Graying of hair is a result of natural aging process in humans. Normally, appearance of gray hair varies from person to person depending upon one’s genetic inheritance.It is natural for your hair to turn grayish in color with age.

Gray hair is considered a sign of wisdom, when a person has arrived to an age where wisdom has ripened. But it is definitely not a pleasant experience if your hair turns gray as early as before late teens or middle age. It could be quite stressful if you are very particular about your appearance, as it may even make you look older than your age.

Premature graying of hair refers to the graying of hair in young or before the age of 35 years. Gray hair is caused by gradual reduction of Melanin production overtime in your Hair follicle. Melanin is the pigment that gives color and smoothness to your hair. The degree of darkness of your hair depends on how much Melanin each hair contains. Eventually, the hair begins to lose its color and strength when there is less Melanin in the Hair follicle.

Causes of premature graying of hair

Nutrition deficiency: Improper intake of nutrients in the diet is one of the primary causes of premature graying of hair. Lack of some of vitamins B, iron, copper and iodine in the daily diet are believed to be a contributing factor.

Stress: Prolonged period of stress and anxiety may take a toll of your hair health. It may have an adverse effect on the skin of the scalp, which interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of the hair.

Heredity: Heredity is one predisposing factor for premature graying.It often runs in the family. In some families, it is noticed that many members develop gray hair at a certain age period, say, as early as in their 20s.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like Thyroid imbalance,vitiligo, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, etc. are said to be associated with premature graying of hair.

Excessive heating of hair: Washing hair with hot water and drying it with electrical dryer has adverse effects on the hair.

Unclean scalp: Unclean condition of scalp weakens the root of the hair as dirt or oils get accumulated in the scalp. It prevents adequate blood supply to the hair shaft through the root to cause premature graying.

Symptoms of premature graying of hair Graying of hair before the age of 35 is generally referred as premature graying. Lack of the regular thick hair being allowed to grow is one of the common symptoms of premature graying. The hair becomes dry, brittle and thinner.

At the same time, you may experience hair loss too. Gray hair when they first come in, darker hairs may hide the graying strands. Eventually, gray hair will grow more rapidly than the normal hair and becomes more noticeable with time.

Prevention and treatment There is little you can do to control premature graying if it is genetically transmitted. Although there is no cure for this disorder, you can take some preventive measures to prevent premature graying, such as:

• Diet plays a major role in preventing and arresting premature graying of hair. So, eating lots of fruits and vegetable, which contains vitamins and minerals are recommended.
• Proper grooming of hair is essential to maintain a healthy hair texture and strong roots.
• Use shampoo and conditioners which are mild and suits your hair type.
• Avoid hot water to wash your hair.
• Massage the scalp with your fingertips to ensure proper blood circulation within the scalp.