What Are the Causes of Premature Graying & Hair Loss?

Premature graying of the hair and premature hair loss are, of course, two completely separate beasts. You are apt to see a 30-year-old man with a full head of gray or white hair, or a man of the same age that his nearly or totally bald.

Genetics

• Premature graying is mostly due to genetics. If your parents turned gray or white early on, that will probably be your inclination, too. When hair loses its pigmentation (color), that's when it becomes colorless (or transparent), even though we refer to it as gray or white hair.

Melanin

• The hair follicles contain cells called melanocytes that produce pigment, the primary pigment being melanin. If you have a lot of melanin, your hair will be dark. The less melanin, the lighter your hair, according to Disabled-world.com. When the melanocytes no longer produce melanin--generally due to age, but not always--the hair becomes transparent.

Hair Loss

• Premature hair loss can also be blamed on genetics. Keep in mind that it is a myth that you inherit your balding tendencies from your mother's side of the family. Your dad's genes can be equally responsible. Look at your family members, and note the condition of their hair. If most of them are going gray or losing their hair early on, chances are that this will be your fate as well.

Factors

• Hair loss can be caused by other factors, including diseases such as lupus, diabetes or alopecia, which is an autoimmune disease. Certain medications, such as anti-seizure medicine, birth control, anti-depressants, goat medicine and anti-coagulants, to name a few, may cause your hair to fall out.

Vitamins

• Hair loss is also attributed to vitamin deficiencies. If you aren't eating right and don't take a multivitamin, there is a chance that your hair may begin thinning and shedding earlier than normal. Take Vitamin B (including biotin, B5, B6 and B12) and Vitamins E, C and A, and make sure you are not anemic (iron deficient). Get ample amounts of protein in your diet, as well as zinc and magnesium.

Lifestyle

• Lifestyle can have an impact on the condition of your hair. It is believed that smokers turn gray earlier than their nonsmoking counterparts. Smoke is harmful to the hair's health, in general. If you live in an area that is highly polluted, this may cause your hair to fall out.