3 things that could make your hair grey faster

We all get grey hair at some point, but not everyone is excited when the process starts. 

Next to fine lines and wrinkles, grey hair is one of the first signs of ageing – another one of life's eventualities that people try to put off for as long as possible. 

While the average person starts finding silver strands in their mid to late 30s, some start greying in their 20s. 

According to WebMD, "White people start going grey in their mid-30s, Asian people in their late 30s, and Black people in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of grey hair by the time they turn 50."

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Genetics plays a major role, meaning that when and how you start greying depends primarily on your parents. 

Some health problems, such as autoimmune diseases and thyroid conditions, can also cause your hair to lose its pigment.

The bad news is you can't reverse the greying hair process. However, there is a silver lining, especially if the following factors cause your platinum sprinkles. 

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1. Stress

Stress is one of the leading causes of premature greying outside of genetics. Several studies have linked stress to an increase in grey hairs. 

A 2020 News in Health (NIH) report shared the findings of a study on the matter.

"When we started to study this, I expected that stress was bad for the body – but the detrimental impact of stress that we discovered was beyond what I imagined,” Harvard University's Dr Ya-Chieh Hsu.

"After just a few days, all of the melanocyte stem cells were lost. Once they’re gone, you can’t regenerate pigments anymore. The damage is permanent.”

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that give hair its colour through melanin.

"New melanocytes are made from melanocyte stem cells that live in the hair follicle at the base of your hair strand.

"As we age, these stem cells gradually disappear. The researchers showed that stress also leads to the loss of these pigment-producing stem cells in mice," the NHI stated.

Basically, the less your stress, the less likely you are to speed up the process prematurely. 

Have a look at some of our other stories on how to reduce stress:

• Cuddling can help reduce stress and boost your immunity

• Research: Hearing your mom's voice helps reduce stress

• Food that can help ease stress

• Exercises to help you relieve stress

2. Smoking

There are several side effects of smoking, but very few people know that one of them is grey hair. 

Health Kart explains how smoking causes salt-and-pepper hair.

"The hair begins to turn grey when the melanocytes in the hair follicles stop producing adequate melanin. Smoking plays a significant role in the cessation of melanin production and therefore the hair shaft begins to grey prematurely."

The publication further states that toxins in cigarette smoke could also affect the body's hormonal balance. 

"This may damage the hair follicles, affecting hair growth and hair colour. Research shows that melanocytes in the hair bulbs of smokers who suffer from premature greying of hair are highly vacuolated. This is a typical response to increased oxidative stress which is often caused by smoking."

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3. Nutrient deficiencies

Your diet can also affect the greying process. Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can affect your hair health and colour. 

Healthline states, "Your body needs vitamin B-12 for healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to cells in your body, including hair cells."

According to Health Shots, an iron deficiency can also cause hair loss and greying. 

"Lack of iron in the body disrupts the blood supply to hair follicles. To avoid hair thinning and greying, iron and copper are one of the most essential nutrients."

Health Shots suggests eating foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D. 

It also recommends taking B complex vitamin supplements.

ALSO READ: Study reveals diet and exercise can help treat depression

If all else fails, embrace your grey hair like Jennifer Aniston.  

The 'Friends' star has been praised for ignoring Hollywood's beauty standards. 

A few years after admitting that she doesn't want to her hair to lose its colour, the actress showed off her grey hair in an Instagram post. 

"You do honour to women everywhere showing how beautiful aging truly is. [You are] a remarkable lady," one follower commented. 

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.

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