Is Your Hair Turning Grey Too Soon? Experts Explain Causes And Solutions

Silver, charcoal, pewter, or classic salt and pepper whatever name you prefer, grey hair is something we all experience eventually. But why do some people start going grey in their 20s while others maintain their natural colour well into their later years? If you're noticing early greys and aren't too thrilled about it, what can you do?

A 2023 Redseer report highlights that 40% of young Indian adults have already spotted premature greys, with the number increasing by 15% annually.

But before you rush to cover them up with chemical dyes, take a deep breath. Let’s know what causes premature greying, and is there a way to slow it down naturally? To uncover the truth, we spoke with Vaibhav Mittal, Founder of Karmic Beauty, who shared valuable insights on the matter.

What’s Stealing Your Hair’s Colour?

1. Nutrient Deficiencies Are a Hidden Culprit

Your diet has a direct impact on your hair. Essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and copper are necessary for melanin production—the pigment that gives your hair its natural colour. However, many modern diets, especially plant-based ones, often lack these crucial nutrients.

Vaibhav Mittal’s Advice: “A diet lacking in B12, iron, and copper can directly lead to premature greying. Most people don’t realise that their plate plays a huge role in hair pigmentation.”

Fix It: Incorporate leafy greens, almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, dairy, and eggs into your meals. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, consider taking a B12 supplement.

2. Stress Is Speeding Up the Greying Process

If you’ve noticed more greys after a stressful period, it’s not just in your head. The stress hormone cortisol speeds up melanin depletion, making hair lose its natural colour faster. With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, constant screen time, and high-pressure work culture, stress has become a major factor in premature greying.

Vaibhav Mittal’s Insight: “Chronic stress not only affects your skin and health but also wreaks havoc on your hair. High cortisol levels can accelerate the greying process significantly.”

Fix It: Practise meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and get 7-8 hours of sleep to manage stress effectively and protect your hair from premature ageing.

3. Your Hair Products Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Many popular hair care products contain sulfates, parabens, and ammonia, which strip away essential oils and damage hair follicles. Over time, this can accelerate greying.

Vaibhav Mittal recommends: “Look for hair care products that are free from harsh chemicals. Sulfates and parabens might make your hair feel clean, but they damage the scalp and speed up hair ageing.”

Fix It: Switch to sulfate-free, plant-based shampoos with ingredients like argan oil, hydrolysed keratin, and botanical extracts for scalp nourishment.

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4. Chemical Treatments & Heat Styling Are Accelerating Greying

Excessive use of hair colour, chemical straightening, and heat styling tools can weaken hair structure and strip away its natural pigmentation.

Vaibhav Mittal's Warning: “Frequent chemical treatments break down hair proteins and accelerate oxidative stress, leading to premature greying. It’s best to limit them and choose gentler alternatives.”

Fix It: If you dye your hair, opt for ammonia-free, plant-based hair dyes. Always use a heat protectant spray before styling to minimise damage.

5. Pollution & UV Exposure Are Hidden Hair Villains

Every day, your hair is exposed to environmental aggressors like UV rays, dust, and air pollution, which cause oxidative stress and break down melanin in hair follicles.

Vaibhav Mittal’s Advice: “People often protect their skin from the sun but forget that UV rays and pollution damage hair, too. Over time, this weakens the follicles and leads to early greying.”

Fix It: Wear a hat or scarf when spending extended time outdoors. Rinse hair after exposure to pollution and use antioxidant-rich hair serums to counteract damage.

How To Slow Down Greying Naturally

• Eat a Balanced Diet – Ensure you’re getting enough B12, biotin, omega-3s, and iron to support hair pigmentation.
• Upgrade Your Hair Care Routine – Switch to gentle, chemical-free shampoos and avoid harsh dyes.
• Use Natural Oils – Cold-pressed coconut oil, Moroccan argan oil, and rosemary-infused treatments can nourish hair and support melanin production.
• Manage Stress Levels – Incorporate yoga, meditation, or any stress-relieving activity into your routine.
• Protect Your Hair From Environmental Damage – Use scarves, hats, and antioxidant-based hair serums to prevent oxidative stress.

Premature greying isn’t just about genetics but it’s heavily influenced by lifestyle, diet, and hair care habits. The good news? With the right approach, you can slow down the process and maintain your hair’s natural colour for longer.

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As Vaibhav Mittal puts it, “Clean beauty isn’t a trend; it’s a smarter way forward. The healthier your hair care routine, the longer you can keep greys at bay.”

So, the next time you spot a silver strand, don’t panic, just adjust your routine and embrace smarter hair care choices instead.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Freepik