Do you know why hair becomes white with age and not skin?

White hair occurs when your hair follicles lose melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. If your hair turns white at a younger age, it may be due to genetics or an underlying health condition.

Is white hair normal?

It's not uncommon for your hair to change as you age. When you were younger, you probably had a full head of brown, black, red or blonde hair. Now that you're older, you may notice thinning in certain areas of your head, or your hair color may change from its original color to gray or white. Your body contains hair follicles, which are small sacs that line skin cells. Hair follicles contain pigment cells known as melanin. These cells give your hair its color. But over time, hair follicles can lose pigment resulting in white hair.

What causes white hair at a young age?

White hair is more noticeable in people with dark hair color. Although white hair is a feature of aging, colorless locks of hair can appear at any age – even while you're in high school or college. If you're a teenager or in your twenties, you may find one or more strands of white hair. There may be ways to restore pigmentation, but it depends on the cause. Here are the common causes of early white hair.

1.Genetic factors

These factors play a big role in determining when white hair will appear (when or will it appear). If you notice white hair at an early age, it is likely that your parents or grandparents also have gray or white hair at an early age. You can not change genetic factors. But if you don't like the look of your grey hair, you can always dye your hair.

2.Tension

Everyone deals with stress from time to time. The consequences of chronic stress may include:

Sleep problems

anxiety

Appetite change

Hypertension

Stress can also affect your hair. A 2013 study found a link between stress and depletion of stem cells in hair follicles in mice. So if you notice a rise in the number of white tufts in you, stress may be the cause. This theory may also explain why some world leaders age or turn grey faster while in office.

3.Autoimmune disease

An autoimmune disease can also cause premature white hair. This happens when the body's immune system attacks its cells. In case of alopecia areata and vitiligo, the immune system can attack the hair and cause pigment loss.

4.Thyroid disorder

Hormonal changes caused by a thyroid problem – such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism – may also be responsible for the appearance of premature white hair. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. They help control many body functions such as metabolism. Thyroid health can also affect the color of your hair. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause your body to produce less melanin.

5.Vitamin B12 deficiency

White hair at a young age can also indicate a lack of vitamin B12. This vitamin plays an important role in your body. It gives you energy, plus it contributes to healthy hair growth and hair color. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a condition called pernicious anemia, which is when your body can't absorb enough of this vitamin. Your body needs vitamin B12 for healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to cells in your body, including hair cells. Deficiency can weaken hair cells and affect melanin production.

6.Smoking

There is also a link between early white hair and smoking. One Trusted Source study of 107 people found an association between "the appearance of gray hair before the age of thirty and smoking." Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. However, the long-term effects can bypass the heart and lungs and affect the hair. Smoking narrows blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to hair follicles and cause hair loss. In addition, the toxins in cigarettes can damage parts of your body including hair follicles, causing premature white hair.

Can white hair be prevented?

The ability to reverse or prevent the appearance of white hair depends on the cause. If the cause is genetic, there's nothing you can do to permanently prevent or reverse discoloration. If you suspect a health problem, consult a doctor to see if the underlying condition is responsible for white hair. If the underlying health problem is addressed, pigmentation may return, but there are no guarantees. According to one Trusted Source study, if a thyroid problem causes white hair, repigmentation may occur after hormone therapy therapy. Taking vitamin B12 injections or tablets to correct deficiency may also improve the health of hair follicles and restore their natural color. If white hair appears as a result of stress or smoking, there is no evidence to support the return of pigmentation after quitting smoking or reducing stress.