Premature Grey Hair Treatment Options for Indians

It is completely normal for hair to turn grey or become thin as we get older. Small sacs on the skin (follicles) produce pigment cells containing melanin, which gives your hair its colour. As we age, the hair follicles start losing pigment cells; thus, resulting in white/ grey hair.
However, the appearance of white hair at young age/ premature white hair can also occur due to an underlying condition. Premature white hair is medically referred to as canities. This condition may be caused by genetic factors, lifestyle factors, deficiencies, or even stress. It is imperative to identify the reasons for grey hair at young age to effectively treat it. Consult a dermatologist to gain a better understanding of canities hair to receive a suitable premature grey hair treatment option. If required, they may direct you to a specialized expert to treat the condition.

While there are ways to restore the pigmentation in the hair, it depends on the underlying condition. Besides age, there are several reasons for premature greying of hair. They include:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
  Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in providing energy and contributing to healthy hair growth. Your body requires a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells or RBCs. These cells carry oxygen to cells throughout the body, including your hair cells. Grey hair at young age may indicate a deficiency in vitamin B12. This deficiency can affect your hair cells and reduce melanin production. It is important to incorporate an Indian diet rich in vitamin B12 foods to reduce the risk of developing a deficiency. If you are concerned, you can consider performing a vitamin B12 test from the comfort of your home.
• Genetic factors
  Early grey hair can simply be caused by your genetic makeup, as it plays a role in the development of white hair. If you experience premature white hair or canities, it is likely that you have a family history of white hair at young age.
• Stress
  While it is normal to experience stress from time to time, it is important to identify the symptoms of chronic stress, such as feeling anxious, a sudden change in appetite, high blood pressure, and abnormal sleep patterns. Several studies have indicated that stress can be one of the reasons for premature greying of hair. If you are experiencing high levels of stress in your daily life, consult a psychiatrist to improve your mental well-being. Besides, you can also perform a stress assessment test to check for elevated stress levels.
• Smoking
  It is common knowledge that smoking can make you more prone to developing chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases or lung cancer. However, it can also be one of the reasons for grey hair at young age. Chemicals in cigarettes can damage your body, including the hair follicles; thus, resulting in white hair at young age. If you are concerned about your smoking habits, you can perform a smoker’s risk assessment test from the comfort of your home.
• Autoimmune disease
  An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its cells. For example, Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that results in excessive hair loss. When the hair grows back, it appears to be white due to a decrease in melanin.
• Thyroid disorder
  Thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can cause hormonal imbalances in the body, which may result in premature greying of hair. The health of your thyroid gland can determine the colour of your hair strands. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormones produced by the gland can produce less melanin. Consider booking a thyroid profile package to understand if your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are within the normal range.

It’s understandable to be alarmed when you notice early grey hair. Try not to worry as it can be managed with suitable premature grey hair treatment plans. In any case, it is crucial to seek out proper medical care for early white hair. Consulting a dermatologist can help you identify your underlying causes. If required, they may direct you to a specialized expert to treat the condition, such as an endocrinologist. Besides, performing a full-body health checkup regularly can help gain a better understanding of your health and well-being. You can have an online consultation with a specialized medical expert on MFine, or you can book a comprehensive health package or a specific condition-based health package based on your lifestyle, diet, and existing conditions.

If you are searching for a premature grey hair remedy, it can be done by receiving an accurate diagnosis to identify the underlying causes. Once you receive your diagnosis, the dermatologist will recommend treatment options accordingly.

Treatment of cause
As previously mentioned, white hair at young age or canities can be caused by several factors like vitamin B12 deficiency, smoking, genetic factors, stress, and certain medical conditions. If this is the case, you will be directed to the appropriate specialized medical expert who can provide you with a premature grey hair treatment plan that suits your medical condition.

• Addressing vitamin deficiency
  If early grey hair is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you need to ensure that you reach the recommended intake by consuming more vitamin B12 foods. In some cases, the doctor may recommend supplements to cure vitamin deficiency.
• Quitting smoking
  Chemicals in cigarettes can damage your body, including the hair follicles; thus, resulting in white hair at young age. By quitting the habit of smoking, you may be able to reverse early grey hair.
• Managing stress
  Stress management is not only important for reversing canities, but it can improve your overall well-being. Here are some common stress management tips:
  -Eat a balanced Indian diet rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and green tea may help prevent white hair at young age.
  -Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Your body needs time to recharge from daily events.
  -Allot sufficient time for relaxation, hobbies, interests, etc.
  -Maintain an exercise routine. Exercising can help relieve stress considerably.While these tips are important, it is still advisable to talk to a mental health professional/ psychiatrist to learn how to deal with chronic stress.
• Medications
  While there is no medicine for premature grey hair, the specialized doctor may prescribe medications to treat underlying causes like thyroid disorders or alopecia areata. In some cases, dermatologists may prescribe topical shampoos/ hair products that can help in hair loss control. Consume medicines as directed by the doctor only, and do not self-medicate.

Early grey hair can be managed by performing an accurate diagnosis to receive a suitable premature grey hair treatment plan. Consult a dermatologist to diagnose canities/ premature white hair. A dermatologist can suggest an appropriate plan based on severity of the condition, and also other factors, such as lifestyle and diet. If required, they may direct you to a specialized expert to treat the condition, such as an endocrinologist.
We, at MFine, provide solutions to a healthier life through modern medical services. You can consult with our team of highly-qualified medical experts for any medical assistance. MFine aims to provide you with a comprehensive treatment program as per your requirements. For further information, check out our MFine app to get a curated list of ‘top endocrinologists near me’, with whom you can have an instant consultation anytime, anywhere!

1. What deficiency causes white hairs?
One of the most common causes of grey hair at young age is vitamin B12 deficiency. This can affect your hair cells and reduce melanin production. It is important to incorporate an Indian diet rich in vitamin B12 foods to reduce the risk of developing a B12 deficiency. In some cases, the endocrinologist may prescribe supplements as a medicine for premature grey hair.

2. What should we eat to avoid white hair?
Consuming a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is a good choice to prevent or reverse premature grey hair. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and green tea may also help prevent white hair at young age. However, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist to understand the underlying cause of grey hair at young age. If required, they may direct you to a specialized expert to treat the condition, such as an endocrinologist. Treating the cause is crucial to reverse early grey hair.

3. Why do I have white hair at 24?
It is completely normal for hair to turn grey or become thin as we get older. However, early grey hair can be due to an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. These may include genetic causes, poor lifestyle, vitamin deficiencies, or even chronic stress. To receive a suitable premature grey hair treatment plan, you need to identify and treat the cause behind it.

4. How do I book an appointment with a dermatologist online?
With modern technology, it has become a hassle-free process to book an online consultation. All you need to do is install the MFine app, search for a dermatologist, and enter your personal details. Once that’s done, you can consult with the top dermatologist online conveniently! You can discuss your concerns comfortably with the doctor as we make your privacy a top priority. Our safe platform will ensure that the conversations between you and the medical expert strictly remain confidential.