Premature Hair Graying: Underlying Contributors And Management Approaches - An Updated Literature Review

Premature hair graying (PHG) is a multifactorial condition characterized by the early appearance of gray hair, typically before age 20 in Europeans and before age 30 in individuals of African descent. This literature review identifies several potential contributors to PHG, including nutrient deficiencies (such as cobalamin, copper, and zinc), high oxidative stress, prolonged emotional stress, smoking, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Despite these findings, no effective treatment has been established to reverse PHG, underscoring the necessity for further research in this area.