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Grey pubic hair giving you nightmares? These 8 culprits could be the reason why!

Grey pubic hair is a common sign of ageing. However, there are many other reasons for public hair to turn white.
You do what you want to do with your pubic hair. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Updated: 28 Mar 2024, 13:15 pm IST

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Grey pubic hair giving you sleepless nights? However, fret not! Grey public hair might have surprised you at first but greying of hair is a part of mother nature’s plan and pubic hair is no different. And there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Why is my public hair turning white? – Has this question has been constantly on your mind?  With age, our hair follicles decrease their melanin production which is responsible for colour pigmentation, and thus, this is the culprit behind pubic hair turning white. However, if yo are experiencing white public hair in your 20s, there could be multiple health and lifestyle factors behind it. To find the culprits behind premature greying of pubic hair, Health Shots got in touch with dermatologist Dr Sachin Dhawan.

At what age does public hair turn white?

Well, grey public hair is a natural phenomena and will happen eventually with everyone. The exact age at when public hair starts to become white can be different for different people. Some people notice white public hair in their 30s and 40s, while others may see this change in their 20s or even late teenage years.

8 Reasons why pubic hair turns grey

1. Genetics

According to Dr Dhawan, one of the many common reasons behind public hair turning grey, is your family history. If either of your parent’s hair has turned grey earlier than expected, then the chances are higher that you’ll suffer the same fate. Though your pony will start greying first and then your nether hair.

Also, read: From pubic hair to weird smells, 6 “gross” things that are actually normal down there

2. Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is another reason for why hair on vagina. “People with hyperthyroidism may see their pubic hair greying,” explains Dr Dhawan. If you see other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, getting checked is a good idea

Hormonal balances can also lead to public hair turning white. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Micro-nutrient deficiencies

Vitamins like B55 and para-aminobenzoic acid can also cause early greying and can even cause white public hair, and, for that, Dr Dhawan suggests that you should take supplements after consulting your doctor.

Also Read: Want to get rid of pubic hair at home? Here are 5 easy ways

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4. Vitamin B-12 deficiency

What you eat plays an important role in your body’s functioning. If you are vitamin B-12 deficient, then your body won’t be able to produce enough healthy red blood cells which can accelerate the greying process. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, try including vitamin-b12 rich food in your diet.

5. Smoking

Still wondering what causes white hair on private parts? Well, might be that cigarette. A research conducted by the University of Jordan and published on PubMed has shown a significant relationship between cigarette smoking and an early onset of greying before the age of 30. Smokers were found to be 2.5 times more likely to find their hair prematurely grey.

Smoking can lead to public hair turning grey. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

6. Stress

A study conducted by New York University on mice found that stress reduces the stem cells below the hair follicle which can lead to the greying of hair.

7. Products high on chemical and perfumes

Another cause for grey hair on vagina can be chemicals. Dr Dhawan says, “Intimate washes or soaps that are high on perfumes should be avoided as they might injure cells that produce melanin. Hair removal creams should also be avoided in the area as it’s loaded with harsh chemicals that can lead to premature greying of your hair down there.”

Also, read: Scared of using a vaginal wash? Try these home hacks for a healthy vulva

8. Vitiligo

Medical conditions like vitiligo, an autoimmune disease, affects your skin and hair colour all over the body. The condition arises either because melanin production has stopped or died. If you suspect white skin patches then you should see a doctor.

Dr Dhawan concludes: “Eat a balanced diet to avoid any deficiencies that can lead to greying of your nether hair, avoid hair removal creams at all cost and try to be as gentle as possible.”

Shreya Gupta

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

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