Why can white hair appear earlier and earlier?

There is a form of inequality when faced with the appearance of white hair. Genetics, stress, age… So many reasons that can explain the fact that cells stop producing the pigment that colors hair (melanin, which is produced by melanocytes). Newsweek highlights the fact that the first white hair could appear earlier. The reason is a lack of minerals. In any case, this is what the video of the American integrative health coach Katharina Orr-Evans suggests in November 2024 immediately asks. “Why do young people have white hair?”

Many respond in the comments. “I started seeing it since I was 16,” “I’m 30 and have so much gray hair,” “I’ve had gray hair since I was 24,” “Since I was 14. , I’ve noticed how gray hairs are growing. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatologythat is, from the age of 35 for Caucasians, from the late thirties for Asians, and from the mid-forties for Africans.

The expert then explains that mineral imbalances can cause premature whitening. It is based on the work of Dr. Paul Eck. According to him, hair gets its color from minerals (manganese, iron, etc.). However, stress and fatigue can deplete them, the body must draw resources from other minerals such as calcium or zinc. But the balance is disturbed, and therefore it will affect the early appearance of discoloration.

Fine balance of minerals

A hypothesis that was also confirmed by the researches of the department of dermatology of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, for example, people with early gray hair have significantly lower levels of copper. Thus, it becomes possible to connect with the appearance of the first white hair in the under 20s.

New York dermatologist also interviewed for Victoria Kazluskaya Newsweek“c:It is not surprising. copper, zinc, and iron play a role in tyrosinase activity, which is necessary for pigment synthesis.. Premature graying is often seen in patients with iron deficiency anemia, and we often find clinically that iron supplementation can restore the original hair color.”

In November 2022, Melanie Froliger, Head of Clinical Hair Research at the René Furterer and Pierre Fabre Group, also confirmed to us that nutrition, micro-nutrition and medication can also have an effect on discoloration; Selenium, but also low levels of iron affect the nails.’

However, the American coach who signed the video warns about the attitude of adoption. “Many people have seen this video and concluded that they just need copper, which is also not a good idea, especially for women. Many people have problems with too high estrogen levels, and copper and estrogen are related; if one goes up, so does the other. Excess copper can deplete zinc.” Therefore, she encourages a HTMA test (hair mineral analysis) to find out about deficiencies. And focus on a balanced diet, not a nutritional one on supplements.

“Most supplements contain synthetic or poorly absorbed forms, while food is the best source of minerals because they are better absorbed in their natural form. Also, taking random supplements that you think you need can counteract others.” of minerals. For example, sodium and potassium interact. Calcium and magnesium. Calcium and potassium. Zinc and copper, etc. If one of them increases too much, the others will decrease even more. Therefore, it is better to seek professional help before choosing supplements.