Across cultures, a head full of white hair commands respect, signifying both experience and wisdom. As we age, a decline in pigment cells or melanocytes occur, reducing melanin in the hair strand. This process transforms the hair from its natural color, to gray, silver or white. Although gray hair can appear early in life, it's generally associated with old age. Genetics plays a role in determining when gray hair will develop, but other factors such as health, nutrition, lifestyle, chemical applications and stress can contribute to premature graying in women.
Heredity
Heredity and ethnic background affects the timeline for the appearance of gray hair. Graying generally starts earlier with Caucasians than with African and Asian people, the first signs appearing in the mid 30s. African and Asian people may notice gray hairs in the mid 40s. If members of your family have gone gray early in life, you may too. People irrespective of ethnicity will experience graying of about 50 percent of the hair by age of 50. Premature graying occurs in Caucasians during the late teens, and before the age of 30 for African and Asian people.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Ingesting vitamin B12, iron, copper and iodine, all important nutrients, help prevent premature graying. Meat and dairy products contain rich sources of vitamin B12, making strict vegans vulnerable to deficiencies. This can lead to pernicious anemia, potentially resulting in premature graying. Vitamin B12 deficiency links with osteoporosis, a disease affecting postmenopausal, and some pre-menopausal women.
A 1997 study published in PubMed.gov examined the link between reduced bone density and premature graying in women. Doctors at the Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand, noted that subjects experiencing gray hair in their 20s had less bone density throughout the skeletal frame, compared to those developing gray hair in later life.
Iron Deficiency
According to a 2008 article by the National Anemia Action Council, 6 million women in the United States suffer from iron deficiency and 3 million of those will develop iron deficiency anemia. This condition is linked to premature graying in women and can occur as a result of excessive menstrual bleeding, fibroids, childbirth or gastrointestinal disorders.
Shortness of breath, fatigue, cold sensitivity and dizzy spells also indicate iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements can help regulate iron levels in the blood. If you suspect you are anemic, consult your doctor immediately.
Health Disorders
Women develop thyroid disorders more often than men, and conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nodules, goiter and thyroid cancer can all trigger premature graying.
Premature graying can occur in sufferers of vitiligo. White patches on the skin, a result of a loss of pigmentation, signal this autoimmune disease. Sufferers of vitiligo produce low levels of catalase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide produced in the body. Hydrogen peroxide levels rise as a consequence, inhibiting the production of melanin, making the skin and hair shaft gray and devoid of its natural pigment.
Stress
Many imagine prolonged periods of stress as a cause for premature graying, and although there's no scientific data to support this claim, recent research suggests a possible connection. A 2006 article published in "Psychology Today" examined the link between stress and premature gray hair.
Tyler Cymet, a researcher at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, has found that although stress probably isn't a direct cause for gray hair, the excessive shedding and hair loss caused by mental and physical stress activate a rapid breakdown of melanocytes, which hold the hair's color pigment. He also believes that with today's faster lifestyle and less time allotted to sleep, people are going gray faster than even 30 years ago.
Other factors
Excessive consumption of junk food, tea and coffee, lack of sleep, smoking, an unclean scalp, irregular meals, chemical applications, and over exposure to the sun can all lead to premature gray hair.
Eating a nutritious and balanced diet of dark leafy vegetables, cereals, dairy, red meat, chicken, seafood and whole grains can help maintain healthy hair and delay the graying process.
Use Amla oil on the hair to prevent excessive shedding and premature graying. Keep the scalp and hair clean and avoid using hot water and over-drying the hair.
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