Gray or white hair is often associated with the elderly. In fact, the cause of gray hair is not only the aging process. There are various things that can also cause the appearance of gray hair on the head.
Follicles or where hair grows have pigment cells or a coloring substance called melanin. Melanin levels in a person's body can change over time.
There are two types of melanin that determine hair color, namely: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Hair will be darker if eumelanin more dominant than phenomelanin. Meanwhile, a small amount of melanin makes hair grow to be gray, silver, and finally white.
Causes of gray hair
There are several conditions that can affect the formation of gray hair, namely.
1. Age
Naturally, changing hair color to gray or white occurs with age. As we age, the production of melanin in the body decreases, causing gray hair to appear. This is thought to be caused by increased damage to hair cells due to aging.
2. Genetics
The cause of gray hair on this one can not be avoided. People whose hair has turned white or gray even though they are still young, it could be caused by genetic factors. This means that his parents also experienced a similar condition when he was young.
3. Health conditions
Suffering from certain diseases can also be a cause of gray hair growth. One of the conditions that can cause hair to turn white is vitiligo. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes some parts of the hair and skin to lose color pigment.
In addition, disorders of the pituitary gland or thyroid gland can also be the cause of gray hair growth.
Lack of nutrients can also cause hair to become finer, thinner, and brittle and change color due to decreased melanin production. Examples are vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia. Werner syndrome can also cause gray hair at a young age.
4. Smoking habit
Smoking can be a factor in the growth of gray hair. In fact, there are studies that reveal that there is a relationship between smoking and the growth of gray hair at the age of less than 30 years.
Smoking can also make blood vessels narrower and ultimately reduce blood flow to hair follicles, causing hair loss.
In addition, the harmful substances in cigarettes can damage the body's organs, including hair follicles, resulting in gray hair.
5. Treatment
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or malaria treatment may experience gray hair. The content of drugs used in chemotherapy and malaria can inhibit the formation of melanin, resulting in white hair.
If the cause of gray hair is a genetic factor, the change in hair color to white cannot be prevented. However, if the cause is a health problem, it is possible that the hair color will return to normal if the underlying disease is treated properly.
Generally, Asian people will experience gray hair growth in their late 30s. Bleaching hair at an earlier age can be considered too early.
Many assume that stress can also accelerate aging factors, including the growth of gray hair earlier than it should. Although several cases support this assumption, until now this has yet to be scientifically proven.
If you are uncomfortable with gray hair, you can cover it with hair dye. However, you need to know that gray hair is generally drier. So, pay attention to the right and safe hair dye products and avoid coloring your hair too often.
If you feel that your gray hair growth is abnormal, consult your doctor so that an examination can be carried out to determine the cause of the gray hair appearing and appropriate treatment.