How to Know If You’re Prone to Early Greying

Greying can be surprising, especially when it happens earlier than expected.

While there are many factors that influence when your hair turns grey, genetics play a major role. If early greying runs in your family, chances are you may see silver strands sooner yourself. Here are some signs you may be genetically predisposed to greying:

Look at your family members – If your parents, grandparents, or siblings began greying in their 20s or 30s, you may have inherited the same tendency. Family history is one of the strongest indicators.

Examine your hairline and temples – First signs of greying often appear at the temples or crown. If you notice isolated strands of grey before your 30s, that’s a common sign of inherited greying.

Check for texture changes – Grey hairs can feel coarser, drier, or wirier than pigmented strands. A sudden shift in texture combined with visible greys may suggest your natural pigment cells (melanocytes) are slowing down earlier than average.

Consider lifestyle and stress – While genes set the timeline, stress, diet, and environmental factors can speed things up. Smoking, nutrient deficiencies, and oxidative stress are all linked to premature greying.

Know when it started – Early greying often begins in the mid-20s for men and early 30s for women, depending on genetic background. The younger it starts, the more likely it’s hereditary.

The earlier greys appear and the more it matches your family history, the stronger the genetic influence. If you’re noticing these clues, don’t panic — greying is natural and universal.

Instead, focus on scalp health and gentle care to keep your hair strong and vibrant. Products like MYDOO help blend greys seamlessly, nourish the scalp, and support a softer, more natural look without the harshness of chemical dyes.

I recommend everyone use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo as their baseline. If you can keep your scalp healthy and your hair well-nourished, you’ll enjoy vibrant, confident hair well into your 40s and 50s. That’s the real goal.

Greying can happen for many reasons, and I’ll share more posts in the future on how to tell the difference between natural, age-related greying and lifestyle-driven early greys.

I hope this helps — my email and socials are always open if you have questions.