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Dermatologist reveals causes of gray hair in adolescence and adulthood

Mulher jovem com cabelos grisalhos
Photo: Mulher jovem com cabelos grisalhos - Oliveshadow/ Shutterstock.com

Cabelos graying in your early 20s isn’t as rare as it seems. Dermatologist Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor at Escola of Medicina of Yale, explains that the early appearance of gray hair follows genetic patterns predetermined by parents and grandparents. Embora Most people start to notice their first gray hairs around the age of 35, it is perfectly possible to have gray hair in your late teens or 20s.

Melanin production in hair follicles decreases over time. Menos melanin means less pigment, causing hair to turn gray — gray hair has less pigment, while white hair has no pigment at all. The Dra. Gohara points out that by age 50, half of all men and women will have at least 50% gray hair, regardless of when they started.

Fatores genetics dominate the process

Genetics is the most influential factor in determining when gray hair appears. If your parents or grandparents had early gray hair, you are more likely to have the same situation. Aging is inevitable, but the exact timing depends on family heritage.

Entretanto, other elements can accelerate the whitening process besides pure genetics. Oxidative Estresse, factors related to lifestyle and certain health conditions also affect the hair calendar, although genetics remains the main determinant.

Jovem woman with white hair
Jovem woman with white hair – Pixel-Shot/ Shutterstock.com

Deficiências nutritional and health conditions

Problemas specific doctors can lead to the premature appearance of gray hair. Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid or pituitary problems are associated with premature graying. A study looking at people under 20 who developed gray hair indicated lower copper levels in those affected.

The Dra. Gohara recommends:

  • Consultar a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis
  • Evitar self-medication with supplements
  • Aumentar consumption of seafood, seeds, nuts and fish if copper deficiency is suspected
  • Investigar possible thyroid or pituitary problems as root cause

If treated properly, some of these conditions can slow or even partially reverse the graying process.

Estresse and proven impact

Presidentes leave office with significantly whiter hair than when they entered — and there are biological reasons for that. Stress has been shown to contribute to the depletion of stem cells responsible for hair color.

Importante highlights: stress doesn’t make your hair turn gray overnight. Chronic Estresse, however, can speed up the process naturally. Isso explains why periods of intense professional or emotional pressure often coincide with the accelerated appearance of gray hair.

Tabagismo accelerates whitening

Fumantes are 2.5 times more likely to develop premature gray hair. Smoking profoundly affects organs and alters the functioning of DNA. The obvious harms — cancer, heart disease, diabetes and wrinkles — come with lesser-known side effects like premature hair graying.

Reversão and prevention: what really works

Genetics remains uncontrollable — you cannot change what you inherited from your parents. Contudo, if the problem is linked to a vitamin deficiency or a treatable health condition, it is possible to delay or partially reverse the graying with appropriate treatment.

The Dra. Gohara warns about false advertising: “There are pills, lotions and potions, none of which have scientific support to date.” The same goes for vitamins, oils and shampoos for hair growth — they lack solid scientific proof.

Opções beauty treatments to disguise gray hair

Para who prefers to hide gray hair, several alternatives are available:

  • Sprays temporary root coverage (easily removed in the shower)
  • Coloração semi-permanent for long-lasting concealment
  • Consulta with hairdresser for professional dyeing
  • Xampus purples to lighten gray hair naturally

Não there is a need to hide the hair roots — the decision is purely personal and aesthetic.

Quando seek professional help

If you have developed premature gray hair and suspect an underlying medical cause, do not attempt to self-medicate. Consulte a dermatologist or general practitioner for appropriate diagnosis. Profissionais can identify vitamin deficiencies or endocrine problems that can be treated, opening up the possibility of reversing or delaying graying.

Geralmente There’s no reason to worry if gray hair appears in your early 20s or late teens — that’s just an expression of your unique genetics. The problem only arises when there are indicators of an underlying condition that warrants medical investigation.