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Original poster

Why is my hair turning white?

35 replies

newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 12:18

I've had a stressful time at uni due to family drama, getting covid twice and exams. Shall I see a doctor?

OP posts:
Applebark · 09/09/2022 12:32

Your body has stopped creating pigments in your hair the way it once did. Otherwise known as getting older. I don't think you'll need a doctor to tell you this.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 09/09/2022 12:33

I got my first few white hairs at uni - I didn't get many more for another 20 years, so don't worry - it wasn't a sign of anything serious.

Original poster
newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 14:43

But I am only 21

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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General health
Handyweatherstation · 09/09/2022 14:52

Is it genetic, OP? Many in my OH's family were all white by the time they were 30.

TeeBee · 09/09/2022 15:02

Stress can deplete melanocyte stem cells, which produce melanin (which colours your hair). The change is likely to be permanent I'm afraid. There was a recent study showing potential of antihypertensive agents in inhibiting the pathway; not sure whether anything came of that.

W0tnow · 09/09/2022 15:15

Is it really going white? Or have you found a few grey hairs? I had my first at about 28.

ItsJustTheOneSwanActually · 09/09/2022 15:16

I started at that age. Totally silver by 40

XtinaCaligulara · 09/09/2022 15:47

Why on earth would you see a doctor?

Many young women get their first grey hairs in early 20's

IrmaGord · 09/09/2022 16:37

I found my first grey hairs when I was 19, although it could have started earlier but I wouldn't have known because I'd been dying it since I was 14. Put it down to genetics as my mum and brother also went grey early.

No need to see a doctor. They can't do anything about it.

Redqueenheart · 09/09/2022 16:47

@Applebark ''Your body has stopped creating pigments in your hair the way it once did. Otherwise known as getting older. I don't think you'll need a doctor to tell you this.''

@XtinaCaligulara ''Why on earth would you see a doctor?Many young women get their first grey hairs in early 20's''

I really think the OP should rightly expect a bit more sympathy here...

It is simply not the case that ''many young women'' see their hair turn white at the age of 21.

OP, you might want to speak to your GP and do a blood test to see whether a combination of Covid and high level of stress have not made you anemic or caused any other lasting health problems.

Once you have been reassured that your overall health is OK you might be able to assume that this is just a genetic quirk. You can colour your hair if you are uncomfortable with the white. You might also find ways to reduce your stress and tiredness (exercise, meditation...).

Thekittenslostheirmittens · 09/09/2022 16:47

@newgraduate2022 Op I wrote a lovely reply then deleted it after deciding you are quite the drama lama! I’ve read your posts for the last couple of days and i believe you need some help but I don’t think Mumsnet is where you’ll find it!!

Codingand36 · 09/09/2022 16:51

Vitiligo can be caused by stressed x

Codingand36 · 09/09/2022 16:52

(I have it in my hair and my eyebrow!)

Original poster
newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 16:54

A tad judgy? What drama have I caused?

OP posts:
ZooMount · 09/09/2022 16:59

I'm really surprised by these reactions, I thought it was common knowledge that stress and trauma can quickly turn your hair white, especially if it's in streaks or patches. You should definitely speak to a GP if it's quite sudden rather than normal greying that would occur with age, particularly if you feel stressed. I hope you get some help.

Farmageddon · 09/09/2022 17:03

newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 16:54

A tad judgy? What drama have I caused?

Given that the vast majority of your threads have been deleted, MN probably thinks so.

Anytimeiseeit · 09/09/2022 17:03

newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 16:54

A tad judgy? What drama have I caused?

All your threads have been deleted!!

Original poster
newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 17:04

Thank you

OP posts:
Thekittenslostheirmittens · 09/09/2022 17:04

@newgraduate2022 If that question is directed at me, next time let me know! Then you’ll know I’m referring to your last thread about not getting a day off because the Queen has past:

Original poster
newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 17:04

I have defied the Mumsnet orthodoxy on what to feel when the Queen passes, hence my deletions. They are political, not problematic

OP posts:
Original poster
newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 17:05

*has passed
It's a reasonable question. Why can't I know if I am getting a holiday or not? I have plans.

OP posts:
Thekittenslostheirmittens · 09/09/2022 17:12

@newgraduate2022 oops must have a word with my autocorrect 😜
Now as for the rest of you little girl I’m off to adult in the real world!

FromEden · 09/09/2022 17:15

Vitiligo can cause your hair to go white if its on your scalp. Could be that? Can also be exacerbated by stress. Do you have any white patches or spots anywhere else?

kimchifox · 09/09/2022 17:20

You will grow into it.

Blossomtoes · 09/09/2022 17:22

newgraduate2022 · 09/09/2022 14:43

But I am only 21

I was 16 when my hair started turning white. My gran was entirely white by the time she was 30. It’s usually genetic.