What causes premature gray hair?

I’m just 20 and I have gray hairs! Is it normal???

Over the years the content of melanin, a pigment responsible for giving skin, eyes, and hair their color, decreases, and hair begins to turn gray. However, what if you notice the first gray hairs in your 20s or even earlier?

Scientists have repeatedly noted that premature gray hair is pretty common today. More often, people begin to notice their first depigmented hairs in their 20s and earlier –at 15-16. The main reason that leads to this situation is the failure of melanin production. However, there can be other possible causes.

By karlyukav – freepik.com The causes of premature gray hair:

– Heredity.

If anyone in your family had gray hairs in their 20s, don’t be surprised if you find gray hairs so early as well.

– Oxidative stress.

It can be caused by sunlight, as free radicals are produced under its influence. Active forms of oxygen damage the cell membranes of melanocytes, which leads to their death and decrease of pigment secretion.

– Stress for hair.

Those who neglect a headwear in cold seasons are susceptible to blood circulation disorder, which provokes a spasm of blood vessels that nourish the hair roots.

– Some diseases.

Thyroid disorders, changes in hormonal balance, anemia, autoimmune diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders can also cause premature gray hair.

– Emotional shock, chronic fatigue.

Severe stress or emotional overstrain are among the most common reasons for premature graying.

– Vegetarianism, protein deficiency.

Protein is the main building material for hair. It contains tyrosine, an amino acid that is converted to melanin during oxidation.

– Vitamin- and micro-/macronutrient deficiency.

A lack of vitamins and necessary nutrients also impairs the structure of the hair and leads to hair loss.