Spotting a few grey strands as you grow older is fairly normal. However, if you are noticing streaks of grey hair in your 20s or early 30s, it could be worrying. But let us tell you, premature hair greying is common and you are not alone. Just like external factors can cause your skin to age prematurely, the same can happen to your hair.
In fact, a lot of everyday habits that seem harmless to you may be turning your hair grey. What are they and how to prevent this might be the next questions on your mind. Well, here’s what might be causing premature hair greying and what you can do about it.
Too much sun exposure
The UVA and UVB rays from the sun are not only bad for your skin, but also for your hair. Spending too much time in the sun can damage your hair and scalp resulting in dry, brittle and grey hair. Wear a scarf or carry an umbrella to prevent sun-induced hair damage. Spritzing a little bit of heat protection can also help.
Stress
Everyone deals with stress at some point, but chronic stress can lead to insomnia, anxiety, change in appetite and other problems. All of these can severely affect your hair; some people face hair fall while others deal with premature greying. If your hair greying is stress-induced, try meditating and indulging in activities that help you relax.
Chemicals in hair products
Did you know sulphates in hair care products can be pretty drying and damaging for your hair? While they cleanse your hair and scalp, they can also make hair rough, dry and prone to premature greying. Using sulphate-free products like the Tresemme Pro Protect Sulphate Free Shampoo and Conditioner gently cleanses hair and scalp, retains moisture, boosts shine and gives your tresses long-lasting vibrancy.
Vitamin deficiency
Lack of essential vitamins and nutrients in your diet can also affect the health of your hair. Folic acid and biotin deficiency is associated with premature hair greying. These can be obtained via dairy products, meat and eggs, so make sure your diet contains these.
Smoking
A study has found a link between “onset of grey hair before the age of 30 and cigarette smoking.” We all know the effects of smoking on lungs and heart, but did you know it could also affect the health of your skin and hair too by constricting the blood vessels? Turns out, the toxins in cigarettes can damage hair follicles and lead to premature greying. Needless to say, it’s time to kick the butt.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Nov 20, 2020
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.