03/09/2026
Finding grey or white strands in your 20s or 30s can be surprising—but premature greying is more than just a cosmetic concern. While genetics play a major role, several other factors can contribute to how early your hair starts losing its natural pigment.
🔬 What causes hair to turn grey?
Hair gets its colour from a pigment called melanin, produced by specialised cells called melanocytes in the hair follicle. As these cells become less active or are damaged, less melanin is produced, causing new hair strands to appear grey or white.
Some factors associated with premature greying include:
🧬 Genetics
If your parents or close family members experienced early greying, you may be more likely to experience it too.
🥗 Nutritional deficiencies
Low levels of nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, iron and copper may be associated with premature greying, particularly when a deficiency is present.
🦋 Thyroid and other health factors
Certain thyroid and autoimmune conditions have been associated with premature greying and may need medical evaluation when other symptoms are present.
⚡ Oxidative stress
Excess oxidative stress within the hair follicle may affect melanocytes and contribute to the loss of pigmentation.
🚬 Lifestyle factors
Smoking and certain lifestyle factors have also been associated with earlier greying.
Can grey hair become black again?
It depends on the underlying cause. If greying is related to a correctable nutritional deficiency or another treatable factor, addressing the underlying issue may help in some cases. However, genetically determined or age-related greying is generally not reversible.
👉 The key is not to simply cover grey hair—but to understand why it is happening, especially when it starts unusually early.
If you’re experiencing premature greying, consult a dermatologist to determine whether any underlying factors need to be evaluated.
Your hair can be telling you more than you think. 🩶