What causes white hair and beard?
Apr 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, graying of hair and beard may be caused by factors such as aging, genetics, albinism, vitiligo, or pernicious anemia. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain a positive mindset and avoid significant emotional fluctuations, maintain a balanced diet without picky eating habits, and avoid frequent hair perming or dyeing to reduce damage to hair follicles.
Generally speaking, white hair and beard may be caused by aging, heredity, albinism, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Aging
With increasing age, the melanocytes in hair follicles gradually lose functionality, resulting in reduced melanin production. This insufficient supply of melanin to the hair leads to a decrease in melanin content in hair and beard, causing them to turn white. This is a normal physiological process. In daily life, consuming foods rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, copper, and zinc (e.g., whole grains and nuts) may help delay aging.
2. Genetic Factors
If there is a family history of premature graying, offspring may inherit related genes. Melanocyte function can be genetically influenced to decline at a younger age, leading to early whitening of hair and beard. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise, may reduce the likelihood of premature graying.
3. Albinism
Albinism is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by gene mutations that lead to a deficiency in key enzymes required for melanin synthesis. This results in impaired melanin production, causing all body hair—including scalp hair and beard—to appear white. Symptoms may also include fair skin, light-colored irises, and photophobia. There is currently no cure, and management primarily involves physical sun protection measures such as wearing hats and sunglasses, and applying high SPF sunscreen to reduce UV damage to the eyes and skin.
4. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is associated with various factors including autoimmunity and oxidative stress. The immune system attacks melanocytes, impairing their ability to synthesize melanin normally, which leads to depigmentation of skin and hair. Skin areas with white hair may also display clearly defined white patches. Symptoms may include skin白斑 (white patches) and itching. Treatment options under a doctor's supervision may include topical medications such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets.
5. Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia typically results from gastric mucosal atrophy and a deficiency of intrinsic factor, leading to impaired absorption of vitamin B₁₂. Vitamin B₁₂ plays a role in cellular metabolism and nervous system function. Its deficiency affects melanocyte metabolism and hinders melanin synthesis, causing hair and beard to turn white. Additional symptoms may include pallor, dizziness, and fatigue. Treatment under medical guidance may involve medications such as vitamin B12 injections, mecobalamin tablets, and adenosylcobalamin tablets.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a positive mindset and avoid significant emotional fluctuations. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet without picky eating habits, and avoiding frequent hair perming or coloring to reduce follicle damage are recommended.
