Child showing signs of grey hair? Here’s how you can help

Spot a strand of grey hair amid your child’s lush locks? It could be indicative of an unmet nutritional need or a genetic gift.

“The most common cause of premature greying in children is due to genetic factors; it can run in families,” says Dr Santhosh George, Specialist Paediatrics and Neonatology at UAE-based Aster Hospital.

“There are studies that show that genetic factors significantly decide if your hair will turn grey and at what age,” adds Dr Merin Paul Pittappillil, Specialist – Dermatology at Bareen International Hospital. “Additionally, lifestyle factors such as emotional stress and chronic conditions can result in early greying of hair in persons with a genetic predisposition.”

Another reason could be a dip in melanin production. “Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for the colour of the skin and hair. So when there isn’t sufficient production of melanin it could result in premature greying of the hair,” he adds.

Other reasons for premature greying may include:

Surprisingly, the answer is yes. “Many studies have shown that stress levels in children have been increasing over the past decades and so is the incidence of premature greying. Emotional stress can lead to oxidative stress in hair follicles which can lead to greying,” says Dr Pittappillil.

“The use of synthetic soaps and shampoos could be a probable reason for premature greying,” says Dr George. “Using adult shampoos and soaps on a child’s hair makes it rough and frizzy. So for children, we should ideally use baby soaps and shampoos, which contain minerals and vitamins in them. One can also opt for herbal shampoos to wash the child’s hair.”

Shahid Gauhar, Specialist Paediatric and Neonatologist with Prime Hospital, explains that there are six harmful chemicals one should look for and avoid when it comes to hair products.

“No medication or treatment could reverse greying of hair in children. The only way to prevent it is by eating nutritious foods. In most cases, premature greying in children is due to improper nutrition. This could be handled by giving the child nutritious food or supplements,” says Dr George.

“However, if the cause is due to other medical reasons a paediatrician or dermatologist should be consulted,” he adds.

Gauhar adds that the following foods could help kids with grey hair.

“Medication can help in reducing stress. Molecular therapy to provide melanin to hair follicle and gene therapy to restore hair colour are still in the research phase,” adds Dr Pittappillil.

“Hot water destroys melanocytes which produce melanin in the body. Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to the skin and hair. So it is advised not to wash hair using excessively hot water,” adds Dr George.

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