The vast majority of us have our hair turn at some point in our lives, but for some people this process can occur at any early age some as early as age twenty. Many individuals spend enormous sums of money on dealing with gray hair while others are happy with their gray hair. Graying hair may be nothing more than a sign of aging but, in a few cases, premature graying might indicate a medical condition.
What causes gray hair?
Contrary to popular belief, stress has not been definitively shown to cause gray hair. Hair goes gray when colour-producing cells stop producing pigment (melanin). Naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide can also build up in the hair, bleaching the colour.
Typically, white people start going gray in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and people of African descent in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50.
A white person is considered to be prematurely gray if his or her hair turns gray by age 20. Gray before 30 is considered premature gray for persons of African descent. We still are not sure why some people gray early, but many scientists believe it is largely determined by genetics, that is, if your mother or father started to gray early you are at an increased probability of following the same pattern. Premature graying can occur at any age, sometimes even in childhood.
Medical disorders associated with gray hair
Some autoimmune and genetic conditions are associated with premature graying, including vitiligo, Werner syndrome, and alopecia areata – which cause only the coloured hairs to fall out and look like the hair turned white overnight.
A vitamin B-12 deficiency, or problems with the pituitary or thyroid gland, can cause premature graying that is reversible if the problem is corrected.
Although Vitamin E aids in hair growth, too much vitamin E can slow the production of melanin. The melanin in your hair provides colour, and when stunted leads to white hair. Some experts have suggested that limiting your Vitamin E intake can help prevent premature graying. You should consume no more than 15 milligrams of Vitamin E daily. Premature graying can be caused by smoking as well. This is yet another reason not to smoke.
If you are not sure if your early graying is associated with a medical disorder it is best to consult with your doctor.
Embracing your gray hair
Many individuals are now accepting that they have gray hair and are very comfortable with their hair colour. If you were active, vibrant, and healthy pre-gray, you are still going to be that way if you develop gray hair. The myth that gray hair makes you old is just that — a myth!
Hiding your gray hair
Many individuals are not happy with their gray hair and try to hide this.
There are lots of choices for concealing gray hair. These include the following:
• Semi-permanent or demi-permanent colour.
• Highlights: scattered strands are lightened to blend the gray with the rest of your hair.
• Permanent colour.
• Hair products: if you do not want to dye, but still want to conceal the gray, a colouring tool such as spray-on airbrush hair makeup, which washes out with a shampoo, can be used.
Risks from chemical dyes
Many individuals use chemicals to hide their gray hair, but some of these chemicals can have adverse reactions which include the following:
• Hair dyes can cause allergic reactions. These might be mild or very severe. The skin reactions can have serious consequences.
• Hair dyes can cause Asthma.
• Excessive dyeing can damage your hair.
• Risk of bladder cancer. This is very controversial. Many official bodies have determined that the evidence so far is inconclusive.
• Increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma especially those who use permanent hair dye — in dark colours. (No increased risk was seen in individuals who used semi-permanent dyes or temporary rinses.)
Some hair dyes marketed as ‘Natural’ still contain some chemicals, only reduced amounts, and many still have the risks of allergic reactions as well.
Conclusion
Graying for most individuals is a normal process associated with aging. Some individuals suffer from premature graying and many scientists are still not sure of the reason for this. A few medical disorders are associated with gray hair but the vast majority of individuals with gray hair are very healthy. There are many options available for dealing with gray hair, but more and more persons, including many professionals, are now embracing their gray hair and are living very healthy and vibrant lives with their gray hair.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
