoking and vaping are not cool
Experts stress that smoking and e-cigarettes cause oxidative stress, reducing blood flow to hair follicles and damaging melanocytes, which leads to premature greying of hair. Toxins in tobacco also inhibit the production of melanin, which contributes to hair greying.
Let’s talk about malnutrition
Dr Mahajan explains that vitamin and mineral deficiencies and hormonal imbalances can lead to premature greying of hair.
“Deficiencies of iron, copper and vitamin B12, among others, have been linked to premature greying of hair. Iron is essential for DNA synthesis in the hair follicle, while copper is essential for melanin production. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia, which affects melanin synthesis,” he adds.
Thyroid imbalances such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can also disrupt the hair growth cycle and pigmentation.
Addressing these deficiencies requires a comprehensive approach.
A thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, to identify specific deficiencies or hormone imbalances. Targeted supplementation, under medical supervision, to correct deficiencies. Dietary modifications to incorporate nutrient-dense foods for long-term management. Appropriate medication and regular monitoring are essential for thyroid problems.
In some cases, addressing these underlying factors may be able to reverse premature greying, especially if caught early.
Can I get it back?
“If premature greying is caused by modifiable factors such as nutritional deficiencies, thyroid imbalance, and oxidative stress, hair greying may be reversible,” says Dr Goel.
However, Dr Santhanam explains that while premature greying cannot be completely reversed, the process can be slowed down by addressing the underlying causes.
Dr. Mahajan agrees, noting that while complete reversal is generally not possible, there are several approaches that may be able to slow its progression and, in some cases, restore some color.
Anti-gray topical treatments, including those containing catalase, copper peptides, and melanin-stimulating compounds, aim to reduce oxidative stress and support melanocyte function. These are worth a try, but are more effective as preventative measures than treatments to reverse gray hair. Results may vary widely depending on individual response.
In addition to topical treatments, oral medications and supplements can also be effective, and traditional treatments such as Indian gooseberry (amla), curry leaves, and henna are also worth trying.
However, it is important to combine these treatments with lifestyle changes such as managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and environmental pollutants.
