Is It Normal to Get Gray Hair in My 20s?

By: Sophie O'Kelly | Nov 02, 2022

Even though aging is an inevitable part of life, discovering graying strands, especially when still in your 20s, can be a shock. And while your first response might be to pluck out the rogue hairs or reach for the box dye, those aren't your only options.

Whether you've recently found your first premature gray hair or if white hair is fast becoming your reality, understanding why gray hair happens in your 20s can be empowering. Read on to understand more about early graying — plus, find out what revolutionary hair care system you should use to delay unwanted silver strands.

Why Does Premature Graying Occur?

Going gray in a world that only seems to applaud the young can feel scary and frustrating. But it's a surprisingly common phenomenon that doesn't necessarily suggest your body is slowing down. Licensed cosmetologist and barber Madison Dufour said, "It's not uncommon for gray and white hair to start appearing during a person's 20s. Reasons that gray might appear can be due to stress, genetics and hormones."

Going gray is mainly caused by a loss of pigment. As the hair shaft's pigment cells (or the melanin) deplete, strands take on a different texture and feel. Melanin production can slow for several reasons, but age typically triggers less pigment in the strands. The process from a full head of hair color to gray and eventually white hair can vary from person to person. A lot of times, someone turns gray early due to genetics, which means your hair might start graying around the same time as your older family members' hair did.

Smoking Cigarettes

Cigarettes are not only harmful, but they're also highly addictive, and smoking them can be a difficult habit to shake. Unfortunately, smoking has proven itself in various clinical studies to be a trigger for graying hair.

Stress

Any ongoing, heightened feelings of anxiety can be bad for the mind, body and soul. Stress can trigger hair loss, and according to research, it can also cause the hair shaft to turn gray quickly.

Not Eating Properly

"Overall health is important for hair health," said Dufour. Eating the right foods and getting proper exercise helps the blood remove toxins from the body and the scalp, encouraging hormone balances."

Additionally, eating the right nutrients can help keep the grays at bay. One study found that low ferritin, vitamin D-3 and calcium can contribute to premature graying. Another study found that low serum copper concentration can also advance graying.

Autoimmune Diseases

When the immune system is under stress, the hair follicles can suffer the consequences. Living with an autoimmune disease such as thyroiditis can trigger a vitamin B-12 deficiency, which has been linked to premature aging. If you're showing symptoms aside from prematurely aging hair, it's worth checking in with a health care professional to scan for medical conditions. Always consult with a doctor if you're concerned.

How To Care for Gray Hair

Gray hair also can feel different for everyone, but generally, it's thinner than dark brown hair, for example, because the cuticle is thinner. The cuticle provides protection, so hair with a thinner cuticle can be more susceptible to water damage, UV rays, humidity, chemicals and hot heat from styling tools. As a result, the gray hairs can feel coarser and more fragile.

Additionally, African American hair, in particular, can be fragile, so if you spot some gray strands, make sure you comb with care — especially if you use chemicals to relax your hair.

Your initial reaction to your first gray hair might be shock, panic and denial. But thankfully, there are things you can do to help care for and delay premature gray hairs.

Use Hair Dye

If you're not ready to embrace the grays, hair dye can help. Visit the salon for a professional look, or try a semi-permanent tone at home. If you use an at-home hair dye kit, do a skin test first to avoid unwanted allergic reactions.

If you don't want to dye your hair, you could opt to use a plant-based powder formula to conceal your grays.

Build Better Habits

As previously stated, a diet lacking in nutrition and smoking can trigger premature graying and negatively impact your health. In fact, quitting smoking and pumping your diet with vitamins and minerals can actually help stop gray hair in its tracks.

To ensure your body receives the proper nutrients to help maintain the color of your hair, VEGAMOUR created the GRO AGELESS Gray Delay Hair Supplement. The supplement helps preserve the hair's natural pigment with a proprietary blend of bioavailable adaptogens and minerals that work to support collagen-rich shine and healthy hair follicles.

Reduce Stress Levels

And don't forget stress! Stress can wreak havoc on the body, and reducing stress levels will help keep your mind, body and hair in the best condition. Mindful techniques, surrounding yourself in nature, using all-natural skin and hair care products and speaking your problems aloud can all help keep your body in balance.

Rock the Gray Locks

Aging is an inevitable part of living. However, there's something quite empowering about going gray with grace. Rather than trying to hide the tide of time, accepting where you are in your journey can encourage confidence in your new look. Sometimes, a different hairstyle can help make a few graying strands less apparent. Consult with your hairstylist for advice.

Use a Hair Serum

You can't change your genetics, but you can switch up your hair care routine if gray strands start to peek through. Our GRO AGELESS Anti-Gray Hair Serum is a revolutionary formula that can help bring back vibrancy to tired-looking locks.

The lightweight, non-greasy formula is plant-powered and reduces the appearance of gray on new hair growth. Applying the formula daily to your scalp will soothe and nourish while peptides renew color and shine. Additionally, the caffeine in the formula counteracts hair damage and the unique blend of vitamins B3, B5, B6 and E target the appearance of gray hair. In clinical studies, 64% of users saw less gray hair in as soon as 90 days!

Deal With Grays at Your Own Pace

Gray hair in your 20s can feel bizarre. But it's important to know you aren't alone; many people experience grays in their 20s, and there are plenty of options for dealing with it. First ditch any unhealthy habits, such as smoking, poor nutrition or allowing stress to dominate your life.

Next, make a game plan related to how you're going to deal with premature graying. If you're not ready to embrace silvery strands, you don't have to — VEGAMOUR's new GRO AGELESS technology can help you tackle the problem from the roots by helping delay and even reverse grays!