Noticing grey hair in your early twenties can be disorienting, but it’s actually quite common. In India, people often blame this on stress. In reality, early greying is usually due to simple biological reasons.
Why do some people start greying early while others retain their natural hair colour into their forties? Experts explain that this premature greying is most commonly linked to genetics. Nutritional deficiencies can contribute. Lifestyle factors may accelerate the process of greying by increasing oxidative stress in the body.
In most cases, early greying is not a sign of a serious health condition. However, when it appears suddenly or alongside other symptoms, medical evaluation is essential to rule out underlying deficiencies or thyroid disorders.
What is early greying?
Premature/early greying is defined differently across different populations. It is considered early if it occurs before 20 years in Caucasians, before 25 years in Asians and before 30 years in Africans. These differences are also attributed to genetic variation and baseline melanin levels.
“Men and women are (biologically) equally prone to early greying“ says Narayanan A., consultant, dermatology, SRM Prime Hospital, Chennai, noting there is no consistent evidence of major gender-based differences in onset. However, Pushpa Gnanaraj, senior consultant dermatology, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai, adds greying may appear more noticeable in men due to shorter hairstyles or beard growth. Women, she says, often report greater psychological impact because of social and cultural expectations around appearance.
How does hair colour work
Hair colour depends on melanin, produced by specialised cells called melanocytes. When these cells begin to function less efficiently, new hair grows without pigment and appears grey or white.
“Genetics plays a huge role,” says K.R. Sharmatha, senior consultant, dermatology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai. If parents or even close relatives experienced early greying, the likelihood is significantly higher.
Dr. Gnanaraj, explains that melanocytes may begin to malfunction earlier in genetically prone individuals. Most cases, she says, result from a combination of inherited factors and environmental triggers.
Medical conditions to rule out
While there are conversations around stress being the main contributor, experts say stress alone does not directly turn hair grey; chronic stress, however, can influence the process. Prolonged stress may disturb hormonal balance and overall health, indirectly affecting pigmentation.
Lifestyle factors too play a major role especially smoking and life conditions that can trigger chronic stress. Stress increases oxidative stress — triggering the release of norepinephrine, which causes depletion of melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles. In people who are genetically prone to it, this can damage the cells that produce hair pigment. Exposure to pollution may also speed up the loss of colour.
Nutritional deficiencies are also often linked to early greying. Dr. Sharmatha points out that iron, vitamin B12, copper and folate and zinc deficiencies are common contributors. Iron-deficiency anaemia, deficiencies of vitamin D and biotin, and inadequate protein intake have all also been linked to premature greying. These deficiencies interfere with melanin production, but when identified early, correcting them may slow progression, though it may not completely reverse existing grey hair. Certain medical conditions are associated with premature greying too. Doctors list thyroid disorders and autoimmune conditions, pernicious anaemia, vitiligo, and, in rare cases, certain genetic or metabolic conditions.
Doctors advise seeking medical evaluation if greying begins in childhood or adolescence, progresses rapidly, or occurs without a family history. They also note possible links with thyroid dysfunction, atopic conditions, and reduced bone density (osteopenia).
Sudden, rapid greying, sometimes referred to as canities subita has been reported in association with vitiligo, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. Medical assessment is essential when early greying is abrupt or accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, or changes in skin pigmentation.
Can early greying be reversed?
A complete reversal of genetically driven greying of the hair is not common. “It is rare to completely reverse greying hair,” says Dr. Sharmatha.
And there is limited scientific evidence supporting oils, herbal remedies or over-the-counter supplements that claim to restore natural hair colour. While such products may improve hair health, they do not reliably reverse greying. Cosmetic colouring remains the most dependable option for visible change.
Experts highlight that if premature greying is linked to nutritional deficiencies or stress-related factors, correcting the underlying cause may slow further progression and in some cases may even lead to partial improvement.
While early greying can lead to anxiety and social withdrawal due to stigma and self-consciousness about one’s appearance, experts stress that it is important to note that in most cases early greying is simply a matter of genetics and natural biological ageing.
Published – February 16, 2026 03:02 pm IST