Early gray hair

Overview

Stress may speed graying in some people.

Hair color comes from pigment cells in hair follicles. With age, or earlier for some families, these cells slow down.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Early gray hair

Less common

• Graying in patches

Look up a symptom: Hair loss

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history

Possible complications

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Diagnosis

Usually no tests.

Questions you may be asked

• Family history

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests: If tired or other symptoms.

Treatment

Accept or color it.

Self-care

• Don't smoke
• Use gentle hair dyes

Prevention

• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Black and Asian adults: Graying often starts a bit later on average.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless.

Graying is a normal part of life and isn't a sign of poor health.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should my B12 or thyroid be checked?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Early gray hair