Premature Graying in Teenagers

Transparent Follicles

• When discussing premature graying in teenagers, sometimes explaining how the process occurs is just as important as why. Each hair follicle contains pigment cells called melanocytes. These cells form melanin, the pigment that gives each hair strand its color. With age, the melanin cells begin to die off, giving the hair follicles a transparent or gray appearance. For many, this process does not begin to happen until the age of 30 or 40. If you are a teen with graying hair, it means the process is happening sooner than normal.

It̵7;s in the Genes

• The reasons for premature graying vary. However, it may be comforting to know that for most the process is nothing more than a matter or genetics. In fact, Columbia Health points out that most teens need to look no further than their parents when it comes to premature graying. Chances are that if you are beginning to show signs of graying during your teen years, your mom or dad may have experienced the same thing growing up.

The Smoking Factor

• Teens who smoke may want to reconsider engaging in the habit. Aside from the known health risks that come along with every puff, smoking can give you gray hair earlier than you may like. According to Columbia Health, if you smoke, your chances of seeing premature gray hairs is at least four times greater than if you didn't. That̵7;s right -- seeing premature gray in your teen years is yet another reason to kick the smoking habit.

Deficiencies

• Along with genetics and smoking, deficient amounts of vitamin B and copper in the body can reduce the number of melanin cells in hair follicles. If you are either experiencing premature graying or trying to avoid it, eat your veggies and see if it helps. Asparagus, turnip greens and mushrooms all contain copper. The vitamin B that you may be lacking is abundant in liver, milk, eggs and peanuts -- so eat up.