TLDR Early hair graying is often inherited and influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle, but treatment options are limited.
The document explored the biology of hair pigmentation and premature canities, or early hair graying, highlighting that it often occurred without underlying pathology but could be inherited. It examined the roles of melanin types, genetic and environmental factors, trace metals, vitamins, oxidative stress, and lifestyle influences like smoking and stress. A Graying Severity Score (GSS) was introduced to assess canities severity. Historical treatments like P-aminobenzoic acid were temporarily effective, while newer approaches included UV protection through hair dyes and compounds like cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride. Anti-aging compounds such as melatonin and melitane showed potential benefits. Despite increased interest, treatment options were limited and lacked standardized evaluation guidelines.
47 citations
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January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Premature graying of hair may suggest health issues and currently lacks effective treatments.
35 citations
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January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology” Kids with early graying hair often have low levels of calcium, ferritin, and vitamin D3.
39 citations
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January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology” Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.
26 citations
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October 2011 in “Biological trace element research” Low copper levels might cause premature graying of hair.
140 citations
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August 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” We know a lot about mouse hair color, but not much about human hair color differences.
75 citations
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January 2009 in “International journal of trichology” Hair grays due to oxidative stress and fewer functioning melanocytes.
126 citations
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January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology” Oxidative stress contributes to hair graying and loss as we age.
80 citations
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April 2006 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging” Minoxidil and Finasteride are effective for male baldness; more research is needed for hair aging treatments.
152 citations
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December 2003 in “Micron” As people age, their hair follicles produce less pigment, leading to gray and white hair, due to factors like reduced enzyme activity and damage to melanocyte DNA.
3 citations
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October 2007 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” Hair ages due to various factors and treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can help, but more research and better public awareness are needed.
80 citations
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April 2006 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging” Minoxidil and Finasteride are effective for male baldness; more research is needed for hair aging treatments.
January 2014 in “Journal of Pigmentary Disorders” Women's hair gets thinner and grayer as they age, with treatments available for hair loss and graying.
June 2025 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Gray hair can potentially be managed or reversed with treatments that boost melanin production and address nutritional deficiencies.
2 citations
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January 2017 in “Journal of Pigmentary Disorders” Genetics, stress, and health issues can cause early hair greying, which affects self-esteem, and there's no cure, only hair dye.
