Here's Why You Could Be Turning Grey In Your 20s

The fact of the matter is, we're all going to go grey at some point. Whether we cover it in burgundy streaks or flaunt the silver strands with pride, that's a choice we have to make eventually. However, if you find yourself approaching that point at the start of your 20's, you might just be suffering from premature greying. While it isn't harmful to your health, it can play a number on your self-esteem. So if you find yourself with grey strands in your early 20's, here's why it's happening to you.

1. Blame it on your genes

A large reason why premature greying occurs is because of genetic factor and unfortunately, genetics is something that neither you nor I can control. Hair follicles contain pigment cells which produce melanin. Melanin is primarily responsible for giving your hair its colour - so when your body stops producing it, your hair loses its colour and turns grey. In all probability, if your parents turned grey at an early age, so will you.

2. It also depends on your race

Race also plays an integral factor in determining when one will begin greying. So while Caucasians generally turn grey by their mid 30's, Asians begin by their late 30's and African Americans, in their 40's. This is due to the varied production of melanin in different races and its eventual effect on the tresses colour.

3. It might be your diet

Greying isn't always out of your hands. If you're eating a poor diet and you've noticed silver strands, they could be connected. A diet that lacks protein and vitamin B12 isn't enough to provide nutrition to the body and as a result, can cause greying. To remedy this, add more seafood, eggs and soy products into your diet right away.

4. It could be medically related

In rare cases, premature greying could also be caused due to medical conditions. If you have hormonal imbalance or if your thyroid or pituitary gland is imbalanced, it could lead to premature greying. In this case, it's best to check in with your doctor who'll be able to pin-point the cause and possibly reverse the condition.