Premature graying of hair in children

This article is reviewed by Dr. Cao Thi Thanh, Specialist Level II in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Premature graying of hair primarily occurs due to genetic factors. However, in modern life, psychological causes and dietary habits in children cannot be ruled out. Parents should work closely with doctors to achieve effective treatment outcomes.

1. Definition of premature graying of hair in children

Premature graying of hair is defined as the appearance of white strands of hair on the head, interspersed with black strands, occurring before the age of 20 in Caucasians, before the age of 25 in Asians, and before the age of 30 in Africans.

2. Causes of premature graying of hair in children

• Genetics: Children born into families where either parent has experienced premature graying of hair are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Dominant gene mutations on autosomal chromosomes can cause disorders such as vitiligo and tuberous sclerosis, which contribute to premature graying.
• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like diabetes, hyper/hypoadrenalism, elevated liver enzymes, and high cholesterol levels increase the risk of premature graying. For instance, thyroid dysfunction disrupts hormone production, impacting melanin synthesis in hair follicles and leading to early graying.
• Mental Well-being: Stress from excessive studying, gaming, staying up late, psychological trauma, or insomnia increases the likelihood of premature graying.
• Unhealthy Diet: A diet rich in fats and fast food can elevate cholesterol levels, weaken hair roots, and disrupt hair development, leading to early graying. A deficiency in vitamins and trace elements like iron, copper, and zinc also increases this risk.
• Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: Passive smoking is another contributing factor to premature graying in children. Chemicals in tobacco include cell-oxidizing agents that reduce melanin production, causing hair to gray early.
• Shampoos and Soaps: Certain shampoos and soaps containing harmful chemicals can damage hair, making it dry, brittle, and lighter in color. It is recommended to choose mild shampoos with natural herbal extracts and added nutrients to care for children’s hair.

3. How to improve premature graying of hair in children?

Completely curing premature graying of hair is very challenging. Instead, doctors recommend nutritional supplementation to reduce the amount of gray hair on the head. Some essential nutrients to include are:

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A promotes a healthy scalp and shiny hair. This vitamin is abundant in green vegetables and yellow-colored fruits.
• Vitamin B: Vitamin B regulates oil secretion, helping hair stay healthy and soft. Foods rich in Vitamin B include yogurt, green vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, cereals, bananas, and liver.
• Minerals: Minerals such as iron, zinc, and copper help strengthen hair and prevent aging. Zinc is found in chicken, red meat, and green vegetables. Iron is abundant in eggs, red meat, dried apricots, wheat, parsley, beef, and sunflower seeds. Copper is found in whole grains, seafood, and egg yolks.
• Protein: Protein enhances hair shine and improves hair texture. Increase protein intake by adding cereals, soybeans, and meat to the child’s diet.

If the child is at risk for metabolic disorders, it is advisable to conduct a full-body health check, including assessments of endocrine function, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. Also, examine for signs of vitiligo or tuberous sclerosis.

Build a scientific diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, especially dark green leafy vegetables, cabbage, pears, apricots, and raspberries. Avoid placing excessive academic pressure on the child regarding studies and exams.

4. Premature graying - A warning sign not to be overlooked

In many cases, premature graying is not merely a condition of gray hair but a warning sign of more serious underlying health issues.. Specifically, gray hair in children may indicate cartilage sclerosis and vitiligo, both of which cause the loss of hair pigmentation.

Additionally, premature graying in children can be an early warning of seizures, tumors, thyroid disorders, and other endocrine imbalances. Therefore, parents should take their children for early screening tests to detect the risks of these medical conditions.

5. Safe hair care methods for children

5.1.  Coconut oil and curry leaves mixture

• Ingredients: A handful of curry leaves and 100ml of coconut oil.
• Procedure: Pour the coconut oil into a pot and heat it on low. Add the curry leaves to the hot oil. Once the mixture cools down, transfer it to a bottle. Apply the oil to the child’s hair daily and gently massage for 10–15 minutes, then wrap the hair. Use this treatment for three months to achieve the best results.

5.2 Coconut oil and dried ridge gourd mixture

• Ingredients: Half a cup of dried ridge gourd and one cup of coconut oil.
• Procedure: Cut the ridge gourd into small pieces and air-dry them in a shaded area. Soak the dried pieces in coconut oil for 3–4 days. Heat the mixture on low until the oil turns black. Strain out the ridge gourd and store the oil in a glass bottle for future use. Massage this oil into the child’s scalp twice a week.

5.3 Sesame oil and carrot mixture

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds, 1 cup of sesame oil, 1 cup of carrot juice.
• Procedure: Mix fenugreek seeds, sesame oil, and carrot juice together and store in a container. Leave it under sunlight for 21-25 days. After that, apply the mixture to the child’s scalp and massage gently for 3 months to achieve results.

5.4 Lemon juice and almond oil

• Ingredients: 1 cup of almond oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
• Procedure: Mix the almond oil with the lemon juice, then gently massage it onto the child’s scalp. Leave it overnight and wash with shampoo the next morning.

5.5 Black tea

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of black tea leaves, 1 cup of water.
• Procedure: Boil the tea leaves in hot water and strain to remove the leaves. Apply the black tea water to the scalp and leave it on for 1 hour. Rinse with cold water without using shampoo.

 5.6. Crushed guava leaves

• Ingredients: A handful of guava leaves.
• Procedure: Crush the guava leaves finely. Apply the crushed leaves to the child’s scalp. Leave it on for half an hour and rinse with cold water. Use this method 2 times a week.

Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital offers health checkup packages for your child. In these health checkup packages, your child will undergo a comprehensive examination, including eye and dental checks, blood pressure, weight, and necessary examinations, along with imaging diagnostics and evaluations of basic liver and kidney functions, blood sugar levels, nutritional status, and hepatitis B. The checkup package helps you assess your child’s overall health and screen for symptoms to detect and treat any issues early if needed.
 

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.