White hair can appear at almost any time in life, including at a young age, and it is normal for hair color to change as people age. The human body has millions of hair follicles that generate hair and color or pigment cells that contain melanin. Over time, hair follicles lose pigment cells, resulting in white hair color. There can be many causes besides age that result in a person’s hair turning white, including:

• Genetics: One of the primary reasons for greying early is genetics. Your genes may play a role in turning your hair grey even at a young age.

• Stress: There are conflicting research studies on real-life stress, such as that caused by injury, leading to premature graying. One study finds that stress can cause hair to turn white prematurely.

• Autoimmune disease: White hair is also common in alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body.

• Thyroid disorder: Hormonal changes caused by a thyroid problem, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, may also be responsible for premature white hair.

• Vitamin B-12 deficiency: White hair at an early age can also indicate a vitamin B-12 deficiency.

• Chemical hair products: Hair care products like shampoos and conditioners can lead to premature greying of hair due to the presence of chemicals that decrease melanin content. Hair dyes containing hydrogen peroxide and bleaching agents can leave the hair white when used for prolonged periods.

To prevent white hair, it is recommended to identify the cause and take appropriate measures. Regular use of natural remedies may slow down and possibly reverse white hair, but everyone’s hair eventually starts to turn white, and the individual has to decide whether they are comfortable with the white or if they want to dye their hair. It is important to note that many hair dyes contain harmful ingredients that decrease melanin, such as hydrogen peroxide, which is a harmful chemical.