Many people wonder how old they will be when they will get their first gray hair. The answer to this question is not straightforward. Several hereditary and environmental factors likely determine when a person’s hair goes silver. Scientists do not fully understand the reasons hair turns gray.
At What Age Does Hair Turn Gray?
According to the Popular Science website, many people start getting gray hair in their early to mid-30s, with men typically going gray a little earlier than women. However, many people do not fall within the typical range. Some people experience the onset of gray hair as early as their late teens and 20s but others not until their 50s or even later.
Factors That Determine When Hair Goes Gray
There are various factors that determine when a person will go gray. Scientists believe the most significant factor is heredity. People normally get gray hair at about the same time in life that their parents and grandparents did.
Race is also a genetic factor that influences when hair goes gray, as explained on WebMD.com. On average, white people develop gray hair earlier in life than Asians, and Asians develop gray hair earlier than blacks.
Scientists are also researching environmental factors that may play a role in hairs turning gray. Pollutants, toxins, radiation, free radicals, and a host of other unavoidable elements in the environment may contribute to graying.
The old wives’ tale that has now become cliché that stress is the cause of graying has not been proven.
What is Premature Graying?
Hair is considered to have grayed prematurely when a majority of it is gray before a person turns 40, according to WebMD.com. Genetics appear to be the biggest factor in premature graying.
Some scientists have noted that there may be a link between graying prematurely and some medical conditions, such as anemia, thyroid disorders, vitiligo, and osteoporosis. However, the link has not been conclusively proven. In fact, other scientists find no link at all.
When Does Hair Go Gray?
There are numerous determinants for when hair will turn gray. Scientists agree that the biggest consideration is genetics, though there are other factors as well. Some of these may be health related and environmental, but scientists do not fully understand the part these factors play in causing hairs to turn silver.
Sources:
- KidsHealth.org, Why Does Hair Turn Gray? (accessed May 26, 2010).
- News.NationalGeographic.com, Gray Hair Caused by Stress (Cell Stress, That Is) (accessed May 26, 2010).
- PopSci.com, Why Does Hair Turn Gray? (accessed May 26, 2010).
- WebMD.com, The ABCs of Premature Graying (accessed May 26, 2010).
Aimee Larsen Stoddard - Aimee is a professional writer/editor. She has a BA in English and is currently completing an MS in Theology.
