‘People called me old for having grey hair in my 20s’

The salt and pepper look trend sounded cool but it also might have been a desperate attempt to normalise people having grey strands at an early age Many might believe that grey hair earlier considered a sign of ageing has evolved into a style statement but that might not be true for some Sakshi Mathur a 27yearold woman residing in Haryana noticed a few grey hair two years ago ldquoI donrsquot like it I always hide my grey strands by trying out different ways to tie my hair My grey hair makes me selfconscious and awkward in front of peoplerdquoSakshi says she loved her hair and often experimented with different hairstyles Now however the sole reason she tries out hairstyles is to stop her grey hair from being visibleldquoOver the past few months my grey hair has become more prominent It bothers me I have tried various home remedies like henna amla and methi paste but nothing has worked for merdquo says Sakshi She adds ldquoThis has severely affected my confidence and selfesteemrdquoTanya Bhatia voices similar concerns ldquoI have been mocked and called old by my friends and colleagues at work for having grey hairrdquo says a 26yearold Tanya ldquoI started developing grey hair at the age of 21 The first time I spotted a grey strand it started worrying merdquo says Bhatia She speaks of feeling embarrassed every time her friends or colleagues mocked her ldquoIt still bothers me I resort to colouring my hair to hide grey hairrdquoBhatia consulted a doctor who assured her that the greying was purely due to hormonal imbalance and prescribed a shampoo and hair conditioner ldquoI couldnrsquot get myself to use these prescribed products as I fear it will exacerbate the condition morerdquo Both Sakshi and Tanya say that it is high time society begins to normalise having grey hair at an early age ldquoBody positivity is crucial for everyonersquos mental wellbeing and judgement based on looks can have a negative impact We all need to understand that the use of chemicalfilled products evolved lifestyles stress and many other factors are causing early greying of hairrdquo says Sakshi According to Tanya too ldquoNormalising and embracing grey hair in the young promotes selfacceptance and reduces the stigma associated with ageing It encourages a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of beautyrdquoLike Sakshi and Tanya many young women and men are subjected to judgements from society This negatively impacts their mental health and results in issues of low selfesteem as wellConsidering the impact grey hair can have on onersquos mental health we roped in health experts who assert that this biological change is normal and suggest ways how to embrace this bodily changeldquoSocietal standards of beauty may contribute to negative selfperceptions leading to feeling of ageing and potential loss of attractivenessrdquo says Dr Sonal Anand psychiatrist Wockhardt HospitalsAnand states that how one perceives themselves plays a crucial role Some may embrace grey hair as a natural part of their life while others may experience anxiety depression or a decline in selfesteem due to perceived changes in appearanceIn times when young adults question their looks Anand says support and reaffirmations from friends and family can go a long wayAlso Read 50 shades of grey hair Check out homebased remedies to reverse premature greyingExperts say greying of hair is naturalWe often fail to realise that just 10 years ago the life we lived was different from what we live now Many external factors cause massive changes in our health as well as lifestyle Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar consultant dermatologist at Dr Trasi Clinic and La Piel Skin Clinic says ldquoWe cant control the way our bodies change As we age we do develop grey hair Ageing is natural and so is grey hair Besides with increasing stress bad lifestyle and bad air quality index the body ages earlier leading to premature skin and hair problemsrdquoNerurkar explains that the death of cells producing melanin pigment leads to greying of hair This leaves fewer cells to produce colour and spread it to the hair strand eventually causing the hair to have no colour at allldquoThere are many variables that affect hair colour therefore early greying is not always a bad thing Moreover accepting oneself as you are challenges unrealistic beauty standards and fosters a positive body imagerdquo comments Dr Asmita Dhekne Chebbi Venereology and Leprosy dermatologist cosmetologist Apollo Spectra HospitalsBiological factors causing grey hair1 GeneticsAn important factor is family history You may be genetically prone if your parents or grandparents suffered premature greying2 Hormonal changesPremature greying can be brought on by hormonal imbalances especially during adolescence and pregnancy3 Nutritional deficienciesPremature greying may result from inadequate consumption of vital vitamins such as B12 iron and copperExternal factors causing grey hair1 SmokingBy harming hair follicles the noxious compounds in cigarette smoke can hasten the greying process2 StressProlonged stress causes hormone imbalances which accelerate the onset of grey hair3 Chemical hair productsGreying may result from the overuse of strong chemicals in styling products and hair dyes4 Bad haircare habitsGreying can be accelerated by bad hair habits including overusing heat style tools and not moisturising your hair5 Environmental pollutionThe colour of hair can be affected by oxidative stress caused by exposure to UV rays and airborne contaminantsA diet lacking essential nutrients such as B vitamins iron and antioxidants can also contribute to premature greying Excessive consumption of processed foods and sugars can also exacerbate greying of hairTo prevent or delay the greying of hair both Nerurkar and Chebbi urge young adults to add foods containing vitamin B leafy vegetables nuts iron lean meat legumes and antioxidants berries green tea to their daily diet Omega3 fatty acids found in fish also promote hair healthReversing grey hair is not possibleChebbie clarifies ldquoGrey hair cant be completely cured although some treatments can slow down its progression Natural hair masks and oil massages are examples of athome therapies that might nourish hair but are unlikely to stop greyingrdquoNevertheless Nerurkar states ldquoThere have been some revolutionary treatment updates for premature greying of hair which include Greyverse MSH biomimetic peptide Darkenyl antioxidant or camouflage techniquesrdquoFor most individuals oral supplements may be prescribed to slow the growth of grey hair These treatments often focus on nourishing the hair follicles and correcting the underlying deficienciesldquoHoweverrdquo Nerukar says ldquoall these treatments take a long time to show any effect Till then patients often lose hope get frustrated and give up on them With some patience one can achieve great results Hence generally when a dermatologist starts with treatments it is advised to use it regularly for at least a year or so to see desirable resultsrdquoFor individualised treatment recommendations speaking with a dermatologist is advisedTips to embrace your grey hairOne must have a positive attitude to be able to embrace their grey hair affirms Psychiatrist AnandHere are some tips that can help1 Positive affirmations Reinforce positive selftalk to challenge negative thoughts about ageing and appearance2 Selfreflection Understand that grey hair is a natural part of life symbolising wisdom and experience3 Support networks Connect with others experiencing similar feelings for mutual understanding and encouragement4 Assertiveness If anyone points out your grey hair politely express your comfort with your appearance and the natural process of ageing5 Educate Share positive perspectives on grey hair with those who comment on your hair emphasising it is natural6 Set boundaries Establish personal boundaries regarding discussions with others about your overall appearanceIn conclusion embracing grey hair among young adults requires a change in social attitudes and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted causes By demystifying and encouraging selfacceptance we can create a more complete story about premature greying promoting a positive and confident outlook for those who experience this natural phenomenon