Signs of gray hair, such as white hair, appear gradually with age, but some may notice the appearance of these signs in youth. This may occur as a result of various factors that cause hair to lose its original color.
New Saudi studies published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology say that stress can double the chances of gray hair appearing before the age of thirty, according to Russia Today.
Anxiety and depression appear to interfere with hair follicles more than other factors, including smoking, diet and exercise.
Figures indicate that many people’s hair turns gray by the age of fifty, but millions begin to turn gray years or even decades before that age.
The study says the reasons are unclear, but the stress hormone cortisol or mental health medications can cause harmful inflammation
A team from King Saud University compared the rates of gray hair among 1,193 people between the ages of 18 and 29 through an online survey conducted between July 2023 and February 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
The researchers found that half of the participants gained at least one gray hair in their 20s.
One in eight indicated that they had more than 100 gray hairs.
The team found that anxiety increased the likelihood of gray hair by 2.24 times, while depression increased it by 2.56 times.
Family history was the biggest factor behind the early appearance of gray hair.
According to the study, smoking leads to an almost double risk, but a good diet can reduce this risk by 32%.
“Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can help mitigate risks,” said study author Turki Al-Banhar.
