The Factors Behind Premature Gray Hair

Premature gray hair is caused by a disruption in the body’s melanin production. Continuously pulling out gray hair can damage hair follicles, leading to difficulties in recovery, thinning, and hair loss. Dr. Thai Thanh Yen from the Department of Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explains that hair color is determined by melanin pigment, which gradually decreases over time, causing hair to turn gray and eventually white.

The normal process of graying typically begins in the mid-30s for Caucasians, late 30s for Asians, and mid-40s for American women. However, premature gray hair can occur in young individuals due to disruptions in melanin pigment production within the hair follicles. While it may be tempting to pull out gray hairs to remove them, this habit can lead to serious damage, including infections and pustules in the follicle area.

Repeatedly plucking gray hair can worsen post-inflammatory pigmentation, leading to premature hair loss that is challenging to recover from due to damaged follicles, reduced function, and decreased hair cycles. Therefore, it is advised not to pull out gray hair to prevent further damage.

While there is currently no definitive treatment for premature gray hair, it is possible to minimize and prevent this issue by following certain methods.