4 Reasons Why a Person Has White Hair

Close-up portrait of gray haired bearded male dressed in a black leather jacket.
While aging is the most common reason for someone's hair to turn white, it is not the only one. (Image: Alberto Jorrin Rodriguez via Dreamstime)

We judge that a person is old if they have white hair. As we grow older, most people want to look younger and reduce the signs of aging on their faces and bodies. However, aging is a natural physiological process. The functioning of one’s organs will gradually decline with age. More than that, one’s hair will gradually turn white too.

Although hair turning white often represents age, it is becoming more and more common for young people to also develop white hair because of life’s pressure. In addition, hair can turn white due to excessive stress or irritability. Some diseases can also cause hair to turn white.

Factors that can cause white hair

1. Aging 

The reason that hair turns white is that when people get older, the pigment cells in the human hair follicles will gradually age and the supply of melanin that goes to keratinocytes will gradually stop. At this time, one’s hair will gradually turn white or silver. Under normal circumstances, this is caused by aging. 

2. Pathological reasons 

The reason white hair develops early is often related to other factors. When the human body suffers from certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, one’s hair turning is prone to follow. Some people may develop white hair when they are young. If there are relatives in the family who have experienced a similar situation, then this may also be related to genetic factors. When the human body lacks trace elements, such as Vitamin B12 and calcium, white hair can develop as a result.

Closeup of a woman's head with the roots of her hair showing gray.
Some people may develop white hair when they are young. (Image: Olga Rolenko via Dreamstime)

3. Smoking 

There are many people who like to smoke. Smoking not only harms the lungs and other organs, but in fact, excessive smoking can also cause one’s hair to turn white earlier than usual. Prolonged sun exposure can also cause hair to turn white. 

4. Excessive stress 

Most times, the appearance of white hair has a lot to do with excessive mental stress. The most typical case is when one’s “hair turns white overnight.” Although this condition is similar to a disease, it is also caused by mental trauma.

Male with white hair and beard wearing black t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes sitting on some steps in an urban background.
Most times, the appearance of white hair has a lot to do with excessive mental stress. (Image: Javiindy via Dreamstime)

In fact, hair turning white is inevitable for people as they age. But for young or middle-aged people, sometimes they can delay the onset of white hair by taking a proactive approach. Excessive stress can lead to one’s hair turning white, so they must learn to reduce the stress in their daily lives. For example, a person can relieve stress by exercising, singing, or watching movies. They can also talk to friends. When the excessive pressure is gradually relieved, the development of white hair will also naturally slow down. 

Tips 

  • A daily head massage will help blood flow more smoothly.  
  • Smoking can lead to the rapid growth of white hair. Therefore, smoking must be eliminated or at least reduced. People with strong wills should quit smoking as soon as possible. This can reduce white hair and it is also beneficial to one’s health.
  • Staying up late will affect a person’s biological clock, as well as the body’s circulation and the rest of the organs, so try to ensure a good night’s sleep. 

A reasonable diet does not only meet the body’s nutritional needs, but it can also impact some diseases, and sometimes it can also have a hair care effect, so we must be sure to eat a healthy diet.

Translated by Patty Zhang

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