What causes hair that is black on the upper half and white on the lower half, and what should be done about it?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, hair that is black on the upper portion and white on the lower portion may be caused by factors such as nutritional imbalance, excessive mental stress, vitiligo, albinism, or alopecia areata. Depending on the specific situation, improvement can be achieved through general调理 (regulation), medication, surgical treatment, or other methods. In daily life, one should maintain a diverse diet to ensure comprehensive nutrient intake and learn to regulate mental well-being, avoiding prolonged psychological stress.
Under normal circumstances, hair that is black on the upper half and white on the lower half may be caused by factors such as nutritional imbalance, excessive mental stress, vitiligo, albinism, or alopecia areata. Depending on the specific situation, improvements can be made through general调理 (regulation), medication, surgical treatment, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Nutritional Imbalance
A deficiency in trace elements such as copper and iron can affect tyrosinase activity, hinder melanin synthesis, and result in newly grown hair appearing white. Adjust your diet by consuming more foods rich in trace elements, such as nuts, animal liver, and legumes.
2. Excessive Mental Stress
Long-term anxiety and tension can lead to endocrine disorders, interfering with the function of melanocytes in hair follicles and inhibiting melanin production. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and relieve stress through exercise, meditation, and other methods to keep emotions stable.
3. Vitiligo
An abnormal immune system attacks melanocytes in hair follicles, damaging them and preventing melanin synthesis, causing hair in affected areas to turn white. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or calcipotriol ointment may be used. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
4. Albinism
Gene mutations lead to a lack of key enzymes required for melanin synthesis in the body, so hair follicles cannot produce melanin, resulting in newly grown hair being white. Follow a doctor’s advice to take supplements such as vitamin B complex tablets, vitamin C tablets, and folic acid tablets, and take proper sun protection measures when going outdoors.
5. Alopecia Areata
Immune dysfunction causes inflammation in hair follicles, affecting melanocyte function, so regrown hair in bald patches often appears white. Under medical supervision, medications such as minoxidil solution, halometasone cream, or desonide cream may be used. In severe cases, hair follicle transplantation may be considered.
In daily life, maintain a diverse diet to ensure comprehensive nutrition; learn to regulate your mindset and avoid prolonged mental strain; practice proper hair care to minimize damage from perming and dyeing; if unusual whitening of hair occurs, seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and enable early detection and intervention.
