Hair Greying: A Deep Dive Into the Genetics

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any conditions. LifeDNA does not provide diagnostic services for any conditions mentioned in this or any other article.

Is hair greying simply a sign of aging, or is there more when it comes to genetics and other factors, especially for people in their 20s? This early greying may raise questions about its cause. While genetics certainly plays a major role, other factors like stress, lifestyle choices, and even health conditions may influence when and how grey hair appears. Understanding the genetic and environmental influences behind premature greying can help individuals manage this condition effectively.

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What Causes Premature Hair Greying?

Hair color is determined by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in hair follicles. When these melanocytes reduce, melanin production stops functioning, and our hair turns grey or white. Several factors influence the timing of this process:

Genetics and Premature Greying

Genetics is the main reason some people experience premature greying. If one or both parents had grey hair early, their children are more likely to go grey earlier too. A 2020 study with nearly 1000 people from Poland explored the genetic factors behind hair greying. Researchers looked at participants’ DNA to identify patterns that could predict when hair turns grey. They created prediction models using age, sex, and 13 specific genetic markers (SNPs). Two of the markers, in genes KIF1A and FGF5, were found to be the most significant, but age still had the biggest influence on when hair greys. Interestingly, the FGF5 gene is also associated with other hair traits, such as hair loss.

Another part of the study confirmed an earlier finding showing that the IRF4 gene SNP rs12203592 gene is linked to premature hair greying. People with specific genotypes of this SNP, containing the t T-allele are more likely to end up with grey hair early. While age is still the most important factor in hair greying, this gene explains a significant part of it. For people under 30, the T-allele increases the chance of grey hair by about 15%. Another variant, MROH2A gene SNP rs2361506, also plays a small role. TOverall, genetic models in this limited study explained less than 10% of the differences in when people’s hair greys, and the individual genes had a small impact on predicting it, with age still being the main factor.Nutritional Deficiencies

Certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in melanin production. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to premature greying:

Vitamin B12 – Essential for healthy hair pigmentation; low levels may accelerate greying.
Iron – Important for oxygen transport to hair follicles; deficiency may weaken hair structure and pigment.
Copper – Helps activate enzymes needed for melanin production.
Zinc – Supports overall hair health and growth.

Oxidative Stress and Hair Greying

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Excess free radicals damage melanocytes, leading to a loss of pigment. This process is influenced by aging but can be worsened by:

Chronic stress – Long-term emotional stress can increase oxidative damage in hair follicles.
Smoking – Chemicals in cigarettes generate free radicals, accelerating hair greying.
Environmental pollutants – Exposure to toxins and UV radiation contributes to oxidative damage.

Medical Conditions Linked to Premature Greying

Certain health conditions can trigger early hair greying by affecting melanin production:

Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may disrupt melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair color. This can lead to premature greying as thyroid imbalances affect hair follicles and their ability to produce melanin.
Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. This may cause patches of skin and hair to lose their color, resulting in grey or white hair in affected areas.
Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata causes hair loss when the immune system targets hair follicles. When hair regrows, it may appear white or grey because the damage to melanocytes reduces melanin production, affecting hair color.

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Can Premature Hair Greying Be Prevented?

While genetic factors cannot be changed, lifestyle choices may help slow down the process of premature greying. Consider the following preventive measures:

Maintain a balanced diet – A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and copper, is essential for melanin production. Nutrients like vitamin B12, folic acid, and biotin may support hair health and help maintain its natural color for longer.
Manage stress levels – High stress may lead to increased oxidative stress, which damages melanocytes and accelerates hair greying. By practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise, you may reduce stress and limit its impact on your hair’s pigmentation.
Avoid smoking – Smoking contributes to the damage of melanocytes by increasing oxidative stress in the body. Quitting smoking may help protect these pigment-producing cells and improve overall hair health, potentially delaying greying.
Use antioxidant-rich hair care products – Shampoos and serums with antioxidants like vitamin E may help neutralize harmful free radicals in the environment, which can damage hair and accelerate the greying process. These products may protect hair follicles and keep melanin production intact for a longer time.

Currently, no medical treatment may reverse natural hair greying, but some options may help manage its appearance:

Hair dyes – Temporary or permanent coloring products may cover grey hair, offering an instant solution for those looking to restore their natural hair color.
Nutritional supplements – If a deficiency is the cause of greying, taking supplements may help slow further greying by supporting the production of melanin, though the effect varies depending on the individual.