As we age, the pigment cells – which give our hair its color – slowly die.
This means that as our hair grows, it doesn’t contain as much color, leaving it more transparent – like gray or white.
But in some cases, a sudden appearance of gray hair can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
1. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of premature graying hair.
Studies have shown that taking B12 supplements reduces high homocysteine levels – which can lead to hair loss – and prevents premature graying of hair.
The vitamin, found in meat, fish and milk, also helps produce red blood cells, which are essential for hair growth and health.
2. Von Recklinghausen disease
Neurofibromatosis, sometimes known as Von Recklinghausen’s disease, is a condition that causes tumors to grow next to a person’s nerves.
It is caused by a genetic mutation in certain genes and can be inherited from parents or occur during a patient’s early development.
Currently, there is no prevention or cure, but the tumors are normally non-cancerous.
People with the condition have tan spots of varying sizes and shapes all over their bodies.
But some also notice discoloration of their hair.
Researchers published a report in 2014 about a young boy with NF-1 who developed white hair on his head.
They say it happened because piebaldism is a symptom of neurofibromatosis.
Piebaldism is a condition with an absence of cells called melanin in the hair and skin.
Melanin is responsible for hair color.
3. Thyroid disease
Hormonal changes caused by a thyroid problem — such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism — can also be responsible for premature gray hair.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is responsible for bodily functions such as metabolism.
Your thyroid health can also influence your hair color.
An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause your body to produce less melanin.
4. Alopecia Areata
Autoimmune diseases – where the body attacks itself – can also cause premature white hair.
In the case of alopecia, the immune system can attack the hair and cause loss of pigment.
Alopecia areata causes patches of baldness the size of a large coin – both men and women are affected equally.