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Board-certified dermatologistLoretta Ciraldo, MDsays the process of going gray looks different for everyone.
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If they saw silver strands early, you probably will, too.
You’re considered achingly cool if you’re gray, silver, or white on top.
Meet the experts:
In this Story:
What Exactly Is White Hair?
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First, a quick science lesson.
With premature graying, the number of melanocytes in the follicle decreases as the hair continues to grow.
Why Does Hair Turn White?
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Ah, the million dollar question: Why does hair turn gray or white?
Even the bestgray hair guidecan’t give you a black-and-white answer.
“This causes oxidative stress that destroys the pigment from the inside out,” he adds.
The bad news is that our lifestyle and environment can also contribute to this oxidative stress.
What Is the Average Age to See Gray or White Hair?
Although there’s no such thing as a white hair rubric, it usually follows the 50/50 rule.
“But most people already start seeing a few gray strands in their early 30s.”
So, Why Is My Hair White at 20?
As mentioned, you may have inherited your parents' predisposition of gray early.
“Your predilection for graying is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene,” says Dr. Ciraldo.
The IRF4 gene is one known marker for graying.
Dr. Zeichner also notes that the texture of gray hair is usually coarser.
Some genetic conditions may be associated with premature graying.
A popular theory is that without healthy red blood cells, less oxygen is carried to your hair cells.
“Vitiligo is shown to be associated with pernicious anemia,” Dr. Eldik explains.
Yes, smoking cigarettes can impact your hair follicles dramatically.
“When these accumulate in the hair they target the pigment-producing cells and destroy hair color.”
Can You Stop Premature Graying?
The answer is a hard “no” if the cause of your white hair is genetic.
Quitting smoking will definitely help, as can shielding your hair from UV rays.
Technically, the jury’s still out on whether stocking up on antioxidants makes a difference to white hair.
Some, like Dr. Eldik, are skeptical.
“In trials, they’ve not shown to be promising for restoring hair pigment,” he tellsAllure.
Can White Hair Turn Black Again?
No, it’s possible for you to’t reverse graying.
How to Color White Hair
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with prematurely white hair.
With this in mind, Anderson recommends transitioning over time to allow the gray strands to take shape.
For added depth on hair that is more or less 80 percent white, Papanikolas prefers leaning on lowlights.
“Think of it as adding more pepper than salt,” he notes.
“So keeping your hair hydrated with a weekly hair mask is especially important,” he adds.
As is using a color-correcting,violet-based shampooand conditioner to neutralize unwanted yellow tones.
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Now, watch Joey King’s 10-minute beauty routine:
