Prematurely Gray Hair

Got gray? Blame your parents. Heredity plays a strong part determining the age at which gray hair starts to show. Ethnic groups show variations in the graying timeline, with Caucasians typically starting to notice gray strands in their 30s, while for African-Americans it’s usually in their 50s. But it’s not uncommon to see a wiry gray hair as early as your late teens or early 20s. Not only does the age at which the first gray springs up vary widely, but so does the rate at which the gray overtakes your natural color: Some people turn gray quickly, while for others the color changes at a slower pace. And, again, blame it on Mom or Dad...if your parents were youthfully gray, your hair is likely to follow. But don’t blame stress. As much as you might like to blame your boss, your kids, or the commute you battle every day, there’s no scientific proof that stress causes gray hair.
What causes gray hair?
Your hair starts turning gray when melanin production starts to slow. Besides giving hair its color, melanin also is responsible for your hair’s strength, so gray hair is often dry and wiry. Because melanin production slows at different rates and every strand of hair is different, you may go gray very slowly or rather quickly and in limited areas or throughout your head of hair. Also, since smoking can slow melanin production, smokers sometimes go gray sooner than nonsmokers.
For most people, premature gray is nothing more than a nuisance. While gray hair is a sign of aging, it doesn’t reflect or predict the pace of aging. Just because your hair is turning gray sooner than you would like doesn’t mean that you’re destined to an earlier death than your naturally colorful peers.
In certain cases, premature gray hair can be a sign of a medical condition. If you’re concerned about your grays, talk to your doctor to see if you’re at risk for:

  • A thyroid disorder
  • Vitiligo — an autoimmune condition in which areas of the skin and hair become white.
  • A vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Anemia
Going gray overnight doesn’t really happen, though a condition called alopecia areata can make it appear so. In this rare disorder, colored hairs stop growing before the grays start; so as the colored strands fall out, the gray quickly looks visible and widespread.
What are my choices for gray hair?
When the premature gray hairs grow in, you can cut or pluck them. You won’t grow a dozen new hairs for every one you pluck. This technique will work until the grays get so numerous that you run out of patience. Then, you can either color them or embrace the gray.
If you color:

  • If you’re coloring just the gray, go only one or two shades lighter than your normal hair color at first, so the change won’t be noticeable.
  • Many people find their hair is lightest in childhood and gradually darkens before turning gray. If you’re changing your hair color, consider a shade close to your childhood color.
If you embrace the gray:

  • Keep it trimmed regularly. Since gray hair can be dry and brittle, a shorter style will probably result in healthier-looking hair.
Whether you embrace the gray or erase it, you can find a flattering hairstyle that helps you look and feel your best.
 
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