Young and ‘grey-haired’
GGone are the days when one would use the phrase ‘old and grey’, given the growing condition of ‘premature greying’ among kids and young adults. So what does the silver streak among kids have to say? Is it an alarm? Is it a symptom of nutritional imbalance? Is stress going to their heads? Dr Jeet Gore, a renowned trichologist has the answers.
1. Do you see a higher frequency of ‘greying ‘among kids today? What is the age group? And the gender ratio?
The frequency of premature greying has increased more than 4 times since last 10 years. The age group starts from 8 years to 18 years. The gender ratio is boys/ girls – 40/60
2. Could ‘premature greying’ among kids cause ‘social adjustment’/ ‘self-esteem’ issues?
Premature greying can cause serious social stigma. It affects one’s confidence and self- esteem. It is considered a sign of aging.
3. What could be the causes of ‘greying’ among kids?
Primary causes are Stress, Genetics inheritance, Nutritional deficiency like vit. b12, vit. b5, thyroid, and life style and environmental reasons.
4. Are there any other ‘hair issues’ in addition to greying among kids?
Other common hair concerns are premature hair shedding and scalp concerns like seborrheic dermatitis, scalp Folliculitis specifically among teenagers.
5. Is mental health a key cause?
Mental health plays a very important role in hair greying. Stress affects the cells which regenerate the hair pigment (melanin).
6. Could it be genetic?
Some people inherit hair follicles that lose melanin prematurely and this is one of the most common causes of premature greying.
7. What ‘preventive’ and ‘curative’ advice can you offer?
Healthy diet and a stress-free life are key to prevent and delay premature greying. One can add hair vitamins rich with vit. b7 and vit. b5 and zinc. Avoid washing hair with hot water.
Dr Jeet Gore BHMS PGDEMS SR CONSULTANT TRICHOLOGIST TRICA, Jean Claude Biguine Email: jgore@biguineindia.com
