Written by: Mantasha
12 August 2025
Spotting your first grey hair can be a shock, spotting several in your 20s or 30s can feel downright unfair.
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While greying is a natural part of aging, when it happens early, it’s often linked to more than just birthdays. Here’s what could be causing it.
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The biggest factor in premature greying is your DNA. If your parents or grandparents went grey early, chances are you might too.
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Low levels of Vitamin B12, folate, copper, iron, and zinc can impact melanin production (the pigment that gives hair its color), leading to greys appearing sooner.
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Chronic stress can speed up the depletion of pigment-producing cells in hair follicles. While stress alone won’t always cause greying, it can be a strong contributing factor.
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Studies show that smokers are more likely to develop premature graying due to oxidative stress and reduced blood flow to hair follicles.
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If greying is due to nutrient deficiencies, correcting them may slow the process. But if it’s genetic, reversal is unlikely, although healthy habits and diet can help keep your hair strong and shiny.
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Early greys aren’t always a sign of poor health, but they can be a signal to check your diet, stress levels, and overall wellness. And hey, silver strands can be stylish too.
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