What are the causes of white hair?

Generally, the causes of premature graying include aging, excessive mental stress, malnutrition, vitiligo, and albinism. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Aging: As people age, the body's ability to produce and secrete melanin gradually declines, causing hair color to fade. This often appears first on the top of the head and around the temples. This is a normal physiological change and usually does not require excessive concern.

2. Excessive Mental Stress: Prolonged periods of high mental stress may disrupt the body's endocrine system, increase the production of free radicals, accelerate cellular aging—including aging of hair follicle cells—and inhibit melanin production in hair follicles, potentially leading to premature graying.

3. Malnutrition: Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc may affect normal hair growth and melanin synthesis, contributing to hair turning gray. It is advisable to regularly consume nutrient-rich foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and milk.

4. Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, resulting in loss of pigment in the skin and hair. When vitiligo affects hair follicles, it can cause hair to turn white. Treatment may include medications such as methoxsalen tablets, Qubai Babuqi tablets, or Bailing tablets, as recommended by a physician.

5. Albinism: Hair whitening may be one of the manifestations of albinism. Albinism is a genetic disorder that causes partial or complete loss of pigmentation in the skin and hair throughout the body. Patients may take medications such as transfer factor capsules, thymopeptide enteric-coated tablets, or methylprednisolone tablets under medical guidance.

In daily life, regular scalp massage may help promote blood circulation in the scalp, supporting healthy hair and melanin production.