What is Premature Greying?

Premature greying, in the basic language, is a condition where your body restricts producing melanin, a pigment that keeps your hair colour as it is. When your hair loses that pigmentation at an early age, it is known as “premature”.

Symptoms of Premature Greying

Gradual fading of natural hair colour or hair pigmentation, alterations in hair texture, visibility of light or dark patches, and rise in hair thinning or shedding due to reduced melanin production are some of the common symptoms of premature greying of hair.

Causes of Premature Greying

People with a family history of greying hair at an early age, stress or anxiety, deficiency in minerals, vitamins or essential proteins, imbalance in melanin hormone, and smokers or alcoholics are 2.5 times more prone to premature greying than others.

How Common is PG?

How Common is it?

46%

of the Indian population suffers from premature greying by the age of 30

50%

prevalence of premature greying is higher in the urban population

41%

of Indian males are affected by premature greying before 25

58%

of males in India suffer from early greying of hair due to genetics

Want to find out more? We worked with our doctors to create this Ultimate Guide to PG

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can stress accelerate greying of hair?

Yes, prolonged stress can affect melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair color. Chronic stress can disrupt the normal functioning of melanocytes, potentially leading to premature greying of hair. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and healthy lifestyle choices can help mitigate its impact on hair health.

Is premature greying reversible?

In most cases, once hair has turned grey, it is unlikely to return to its original color naturally. However, addressing underlying factors like managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing good hair care can help slow down further greying and support overall hair health.

Are there any preventive measures for premature greying?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent premature greying, certain measures can help delay its onset. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress levels, and ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall hair health and potentially slow down the process of greying.

Can hair products or hair dyes cause premature greying?

Hair products and dyes do not directly cause premature greying. However, excessive use of harsh chemical-based products can weaken hair and potentially contribute to overall hair health issues, which might indirectly affect the appearance of your hair.