Premature Greying

"Canites" is the medical term for the graying of hair in young individuals. Canities occurs when the hair loses its pigment (melanin), resulting in gray, silver, or white hair. This is a natural part of the aging process. However, when it occurs prematurely in some individuals it needs to be evaluated.

Causes of Canities (Graying Hair):

Aging: The most common cause of graying hair, as melanocytes in hair (the cells that produce melanin pigment ) gradually decrease their activity over time.
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in when and how fast your hair will turn gray. If your parents grayed early, you’re more likely to do the same.
Oxidative Stress: Damage from free radicals can impact melanocyte function, leading to accelerated the loss of hair pigment.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, trace elements like iron, copper, and zinc, can contribute to premature graying.
Stress: Although often debated, chronic stress may enhance the process of premature graying by altering the hormone levels and increasing oxidative stress.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like vitiligo, autoimmune diseases like pernicious anaemia, and thyroid disorders can cause early graying due to their effect on melanocytes.
Smoking: Studies suggest that smoking is linked to an increased risk of early graying, as it causes oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Chemical Exposure: Frequent exposure to harsh chemical hair dyes and hair styling chemicals can damage melanocytes and contribute to faster graying.

Managing and Treating Canities:

Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support overall hair health and possibly delay graying. We recommend having a colorful plate full of vegetables and a balanced proportion of all the nutrients.
Supplements: If graying is linked to deficiencies, supplements such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc may help, but it’s important to consult with a dermatologist first.
Reduce Stress: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep is important to support your hair and overall health. Stress is known to increase the free radical levels in the body. By reducing stress, you are not only improving the hair melanin but also slowing down the aging process.
Hair Dyes: The most common method of dealing with gray hair is through hair dye application, including temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent options. It is recommended to opt for gentle, ammonia and PPD free dyes to minimize damage. We should always remember that coloured hair is more fragile and needs separate shampoos and conditioners.
Natural Remedies: Some people use natural remedies like henna, beetroot, amla, curry leaves, coffee, or black tea rinses to darken gray hair temporarily.
Hair Care Routine: Use gentle, nourishing shampoos and conditioners to keep gray hair healthy. The gray hair tends to be drier and more brittle, so a hair care routine is important. Weekly usage of nourishing hair masks can also help.
Oral medications: Medications like Para -amino benzoic acid (PABA) and calcium pentothenate are reported to reverse early graying of hair. Recently, topical medications containing peptides and melatonin have also been successfully tried. We at Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, do recommend oral medications and topical application depending on the merit of the case.

Graying of hair is a natural part of aging. As there is no way to reverse it completely, the above steps can help manage and delay the process. It is important to embrace the change and take care of oneself as the individual matures with age. All shades look beautiful, including grey, and white. However, if someone wants to keep their hair black, there are medications to help them.

We at Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, take a detailed history, go into the root cause of your hair issue and suggest the necessary diet and lifestyle modifications. The blood test will be recommended as per the individual needs. Medications, including hair, serum, hair supplements, and good quality shampoo, and conditioners, hair dye, etc will be recommended as per your requirement.