Last Updated on December 13, 2020
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Grey hair is one of the earliest and most obvious signs of aging. The first ones usually appear during the late twenties, and from then on, it is only a matter of time before you get enough grey hairs for other people to notice. And that’s when most people start to panic!
The worst thing is that this is an irreversible process, which can only be disguised with hair dye or delayed with certain lifestyle options (depending on its cause). But why does it happen, and what are the causes of grey hair? Is it just a consequence of old age? Spoiler alert: that is not the only reason. Let’s find out more about the graying of hair!
1. You are getting old
Yes, aging, of course. You already know it, but we still have to mention it first since it is by far the most common cause of grey hair. What you may not know is the mechanism that makes the hair turn grey. So here’s a quick explanation: Hair follicles produce less color as they age. It’s that simple. Once an individual hair grows, its color is set. But from a certain point on, hair follicles start losing pigment cells, and the color they produce will be lighter and lighter, until it eventually looks grey (and, at a later stage, white). In case you are wondering, the average age for grey hair is 35. This may vary according to genetics or some external factors.
2. Genetics
Why do some people develop a noticeable amount of grey hair while in their twenties, whereas others can keep their natural color until their seventies? The answer is as simple as it can be: genetics. According to several studies, the genetic lottery is the main factor that dictates whether or not you will have to deal with premature graying. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent grey hair from spreading at an early age if premature graying is a trait that runs in your family. Sorry.
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3. High-stress levels
People often joke about how stress may turn your hair grey, but that is not entirely a joke! Just take a look at Barack Obamas’ hair before and after his presidency! But does stress cause grey hair? Well, it’s possible. There is still no consensus within the medical community. Still, many experts believe that chronic stress can turn your hair grey earlier if you already have a genetic predisposition to it. Stress can also trigger a condition that makes your hair shed at an increased rate (telogen effluvium). This condition won’t make you bald nor grey per se, but if you are middle-aged, there’s a high chance that your hair will grow back in a grayish hue.
