Premature graying, or PGH, is the main discussion in today’s youth community. It occurs at an early age and involves individuals experiencing the early onset of gray or white hair. Premature Graying of Hair, also known as PGH, has increased in recent years, and it doesn’t belong to any specific location; it is a worldwide topic. In this article, we will discuss Premature Graying’s meaning, causes, and suggested treatments.
Premature Graying of Hair
Premature Graying of Hair, which is also called PGH, is the process of the early appearance of gray hair and is usually before the age of 24.
Premature graying of hair depends on many factors. From genetics to where you live, everything can impact on Premature Graying of Hair (PGH), and it’s a matter of debate whether it is a beauty standard or a medical condition.
Nevertheless, we can see PGH sometimes in children as well. This topic is a serious medical condition in both children and youth communities. To follow up, we will learn about the causes and treatments of Premature Graying of hair.
The Scientific Reason Behind
The color of hair is the responsibility of melanocytes and revolves around the melanin production of the hair. The hair color is determinable with melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes, and this pigment is located in the follicles of the hair.
Premature Graying of Hair
In general, there are two types of melanin: one is for black and brown hair, called eumelanin, and the other one is responsible for red and blonde hair, which is called pheomelanin.
Additionally, the production of melanocytes decreases as the person ages in number and activity, resulting in the production of less melanin.
Premature Graying Causes
Premature Graying Causes can be divided into several categories. The first and most important category is the genetics. Health conditions, oxidative stress, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors are the next factors to consider.
- Genetics: Genetics are the most unique thing about humans. The first question to ask in PGH is whether it is a hereditary condition or not. In most cases, PGH comes from genetics, and genetics from human to human is different. If your grandparents or parents have experienced premature graying of hair, most likely you will experience it too.
- Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants are the real fighters of free radicals. Free radicals are harmful to cells and can be the main reason for aging and diseases. Oxidative stress is a situation where free radicals get more harmful than usual, and it can damage melanocytes, which are the main cells for producing melanin.
- Health Conditions: Moreover, certain health conditions can lead to premature graying of hair. For example, the lack of essential vitamins, especially B12, folate, and biotin, can damage the production of melanin. Thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases are also other factors that can impact melanin production, leading to loss of hair color.
Premature Graying Causes
- Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors such as stress and smoking can also affect the loss of hair color. There is a strong connection between smoking or stress and melanin production.
- Environmental Factors: Lastly, exposure to harsh chemicals or dangerous environments can impact the health of hair and result in PGH.
Premature Graying Treatment
Although Premature Graying causes are many, there are also premature graying treatments. One of the most common treatments using nutritional supplements.
Taking vitamins and minerals can lead to a lot of health improvement. B Vitamins, such as B12, folate, and biotin, are especially essential for healthy hair. Antioxidants can also be significant.
Hair Dyes and other cosmetic solutions are also popular for covering gray hair. Semi-hair dyes and permanent hair dyes are considered to be treatments for those who don’t want PGH.
Lifestyle changes and medical consultations are the last steps for a Premature Graying Treatment. A balanced diet (rich in vitamins and minerals) can improve health conditions.
Meditation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can reduce stress, which can recover melanin.
Premature Hair Graying
Additionally, premature graying of hair can be consulted with a medical team if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, and they can identify the problems of your hair.
Premature Graying Women
Premature Graying of Hair is common among both men and women. Although premature graying of hair happens often in men, it is also a great problem for women.
Many women under 25 experience this topic, and the reasons can be identified as genetics, health conditions, and stress. Stress is the most probable cause of premature graying in women.
The first thing that many women tend to lean towards is a cosmetic solution or use nutritional supplements for PGH. However, in today’s world, this topic is becoming more socially acceptable for both women and men.
Premature Graying of Hair in Children
Rare but a concerning issue. Premature Graying of Hair in Children can be a worrying problem for parents. This condition mainly refers to the appearance of grey hair in children under 18.
Identical to adults, the reasons for premature graying of hair in children are in the same lane. Moreover, the genetics of the children also play a crucial role. If parents have PGH or its signs in their genetics, the probability that children will have PGH is high.
In the following, we have brought up some topics that should be considered in children to avoid premature graying of hair in children.
Premature Graying of Hair in Children
- Using Synthetic or Chemical Soaps and Shampoos: Using many synthetic soaps and shampoos or using adult-only soaps and shampoos can harm the skin and hair of children. Parents should use special children-oriented products to prevent premature graying of hair.
- Exposure to Smoke: Exposure to smoke is also one of the reasons that many children experience PGH. It causes oxidative stress and disrupts the production of melanin.
- Unhealthy Diet: Fast food and unhealthy diet are the main enemy of children’s health, and it can result in premature graying of hair.
- Anemia: Anemia, which is common in newer generations, can be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome and Premature Graying of Hair.
How to Prevent Premature Graying of Hair?
The first step is to quit smoking and do meditation techniques such as yoga and exercise to prevent premature greying of hair. It can be very beneficial for many health conditions and improve your health system.
Using vitamins and minerals is also essential for avoiding Premature graying of hair. In addition, using tinting sprays and curling your hair or applying a ridge gourd oil on your hair can prevent premature graying of hair and improve your hair cells. Last but not least, don’t forget to have a healthy diet and avoid eating fast foods.
Premature Graying Facts
Genetics is the most significant factor in premature graying of hair.
Premature graying of hair has an age variability. It occurs before the age of 20 in Caucasians, before 25 in Asians, and 30 in African Americans.
Premature Graying Hair
Health conditions such as Thyroid disorder and autoimmune disease are also vital reasons for PGH.
Oxidative Stress from free radicals also damages melanocytes.
There are two types of Melanin: Eumelanin (for black and brown hair) and Pheomelanin (for red and blonde hair)
Smoking and Stress are also linked to premature graying of hair, and they should be avoided for having healthy hair.
Final Words
Premature Graying of Hair has increased among many communities and societies in recent years. This topic has been a matter of debate for a lot of young people. Although it is a socially acceptable discussion, Premature Graying Causes reflects the true problems within our body, and we should listen to it. Hence, many people see this topic as a beauty standard; on the other hand, to evaluate this topic from a medical perspective, we should consider it as an important matter. To sum up, PGH is an important medical condition and needs to be examined by a certified doctor.
