The good news is that going gray does not mean that there is any underlying sign of a health issue, according to Dr. Zeichnner. However, “if there’s no family history, and you’re developing significant graying at an early age, you certainly can visit your doctor and make sure there are no underlying issues like a thyroid condition.”
Further, he confirms that while early graying may occur in the 20s or 30s, it is extremely uncommon to see gray hair on someone in their teens. In other words, if your 15-year-old has gone gray, you may want to consult with a professional and not wave it off as a family trait.
Does Smoking Cause Early Hair Graying?
If you smoke and hear anti-smoking advocates making a connection between your constant puffing and your silvery strands, you may want to listen up. The Indian Dermatology Online Journal cited a direct correlation between cigarette smoking and early onset graying (which they defined as going gray before the age of 30) based on an observational study of 207 participants.
Though the sample is small and there were many limiting factors in the study to draw the conclusion that smoking undoubtedly has a causal effect on achromotrichia (the absence or loss of pigment in the hair), if you’re looking for an excuse to put the cigarettes down, this one is as good as any.
Can You Reverse Gray Hair in Your 20s?
So, now that you know the reason behind those silver strands of yours, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to stop them. The short answer is no — you can’t stop gray hair from sprouting, nor can you reverse the graying process. The good doctor does offer some solace in the form of hair care.
“While there is no way to stop or reverse the graying process, antioxidant scalp serums may offer some benefit,” he says. “Free radical damage is thought to contribute to the graying process. The mechanism is unclear, but it is thought that the free radicals damage the pigment producing cells within the hair follicles. Using an antioxidant can help neutralize any free radicals to prevent damage to the follicle and [potentially slow] the graying process.”
Note that he says that an antioxidant serum will not help the hair itself — since hair is made of dead keratin — but it can help calm inflammation in the scalp. In order to address the actual gray hair, you’ll need to turn to hair dye or hair gloss.
How Do You Embrace Gray Hair?
If you’ve found yourself asking, can gray hair be attractive, then you’ve missed the countless celebs and social media creators who’ve made the term “silver fox” an understatement. No matter their skin tone, hair type or hair length, anyone can make gray hair work for them. Four of the aforementioned Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss shades are silver, made to enhance the hue of gray hair.
Via: Lorealparisusa.com
