The main cause of graying hair is old age. Melanocytes are cells in hair follicles that produce a color pigment called melanin. When you get older, melanin production declines and individual gray or white hairs begin to grow in. There hasn't been a lot of research into this process, but it's known that certain medical conditions and lifestyle influences can cause early graying of hair.
Genetics
The age at which your hair turns gray is usually a matter of genetics. Premature graying tends to run in families, because genes help determine when your melanin production will begin to decline. Gray hair generally starts showing up between the ages of 30 and 50 in caucasians and 40 and 60 in African Americans. According to Intelihealth, women start graying about five years later than men.
Medical Conditions
Hyperthyroidism and some types of anemia can cause hair to gray at an early age, according to Dr. Greene. The University of Alabama at Birmingham reports that AIDS, some medications and certain cancer treatments may also lead to graying. Some of the less common medical conditions that can play a role are tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, vitiligo, alopecia arreata and Waardenburg syndrome. If the contributing condition can be reversed, such as by taking medication for hyperthyroidism, the early graying process should stop with successful treatment. However, the hairs that have already lost their original pigment will always be gray.
Poor Nutrition
A deficiency in vitamin B12 causes pernicious anemia, which has been linked to premature graying. Vitamin B12 is present in animal products and fortified cereals. It's rare for an individual to not get enough of it from dietary intake, but deficiency is possible in strict vegans who never consume meat, eggs or dairy products. It can also occur if your intestines are not properly absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat.
Lifestyle Factors
According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the incidence of premature graying is four times higher among cigarette smokers. A common perception is that stress and anxiety contribute to gray hair. There is no scientific evidence to support this idea. However, a period of major stress can cause your hair to shed at a rate of 300 strands per day instead of the typical 50-100 strands. This is called telogen effluvium. If gray hairs have already begun to grow in and many of the darker hairs are lost, it can seem like your hair has turned gray in a short period of time.
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