Gray hair is caused by a decrease in the production of melanin, a pigment in the hair. Although it is natural with age, gray hair is also widely seen in young people today. The main reasons for this are:
Hereditary factors: The most important cause of premature gray hair is heredity. If your parents or close relatives have gray hair at a young age, you are more likely to have it too. Since it is genetic, it is difficult to completely change it.
Vitamin deficiency: Deficiency of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and zinc affects the health and color of your hair. Eating foods rich in these nutrients can help increase melanin production and darken your hair.
Stress: Excessive stress damages hair cells (oxidative stress) and causes hair to turn gray. Studies indicate that stress hormones affect the pigment cells at the roots of the hair.
Use of chemicals: Low-quality hair dyes, shampoos, and hair treatments containing harsh chemicals can strip the natural color of the hair. The hydrogen peroxide contained in these can cause premature graying of the hair.
Lifestyle and pollution: Smoking and air pollution increase toxins in the body. This weakens the hair roots and leads to premature graying.