Premature Graying Or White Hair In Kids: Causes And Prevention

Several genetic, environmental, and health factors could cause gray hair in kids.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anuradha Bansal, MD Dr. Anuradha Bansal Dr. Anuradha BansalMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pediatrics and NeonatologyExperience: 13 years
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A Boy With Premature Gray

Image: ShutterStock

Noticing white or gray hair in children might cause concern in parents. The graying of hair in older adults is a natural process. But premature graying of hair in children is not.

Premature graying refers to the occurrence of gray or white hair in children before the age of 20. Although the reason might be genetic in some children, it might also be associated with a health condition such as vitiligoiAn autoimmune condition that results in white patches or loss of skin color or neurofibromatosisiA rare genetic disorder that typically causes benign tumors in the skin and the nervous system . Thus, it is essential to get your child checked by a doctor if you start to notice the graying of their hair.

Read on to know more about the causes and treatment options available to help with this condition.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Your hair gets its color from melanin pigment. Signs of gray or white hair arise due to a reduction in the melanin quantity.
  • There are many factors responsible for premature graying of hair, including genetics, nutritional deficiency, underlying medical conditions, synthetic hair products, stress, pollution, and exposure to UV rays.
  • One can prevent further graying of hair by consuming a nutritious diet, protecting hair from harmful UV rays, and maintaining a healthy sleep pattern.
  • Premature graying of hair due to genetics cannot be treated.
  • White hair cannot turn black naturally. One can only prevent further graying of hair.
  • Massaging the scalp, consuming a nutritious diet, treating underlying medical conditions, and using antioxidants can help prevent further graying of hair.

Possible Causes Of White Or Gray Hair In Children

Hair color comes from melanin pigment. Hair begins to gray or turn white due to a reduction in the melanin quantity. It usually happens with aging, but some other reasons may cause hair to turn white in children.

  1. Genetics: It is one of the many factors responsible for premature graying of hair. According to a study, hair graying is inheritable, but the underlying mechanisms are elusive (1). If the parents or grandparents experienced early graying, there is a likelihood that children may also inherit this condition. Certain studies have shown that the IRF4 gene, which is linked to hair pigmentation, can also influence premature graying by 30 percent (21).
Genetics can cause white hair or gray hair in children

Image: IStock

  1. Nutritional deficiency: The lack of vitamin B12 may lead to the graying of hair. A research study on the young Indian population associated premature hair graying to the deficiency of calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3 (2).

protip_icon Did you know?
Research has found that vitamin B12 deficiency is concurrent with vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency in individuals with premature hair graying (16).

  1. Medical conditions: Genetic and autoimmune conditions such as Werner’s syndromeiA rare genetic disorder indicated by the symptoms associated with aging , vitiligo in children, and thyroid disease are associated with premature hypopigmentation of hair (3).
  1. Synthetic hair products: Using shampoos, dyes, and lotions that have chemicals in them may also result in premature graying of hair at an early stage (4).
Synthetic hair products can cause white hair or gray hair in children

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Exposure to smoke: While there are no scientific studies directly linking smoke exposure to gray and white hair in young children, research has shown that tobacco smoke causes nicotine build up in hair follicles and the hair shaft, leading to premature graying in adults. Hence, it is crucial to prevent children from smoke exposure to avoid these negative effects (5).
  1. Anemia: Iron deficiency may cause anemia, affecting melanogenesis and hair color. This condition can make children feel fatigued and cause their hair to turn white. Pernicious anemia can also result in premature graying of hair in children (6).
  1. Poliosis: Poliosis is characterized by the absence of melanin in hair, leading to hair graying due to a reduction in melanin. While poliosis can occur at any age, it often appears in childhood due to certain acquired and genetic conditions. Poliosis usually shows up as white hair in specific parts of the scalp. Children with poliosis may have lighter hair color, known as pigment dilution, or develop gray hair (7).
  1. Other factors: Some external factors such as stress, exposure to pollution and UV rays may also be responsible for gray and white hair at a young age. These external factors could cause oxidative stress leading to premature graying of hair (8).

protip_icon Research finds
An NIH-funded study found that “stress can cause premature hair graying by affecting the stem cells responsible for regenerating hair pigment (17).”

There is no single reason for the development of white hair in children. It may be a result of one factor or a combination of several factors. Spotting a white hair on your child can prompt you to look for a remedy.

Can Premature Graying Or White Hair Be Treated In Children?

There is no specific treatment for premature graying. Certain causes of white hair like faulty genes or autoimmune disorders may not have a cure. You may discuss with a pediatrician about the best course of treatment that could work for your child.

However, some measures may help control further graying of hair. For instance, having a nutritious diet and taking nutritional supplements (as prescribed by the doctor) may help the child in reducing white or gray hair.

Protection from harsh sun rays and a healthy sleep pattern may also help with graying and facilitate proper hair care.

Can White Hair Be Prevented?

If premature graying of hair is due to genetics, then it cannot be prevented. However, if it is due to a medical condition or due to diet or lifestyle changes, then you may be able to prevent white hair or worsening of it.

protip_icon Did you know?
Research studies show that the IRF4 gene is associated with premature hair graying, and its effect on graying was found to be 30% (18).

Tips To Prevent Premature Graying Of Hair

These measures may help children and people of a young age to prevent white or gray hair.

  1. According to a study, massaging with coconut oil improves blood circulation, restores hair color, and prevents graying (9).
Applying coconut oil on hair may prevent premature graying

Image: IStock

  1. Adding foods rich in vitamin B12 and calcium supply nutrition to hair follicles and may prevent further graying of hair.
  1. Treating the underlying diseases or medical conditions may stop the graying of hair.
  1. The use of antioxidantsiCompounds that inhibit the oxidation process and protect the cells from damage  may help in the prevention of premature graying of hair. Some foods rich in antioxidants include berries, pomegranate, tomatoes, and pecans (10).
  1. According to the International Journal of PharmTech Research, Murraya koenigii or curry leaves can help in the prevention of premature graying of hair (11).
  1. A research study has found that Indian gooseberry prevents graying hair and also maintains the color (12)
Indian gooseberry may prevent graying

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Bhringraj or false daisy was used in traditional therapies for the premature graying of hair (10).
  2. UV rays can damage hair follicles, causing gray or white hair. Almond oil, with its Vitamin E and fatty acids containing double bonds, helps protect against UV radiation (8) (14).

protip_icon Quick tip
Feed children copper-rich foods such as asparagus and almonds, as studies show that lower serum copper levels may cause premature graying (19).

The preventive methods may or may not work for all children. Moreover, some children may be sensitive to natural or herbal remedies. Speak to your child’s doctor before trying any treatment for premature graying of hair in children.

Is It Okay To Pluck White Or Gray Hair?

Here’s a myth – Plucking one gray hair will give rise to several new gray hair.

Dr. Shashank Kraleti, UAMS family and preventive medicine physician, debunks it by saying, “Plucking strands of hair may traumatize the follicle and may even cause scar formation or infection. If you want to get rid of gray hair, you need to cut it off carefully (11).”

Can White Hair Turn Black Again Permanently?

White hair cannot turn black naturally. However, lifestyle changes and a balanced diet may help further whitening or graying of hair.

Can Children Dye Their Hair?

Dyeing is usually not recommended for school children

Image: IStock

It depends on the age of your child and the cause behind the premature graying of hair. Dyeing is usually not recommended for school-going children because the dyes are often laden with chemicals that may be more harmful to children than adults. If white hair is causing distress to the child, and they insist on dyeing, then consult a doctor, who might suggest products that are safe for the child. Prioritize your child’s health and well-being over aesthetics, and ensure that any decision made is in their best interest.

How To Help A Child Cope With White Or Gray Hair?

Helping a child cope with white or gray hair involves understanding their feelings and providing supportive guidance. Here are some steps to assist them:

  • You can explain to them how anyone, regardless of age, can develop white or gray hair. Normalize their experience by letting them know it’s okay and natural.
  • Encourage them to accept their own unique hair color. Emphasize the positive aspects and reassure them that their worth is not determined by the color of their hair.
  • Educate them about hair pigmentation and the factors that affect changes in hair color. Understanding these aspects can help dispel fears and misunderstandings.
  • Provide a secure environment where they can share any worries or uncertainties. Listen attentively and with empathy to grasp their point of view.
  • Observe the child’s mood and inquire about their experiences to detect possible signs of bullying.
  • If the child experiences bullying, they should be encouraged to seek support from trusted adults or safer peer groups.
  • Consulting a counselor or therapist can assist the child in developing confidence and effective coping strategies.
  • If necessary, seek advice from a dermatologist or pediatrician for additional support and to assess any potential medical issues.

White or gray hair in children could result from various genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Although most underlying causes may not be preventable, this condition is seldom a cause for concern and usually doesn’t harm a child’s overall health. However, if you are concerned about premature graying of hair in your child, speak to a doctor to comprehend the reasons and possible remedies or treatments. Also, ensure that you offer ample emotional support to your child to avoid the unfavorable effects of this condition on their mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does premature graying in children differ from that in adults?

Premature graying in children differs from that in adults because of its causes and psychological effects. Children may experience premature graying due to genetics, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or environmental factors. Unlike adults, where aging plays a major role, premature graying in children can occur abruptly and unexpectedly (9).

2. Are there hereditary factors that may increase the possibility of a child having white or gray hair?

The primary risk factor of premature gray hair is considered to be genetic (2). Studies have found one gene, IRF4, to be associated with hair graying. The gene is responsible for synthesizing the pigment melanin (20).

3. Are there any psychological effects of white or gray hair in children?

Premature gray hair in children may adversely affect their self-esteem (8).

4. Are there any long-term risks associated with white or gray hair in children?

Premature graying of hair may be associated with long-term underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and nutritional deficiencies (vitamins B12 and D deficiency). It may also be linked to aging disorders (progeria and pangeria), atopic diathesis (asthma, allergic and atopic dermatitis), and autoimmune diseases (8).

5. Can sun exposure influence the appearance of white or gray hair in children?

UV radiation from the sun is known to cause oxidative damage to hair follicles, which can contribute to premature graying of hair in adults. While there’s little research on how sun exposure affects children’s hair color, protecting them from too much sun might help delay or lessen this effect (8).

6. Can hormonal imbalances cause white or gray hair in children?

Hormonal imbalances can lead to white or gray hair in children. Melanin production, crucial for hair color, is influenced by hormones. Hormonal disruptions, including those associated with thyroid disorders, can impact melanin synthesis. Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 directly affect hair follicles to stimulate melanogenesis. Reduced levels of these hormones have been linked to premature graying of hair (8) (9).

7. At what age can someone start getting white hair?

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yoram Harth from the San Francisco Bay Area explains, “The youngest age to get white hair can vary, but it can occur in childhood or early adolescence. Cases of children as young as ten developing white hair have been reported, often due to genetic predisposition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions.”

8. What should I do if my child is bullied for their gray hair?

It is vital to address the situation promptly. Speak with teachers or school counselors to ensure a supportive environment, and encourage your child to reach out to trusted adults.

Infographic: Which Micronutrient Deficiencies Can Cause Premature Graying Of Hair?

Hair health depends on the nutritional status of the child. Although heredity may influence premature hair graying, it is unlikely to happen in children. Go through the infographic to learn common micronutrient deficiencies leading to premature graying of the hair in children.

micronutrient deficiencies that can cause premature hair graying (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Premature Graying Or White Hair In Kids: Causes & Prevention

White hair or gray hair in children_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

It is not a common occurrence for kids to have white hair and if your child is one of the few you may wonder why this is happening. Check out this informative video exploring the potential causes of this phenomenon and also providing helpful advice.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Y. Bian et al; (2019); Global downregulation of pigmentation-associated genes in human premature hair graying.
    https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0110/de90a7deb142ca9ea1e8daf48f12814e6c96.pdf
  2. S. Chakrabarty et al; (2016); Factors Associated with Premature Hair Graying in a Young Indian Population.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4830165/
  3. C. Black; (2015); Familial aggregation of phenotypic expression of premature hair hypopigmentation in the craniofacial region.
    https://dentistry3000.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/dentistry3000/article/view/31
  4. O. G. Bhusnure et al; (2015); Holistic Approaches to Maintain Healthy Hairs of Human Being.
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Holistic-Approaches-to-Maintain-Healthy-Hairs-of-Bhusnure-Halke/d1cc75b825009e274bb43b1e1e029a839ff11c4c?p2df
  5. Babadjouni, Arash et al; (2021); The Effects of Smoking on Hair Health: A Systematic Review.
    https://karger.com/sad/article-pdf/7/4/251/3531060/000512865.pdf
  6. Mahajan, None Suresh et al; (2020); Review on Premature White and Grey Hair in Children.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350657932_Review_on_premature_white_and_grey_hair_in_children
  7. Rangu, Sneha A., and Vikash S. Oza; (2023); Poliosis, Hair Pigment Dilution, and Premature Graying of the Hair: A Diagnostic Approach in Pediatric Patients and Review of the Literature.
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pde.15498#:~:text=Poliosis%20is%20defined%20as%20the,evaluation%20from%20a%20pediatric%20dermatologist
  8. A. B. Kumar et al; (2018); Premature Graying of Hair: Review with Updates.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6290285/
  9. R. Mahajan et al; (2018); Premature Graying of Hair and Role of Oiling in Indian Perspective.
    https://ijcrims.com/pdfcopy/feb2018/ijcrims15.pdf
  10. Antioxidants: The Secret Protector Of Your Hair.
    https://akclinics.com/blog/benefits-of-anti-oxidants-for-hair/
  11. M. Nishan and P. Subramanian; (2014-2015); Murraya koenigii (curry leave) – A review on its potential.
    https://www.sphinxsai.com/2015/ph_vol7_no4/1/(566-572)V7N4.pdf
  12. H. S. Grover et al; (2015); Therapeutic effects of amla in medicine and dentistry: A review.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287972436_Therapeutic_effects_of_amla_in_medicine_and_dentistry_A_review#:~:text=Amla%20is%20useful%20in%20ulcer
  13. R. Jahan et al; (2014); Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897414/
  14. Arghya, Arpita, and Venkataram Mysore; (2022); Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/
  15. Does Pulling One Gray Hair Cause More to Grow in its Place?
    https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/does-pulling-one-gray-hair-cause-more-to-grow-in-its-place/#:~:text=those%20gray%20hairs%3F-
  16. Deepashree Daulatabad et al; (2017); Prospective Analytical Controlled Study Evaluating Serum Biotin, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid in Patients with Premature Canities.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514791/
  17. How Stress Causes Gray Hair.
    https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-gray-hair
  18. Burçin Aktaş and Oytun Erbaş; (2021); Interferon Regulatory Factors 4 (IRF4) Gene and Hair Graying.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355039063_Interferon_Regulatory_Factors_4_IRF4_Gene_and_Hair_Graying
  19. Farahnaz Fatemi Naieni et al; (2012); Serum iron, zinc, and copper concentration in premature graying of hair; NCBI
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21979243/
  20. Ewelina Pośpiech et al; (2020); Exploring the possibility of predicting human head hair greying from DNA using whole-exome and targeted NGS data.
    https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-020-06926-y
  21. Burçin Aktaş and Oytun Erbaş; (2021); Interferon Regulatory Factors 4 (IRF4) Gene and Hair Graying.
    https://jebms.org/full-text/51#:~:text=Although%20all%20the%20factors%20affecting,was%2030%25%2C%20was%20determined

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Dr. Anuradha Bansal
Dr. Anuradha BansalMD
Dr. Anuradha Bansal is a highly accomplished pediatrician and neonatologist with 13 years of professional experience. Presently, she is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at PIMS Jalandhar. She has done her MBBS and MD Pediatrics at GMCH, Chandigarh.

Read full bio of Dr. Anuradha Bansal
  • Dr. Yoram Harth
    Dr. Yoram HarthMD Dr. Yoram Harth is a board-certified dermatologist and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). He is a former research fellow at the Department of Dermatology Columbia Presbyterian in New York, author of several scientific publications, and winner of the Wall Street Journal Europe award for innovations in Aesthetic and Medical Dermatology.
    Dr. Yoram Harth is a board-certified dermatologist and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). He is a former research fellow at the Department of Dermatology Columbia Presbyterian in New York, author of several scientific publications, and winner of the Wall Street Journal Europe award for innovations in Aesthetic and Medical Dermatology.
Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Anindita Ghatak
Anindita GhatakB.Tech
Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

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