Gray hair or white hair is often associated with the elderly. In fact, the cause of gray hair is not only the aging process. There are various things that can also cause the appearance of gray hair on the head.
The formation of gray hair is influenced by melanin, a coloring substance found in hair follicles. The levels of melanin in a person's body can change over time.
There are two types of melanin that determine hair color, namely eumelanin and pheomelanin. Hair will be darker if eumelanin more dominant than phenomelanin. Meanwhile, a small amount of melanin causes hair to grow gray, silver, and eventually white.
Causes of Gray Hair Growth
There are several conditions that can influence the formation of gray hair, namely:
1. Age
Naturally, hair color changes to gray or white occurs with age. As age increases and hair ages, melanin production in the body will decrease, causing gray hair to appear. This is thought to be caused by increased damage to hair cells due to aging.
2. Genetics
This cause of gray hair is also unavoidable. The appearance of gray hair in someone who is still young, can be caused by genetic factors. This means that both parents could also have gray hair from a young age.
3. Vitiligo
Having certain diseases can also cause gray hair. One condition that can cause hair to turn white or gray is vitiligo. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes some parts of the hair and skin to lose their color pigment.
4. Hormonal disorders
Hormonal changes caused by thyroid disease can also cause gray hair. This pair of glands located at the base of the neck plays a role in controlling the body's metabolism.
An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause the body to produce less melanin. Therefore, thyroid health can affect hair color.
5. Lack of nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair to become finer, thinner, and brittle and turn white due to decreased melanin production. Examples include vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can weaken hair cells and reduce melanin production. So, if gray hair appears on your head, get enough vitamin B12 every day, for example by consuming beef liver, sardines, tuna, salmon, and red meat.
6. Smoking habits
Make no mistake, smoking can be a trigger for gray hair growth. In fact, there is a study that reveals smoking is related to the growth of gray hair at the age of less than 30 years.
Smoking can also make blood vessels narrower and ultimately have an impact on reducing blood flow to hair follicles, causing hair loss.
In addition, the harmful substances in cigarettes can damage body organs including hair follicles, causing hair to turn gray.
7. Side effects of drugs
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or malaria treatment can experience gray hair. The drug content used in chemotherapy and malaria can inhibit the formation of melanin so that hair turns white.
If the cause of gray hair is genetic, the change in hair color to white cannot be prevented. However, if the cause is a health problem, there is a possibility that the hair color will return to its original state if the underlying disease is treated properly.
Generally, Asians will experience gray hair growth in their late 30s. Graying hair at an age before that can be considered premature.
One assumption states that stress can also accelerate aging factors, including the growth of gray hair earlier than it should. Although some cases support this assumption, but until now this has yet to be proven scientifically.
If you feel uncomfortable with the growing gray hair, you can cover it with hair dye. However, you need to know that gray hair is generally drier. So, choose a hair dye product that does not make your hair drier.
If you feel that the growth of gray hair you are experiencing is not normal, for example too much gray hair at a young age, consult a doctor so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment can be given.
