While white hair naturally appears as we age, excessive graying at a young age can be caused by stress, lifestyle habits, and other factors. This article explores the causes of gray hair, preventive measures, and ways to maintain healthy hair.

😫 Stress, the Culprit of Gray Hair

There's a reason why 'stress' is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of gray hair. It's all due to our body's hormones. Hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol are released in response to stress. While these hormones don't directly impact gray hair, prolonged stress can lead our bodies to prioritize these hormones for nutrient supply.

This can result in a deficiency of nutrients for melanin cells, which determine hair color, leading to a decline in their function and the appearance of white hair. Managing stress through exercise and rest can also help prevent graying.

🚭 Beware of Smoking and Air Pollution

Harmful substances in cigarettes induce oxidative stress, and the free radicals produced during this process can attack and destroy scalp cells. The same applies to electronic cigarettes. Research shows that the risk of gray hair can increase by 2.5 times for smokers compared to non-smokers, particularly for those who start smoking before the age of 30. Air pollution, a growing concern these days, can also cause oxidative stress, adversely affecting hair.

☀️ Sun Exposure, a Contributing Factor to Graying

Prolonged outdoor activities expose us to the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can lead to discoloration not only in skin but also in hair, causing negative effects. Excessive exposure to UV rays can decrease keratin levels, a protein found in hair, and damage melanin-producing cells in the scalp, accelerating the process of graying. It's advisable to wear a cap during outdoor activities to protect both hair and skin.

🥦 Pay Attention to Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B6 and B12 play crucial roles in supplying nutrients to hair follicles and hair regeneration. Deficiency in these vitamins is said to be a cause of premature graying.

Vitamin B6: Fish, poultry, eggs, animal organs, etc. / Brown rice, spinach, bananas, potatoes, soybeans, etc.

Vitamin B12: Red meat (beef/pork), squid, mackerel, seaweed, oysters, saury, raw laver, milk, dried anchovies

⚕️ Consult a Doctor if Graying Suddenly Worsens

Gray hair usually develops due to stress or aging and progresses gradually. However, if you experience a sudden increase in gray hair within a short period, you might suspect thyroid dysfunction. This can occur due to excessive or insufficient thyroxine production, leading to impaired melanin production and a sudden surge in gray hair. If you notice an accelerated graying process compared to normal, it's recommended to undergo a thyroid function test.

💡 Small Habit Changes Can Delay Graying

By implementing lifestyle changes such as sun protection, stress management, and nutrient supplementation, you can slow down the progression of graying. Remember, while gray hair is a part of aging, it's important to recognize that healthy lifestyle choices can contribute to its prevention.