What causes gray hair at a young age? : The Hearty Soul

Some individuals retain their dark hair well into middle age, while others start to gray in their teens or twenties. The causes for this difference, as well as whether gray hair is reversible, depend on the individual. “Premature graying” is typically defined as when a person starts to gray before their mid-thirties for white people, late thirties for Asians, and mid-forties for African-Americans. Research suggests that genetics is the primary cause of premature graying, with the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IFR4) gene playing a significant role. However, environmental factors such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, an unhealthy diet, stress, smoking, and certain hair products can also contribute to premature graying. While you may not be able to prevent the genetic predisposition to gray hair, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain your hair color for longer. Making sure to eat a balanced diet, minimize stress, and avoid harmful habits like smoking can have positive effects on both your overall health and hair color.