White hair occurs when the body loses pigment cells, called melanin. These cells are found in small sacs in the skin called hair follicles. Read more wellhealthorganic.com:know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally
This condition is not common, but it does occur in some people. In some cases, it can be slowed down or reversed with the right diagnosis and treatment.
1. Genetics
If you are feeling depressed about your premature white hair, it is important to know that this condition can be due to a number of factors. It may be genetic, a lifestyle factor, or a vitamin deficiency.
The root cause of hair graying and white hair is the loss of pigment cells, which are responsible for the brown, red, chestnut or golden hues in your hair. These cells are known as melanocytes.
But with age, your body slows down this process and the cells that produce melanin slowly decline, resulting in your hair going gray or white.
In fact, people of certain racial backgrounds can get grey or white hair as early as their 20s. However, the exact age at which this occurs is largely dependent on the genes.
This is because genes determine the amount of melanin that is injected into each strand of hair and how quickly it loses its color.
Getting a proper diet that includes protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help ensure your body gets enough of this natural pigment. It also helps prevent oxidative stress, which can lead to premature graying of the hair.
You can also prevent your hair from turning white by avoiding smoking and staying out in the sun too much. Smokers have a higher risk of premature graying, which is why it’s important to cover up your hair when you go out in the sun with a hat and scarf.
You can also reverse the effects of premature white hair by preventing or treating a health condition, such as an underactive thyroid. This can help your body restore its normal production of melanin, so you’ll have the pigment to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
2. Oxidative stress
When the body is under oxidative stress, free radicals are released in large quantities that can cause a lot of damage. They can also speed up the aging process, and they’re linked to many diseases.
While oxidative stress can be harmful, it’s important to note that it can also be helpful in certain conditions. For example, it can help protect against a certain type of dementia, which occurs when free radicals break down brain cells.
Oxidative stress is caused by a number of things, including environmental factors like pollution and exposure to chemicals. It can also be triggered by your diet and lifestyle habits.
Taking antioxidant supplements, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and staying away from harmful products that contain oxidants can help lower your oxidative stress levels. Some foods that contain high antioxidant content include berries, broccoli, tomatoes, and citrus fruit.
Another way to prevent oxidative stress is to avoid smoking. Smoking has been shown to contribute to a number of health issues, including hair loss and white hair.
Other things that can lead to white hair include dyes and bleaching chemicals. These can deplete melanin, the pigment that gives hair color.
The key is to find healthier alternatives that won’t leave you with white hair in the first place. Try washing your hair less often and using shampoos that won’t strip your natural color.
Another way to prevent premature graying is to add foods to your diet that are rich in copper, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are essential to helping the body create melanin. You can get these vitamins from foods like beef liver, lentils, almonds, dark chocolate, and asparagus.
3. Hair dyes
Hair dyes are chemicals that change the color of your hair by interacting with pigment cells in the follicle. They can be natural or synthetic.
Some of these chemicals can cause serious health problems, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. They can also lead to allergic reactions, which can lead to swelling of the lips, eyes, or throat that can prevent you from breathing properly.
Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes contain oxidizing agents, alkalizing agents, and a primary intermediate like paraphenylenediamine (PPD). These chemicals work together to create color molecules that penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft.
These dyes can be toxic, especially if they’re used in large amounts or by people who are sensitive to them. The effects can range from minor irritation to severe vomiting and nausea.
There are many different types of hair dyes, including temporary and semi-permanent colors that fade quickly. The chemicals in these types of hair dyes do not penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, so they can be easily removed by shampooing.
The permanent type of hair dyes, on the other hand, penetrate the hair shaft deeply and are resistant to shampooing. This type of dye can also damage the follicles by bleaching the natural melanin, which makes your hair brittle and more likely to break off.
Regardless of the type of dye you use, you can avoid some of these problems by choosing products that have been formulated to be safe for personal use. You can also try all-natural alternatives like henna, which has been shown to be effective at coloring hair naturally without damaging it.
4. Vitamin deficiency
While there are several potential causes of premature graying, one of the most important is a vitamin deficiency. Your body requires 13 different vitamins to function properly, and when you don’t get enough of the good stuff, you may experience a variety of symptoms from fatigue to dry skin.
Some of the most common deficiencies include a lack of Vitamin B12, which is found in meat, fortified cereals and dairy products. The mineral may also help prevent osteoporosis, a condition that affects bone density and strength.
The vitamin is essential for metabolism, DNA production and overall energy levels. But it’s not always easy to find the right balance in your diet.
Thankfully, most vitamin deficiencies can be remedied with diet and supplements, especially if you have a medical problem that makes it harder for your body to absorb and metabolize the nutrients you need. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency can be subtle, and may not appear until you have had low levels for a while.
To ensure you’re getting the best vitamin for your body, consult with a health professional and stick to a balanced diet. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least five servings a day of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
You should also incorporate antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, which can help protect the follicles from damage caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants are the body’s way of combating free radicals, which can be the source of white hair and many other health problems.
5. Sun damage
Premature greying can be due to a number of causes including genetics, environmental damage, and vitamin deficiencies. It can also be triggered by autoimmune disorders like vitiligo and alopecia areata.
Another common cause of white hair is sun damage. This happens when you spend too much time in the sun and expose your hair to damaging UV rays.
While this is not a reversible condition, it can be treated with proper sun protection and the right type of clothing, hats, and sunglasses. It is important to wear these every time you go out.
The main reason for this is that the rays of sunlight have harmful effects on your skin and can cause many problems, such as wrinkles, age spots, and brown spots on your skin.
You can protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses whenever you go out in the sun. You can also invest in a sunscreen that blocks out the UV rays from the sun.
This way, you can prevent premature greying and make sure your hair stays healthy and bright.
In order to prevent your hair from turning white, it is recommended that you eat a balanced diet with a healthy and nutritious mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fats. It is also a good idea to oil your hair and scalp regularly to help repair damaged cells.
It is also a good idea to avoid excessive heat exposure and chemical products. This can lead to breakage of your hair follicles and premature graying.
