Some people get gray hair early because of things like their genes, stress in their body, smoking, or not having enough of certain vitamins and minerals like iron or copper.

Scientists think that when there’s too much damage from natural body chemicals (oxidative stress) and not enough protection from helpful antioxidants, it might cause hair to turn gray earlier than normal.

People who go gray too early might have low levels of copper, iron, or vitamin B12—these nutrients might help keep hair its natural color.

Kids who start getting gray hair earlier than normal are more likely to be missing important vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, and zinc compared to other kids.

People whose hair turns gray too early often have lower levels of iron, zinc, and copper in their bodies compared to people whose hair grays normally.

People from different ethnic backgrounds start going grey at different ages — if you're Caucasian, going grey before 20 is considered early; for Asians, before 25; and for Africans, before 30.