What Causes Gray Hair at an Early Age?

Genetics

The main causing of gray hair at an early age is genetics. Though the specific genes that cause premature graying are unknown at this time, if your parents went gray at an early age, you are more likely to go gray when you are young. For most people, there are no harmful effects of genetic graying. Some may experience psychological effects because they fear getting older or less attractive due to the gray hair. Others wear it as a mark of pride and experience, and premature grays like Phil Donohue and Anderson Cooper have turned the trait into a trademark.

Other Causes

Gray hair can also be caused by some medical conditions. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 and thyroid imbalances are common culprits. Smoking has also been linked to going gray at an earlier age. Gray hair is four times more likely in smokers than in the nonsmoking population. Most graying occurs slowly and naturally over time. In instances of severe trauma, it sometimes seems as if hair turn gray quickly; however, these cases are usually due to a disease called alopecia areata. It causes thicker, pigmented hair to fall out first, creating the illusion of rapid graying.