Why is Your Hair Turning White? Causes, Signs, and Symptoms

Genetics is the most common cause of early white hair. Various other factors including vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B12, D, E, iron, zinc and copper) along with thyroid and hormonal disorders and autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo and alopecia and prolonged stress and smoking and chemical hair product use and environmental pollution and UV exposure can also lead to premature white hair formation. 

The decrease in melanin production in hair follicles due to these factors results in hair turning gray or white. Treating underlying health conditions and addressing nutrient deficiencies might help prevent additional premature greying. 

What Causes White Hair?

Hair turns white because melanin (natural hair pigment) fades from the hair. The following factors cause this change:

1. Genetics: The Most Common Cause 

This is the most common cause, as white hair often runs in families and is determined by inherited genes. 

The early onset of gray or white hair in your parents or grandparents likely indicates you will develop the same condition. Your genetic inheritance determines how long your hair follicles generate melanin, which colors hair strands. 

Hair will start to lose its natural color as it develops into gray or white hair due to a decrease or cessation of melanin production, which is influenced by inherited family traits.

2. Vitamin Deficiencies: Nutrient Gaps That Affect Pigmentation

The absence of essential vitamins, such as vitamin B12, D, and E, and minerals like iron and zinc, can interfere with melanin synthesis, leading to premature graying of hair. 

Specific vitamins can affect melanin production and damage hair follicles. These vitamins are essential for promoting healthy hair growth and maintaining pigment. Lack of them may lead to premature graying. 

Also Read: Which Vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

3. Stress & Lifestyle: Emotional or oxidative stress impacts hair pigmentation.

Regular emotional stress, combined with oxidative stress, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits, creates conditions that harm hair color production and accelerate graying. 

Chronic emotional stress, poor sleep regime, as well as unhealthy living choices initiate oxidative stress that damages cells (melanocytes). Stress alone does not directly cause white hair, but it accelerates the natural process if you have inherited this tendency.

4. Smoking: A Toxin for Your Hair Too 

Research shows a direct connection between smoking and early white hair due to its harmful effect on melanin-producing cells.

The consumption of tobacco generates free radicals, which harm hair follicles and elevate the chance of premature white hair development. Additionally, cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the scalp. 

5. Thyroid Disorders: Hormones Affect Hair Color

Conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) interfere with the ability of the body to produce hormones that regulate metabolism and hair health. 

Thyroid imbalances can disrupt melanin production, leading to early graying or thinning of hair.

6. Autoimmune Conditions: Body Attacking Itself 

Autoimmune disorders, such as vitiligo, in which the immune system destroys pigment cells in the skin and hair, and alopecia areata, which may attack hair follicles, sometimes affecting pigment-producing cells as well.

7. Aging: Natural loss of melanin over time.

As you age, the production of melanin by melanocytes (pigment cells) decreases. This is an entirely natural process. The appearance of gray hair begins for the majority of people between their 30s and 40s, while white hair starts to appear more frequently during their 50s. 

Which Health Conditions Are Linked With Premature Aging?

Premature white hair can be linked to the following conditions:

• Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism: These thyroid disorders disrupt melanin production in hair follicles, resulting in premature graying. 
• Pernicious Anemia: Autoimmune conditions such as pernicious anemia, vitiligo, and alopecia areata allow the immune system to attack pigment-producing cells, leading to early white hair. 
• Low B12 levels: A lack of vitamin B12 prevents proper hair development and color formation, which occurs in cases of pernicious anemia.
• Premature aging syndrome: Early greying is linked to rare genetic diseases, which include Wilson's Disease, Down Syndrome, and Progeria, as well as other premature aging syndromes.
• Chronic malnutrition and deficiencies: The insufficient intake of iron, copper, folate, calcium, vitamin D, and protein contributes to premature hair pigment loss.

The normal function and survival of melanocytes in hair follicles become disrupted by these conditions, which results in premature hair color loss. 

What Tests Help Identify the Cause of White Hair?

To identify the cause of white hair, doctors may recommend 

• Complete blood count (CBC): This test checks for anemia or other blood disorders, which may reveal underlying health conditions affecting hair pigmentation. 
• Vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels:  The lack of these vitamins often causes premature white hair and disrupts melanin production.
• Thyroid profile Test: The test assesses thyroid function because both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with melanin synthesis, which can cause premature graying.
• Iron studies Test: This test identifies iron deficiency because reduced oxygen supply to hair follicles causes pigment loss.
• Autoimmune panel (ANA): Tests for autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo or alopecia areata, which cause the immune system to attack hair follicle pigment cells, resulting in white hair.

Can You Reverse White Hair?

White hair may become reversible in certain conditions, depending on the underlying cause. When white or gray hair develops due to nutritional deficiencies caused by vitamin B12 or D deficiencies, copper or iron shortages, or underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, proper nutrition and medical care may help restore natural hair pigmentation and reduce hair graying. 

When hair follicles cease melanin production due to genetic factors or natural aging, reversal is not possible. Maintaining good health through proper nutrition, stress management, and quitting smoking, alongside gentle hair care practices, may help slow the progression of white hair, but will not reverse it if genetics are the cause. 

What Are the Prevention Tips for Premature White Hair?

Premature white hair can be prevented by: 

• Eating a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients.
• Stop smoking because it will help maintain the health of your hair follicles from oxidative stress.
• Practice stress management through meditation and yoga, or relaxation techniques.
• Get regular health checkups to detect and treat deficiencies or hormonal imbalances early.
• Scalp massages using coconut oil, amla oil, and bhringraj oil help promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and alleviate dandruff. 
• Use black tea rinses or henna masks to darken your hair and boost shine naturally. 
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods, such as amla and black sesame seeds, along with ginger, to help support melanin production in your body.
• Do not use harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat styling to protect hair pigment cells.
• Consult a dermatologist when home remedies fail or if you suspect a health condition is affecting your hair.

Worried About Early Greying? Get Tested at Redcliffe Labs! 

Premature greying of hair occurs due to multiple health conditions, which diagnostic tests can help detect. 

Diagnostic tests that Redcliffe Labs recommend to help evaluate health conditions that cause premature greying of hair:

• Vitamin Profile
• Thyroid Package
• Complete Body Checkup With Vitamin Screening

Book your test today and take the first step toward healthier hair! Enjoy the convenience of a home sample collection, benefit from accurate and reliable lab analysis, and consult your report with the expert for personalized advice. 

Conclusion

White hair is a natural part of the aging process, but premature graying can result from genetics, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle choices, or underlying health issues. While age-related white hair can't be reversed, addressing underlying causes, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet may slow its progression. Healthy habits and medical guidance are key to supporting hair health.

FAQs: 

1. Why do some, not all, get white hair at a young age?

Premature white hair is often caused by genetics, but can also occur due to vitamin deficiencies (especially B12), thyroid or autoimmune disorders, stress, smoking, or use of harsh hair products.

2. Is stress linked to white hair?

Yes. Chronic stress has been linked to early graying and can affect hair pigment cells. However, it is usually one of several contributing factors.

3. Which vitamin deficiencies make hair turn white?

Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, iron, copper, and zinc, can affect melanin production, contributing to premature white or gray hair. 

4. Is white hair from genetics reversible?

White hair caused by genetics or aging cannot be reversed. However, if it's due to a deficiency or medical condition, consult your doctor immediately. 

5. Can autoimmune conditions cause white hair?

Yes. Autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo or alopecia areata, and thyroid disorders can cause white hair. 

6. Does smoking affect hair color?

Yes. Smoking damages hair follicles through oxidative stress and toxins. This can speed up the onset of white or gray hair.

7. Can hair dyes or chemicals cause white hair?

Yes. Too much use of harsh chemical dyes and hair products can lead to premature graying.