This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Grey hair is a natural part of aging, but premature greying can be a concern for many. According to Dr. Mukuhi Ng'ang'a, writing for Business Daily on August 23, 2019, premature greying tends to run in families, and there is nothing you can do about genetically predetermined factors.
However, there are other factors that can contribute to premature greying. A lack of sufficient vitamin B12 in the body can result in skin and hair changes, including premature greying. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, eggs, and other animal products.
Thyroid issues can also lead to premature greying. The thyroid gland is a small gland found in the front of the neck, and it has been known to over or underact even if it is not enlarged. An autoimmune disease is a condition where the body's immune system attacks its own cells, and two conditions in this category, alopecia areata and vitiligo, can cause premature greying of the hair.
Smoking has a long list of side effects, including cancer, cardiovascular, and lung disease. Smoking may be associated with premature greying of hair. Harsh hair products containing hydrogen peroxide have been known to be harmful to hair in the long run and can lead to the development of patches of grey.
Neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis are two uncommon inherited disorders that can cause one to develop multiple non-cancerous tumours all over the body, including associated greying of hair. There is some research linking premature greying to thin bones and heart disease, but further investigation is needed.
While stress may contribute to hair loss, there is no conclusive evidence linking it to premature greying. However, it has been known to cause hair loss, and experiments involving mice show that there may be reduction in hair pigment cells due to stress.
Preventing premature greying of hair is not possible if it is genetic. However, if the hair was grey and you dye it black, when it grows back, it will still be grey. Getting your health problems sorted out, eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin B12, stopping smoking, and selecting your hair products wisely can help prevent the development of more grey hairs.
