Discovering that first gray hair can be a big shock.
But it’s likely to happen sooner than expected, according to a new study.
A survey of 1,000 women found that half notice their first silver lining in their early 30s, most commonly between the ages of 31 and 35.
The research, conducted by haircare brand Schwarzkopf, even found that 17 percent of women discover their first grey hair before they turn 25.
And while many blame stress (whether caused by work or children), experts say it’s simply part of growing up.
Discovering that you’re getting your first grey hairs can be a surprise, but it’s likely to happen sooner than expected, according to a new study (file image)
The responses also revealed that hair plays a crucial role in defining our identity.
Upon discovering they had grey hair, more than half of women said they were worried about ageing, two in five said they worried what others would think about their grey hair, 36 per cent said they felt less confident about themselves and their appearance, and a third said they felt less attractive.
One in five women still believe the myth that plucking out one grey hair will cause seven more to grow back, and almost one in ten believe the more you dye your hair, the faster it turns grey, the survey showed.
About 80 percent of women said they believe stress accelerates the graying process and 71 percent believe it is determined by genes.
About 80 percent of women said they believe stress accelerates the graying process and 71 percent believe it is determined by genes (file image)
Hair and scalp health expert Eva Proudman said: ‘The deterioration of melanocytes (the cells that produce the colour in our hair) is the main factor that causes hair to appear grey.
‘Prolonged emotional stress can exacerbate the graying process, but it is usually not the main cause. The aging process is by far the main factor in the appearance of gray hair.
‘As we age and our hair changes and grays appear, we may feel like we are losing our identity.’
The findings coincide with the launch of a new Schwarzkopf Oleo Intense hair dye to help cover grey hair.
Ms. Proudman recommends trying a shade lighter than your usual color so it blends more with your gray roots rather than exaggerating them.