What is premature greying? (Introduction)

Premature greying means grey or white hair that appears earlier than expected. It is usually defined as greying before about age 20 in people of European descent, before 25 in Asians and before 30 in people of African descent.

Why hair turns grey

Hair colour comes from melanin, a pigment made by cells called melanocytes in the hair follicle. With age, or with some conditions, these cells make less pigment and eventually stop. The hair then grows out grey or white.

How common is it

Greying early is common and is mostly genetic. It is often not a sign of illness.

Is it harmful

Grey hair itself does not harm health. In a small number of people, early greying is linked with a nutritional deficiency, thyroid problem, autoimmune condition or other disease, so a check is reasonable if greying is sudden, widespread or comes with other symptoms.

Can it be reversed

Once a follicle has stopped making pigment because of genetics or age, there is no proven way to bring back colour. If a deficiency or medical cause is found and treated, some hair may regain colour, but this is not guaranteed.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Ayurveda describes early greying as Palitya, linked with aggravated Pitta and weak tissue nourishment. This is a traditional framework, and evidence for herbal treatments is limited.

When to get help

See a doctor if greying is sudden, comes with fatigue, hair loss, skin changes or weight change, or begins in childhood.

Remember

Early greying is usually inherited and harmless. Check for a medical cause if it comes with other symptoms.