Why Is Your Hair Turning Grey So Early?

Seeing grey hair earlier than expected can be worrying, especially if it appears before your late 30s. While genetics play a role, many people in Singapore experience premature greying due to lifestyle stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies, or internal imbalances.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a clear explanation for why your hair loses colour too early and provides natural ways to restore balance and slow down the greying process.

Seeing grey hair earlier than expected

What Causes Grey Hair from a TCM Perspective?

In TCM, the condition of your hair is closely linked to the Kidneys, Liver, and Blood. When these systems weaken or become imbalanced, your hair loses nourishment and pigmentation.

1. Kidney Essence Deficiency

The Kidneys store Jing (essence), which governs growth, development, fertility, and hair health.Signs of deficiency include:

• Premature greying

• Hair thinning

• Weak lower back

• Fatigue

• Poor sleep or brain fog

This is one of the most common TCM causes of early grey hair.

2. Liver Blood Deficiency

The Liver stores blood and ensures smooth circulation to the scalp.When Liver Blood is deficient, hair becomes dull, dry, or grey.

Common signs include:

• Dizziness

• Brittle nails

• Dry eyes

• Fatigue

• Light menstruation in women

  
  

3. Stress and Liver Qi Stagnation

High stress is extremely common in Singapore and can accelerate greying.Stagnant Liver Qi disrupts blood flow to the scalp and weakens hair follicles.

Signs include:

• Tension in the neck and shoulders

• Mood swings or irritability

• PMS

• Poor sleep

4. Poor Digestion and Spleen Weakness

A weak Spleen affects nutrient absorption, which reduces the quality of the blood nourishing the scalp.

Common signs:

• Bloating

• Loose stools

• Feeling tired after meals

• Puffy eyelids

• Dampness in the body

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Beyond internal imbalances, several lifestyle habits contribute to premature greying:

• Chronic stress

• Overworking

• Staying up late

• Excess caffeine or alcohol

• High sugar or processed food intake

• Smoking

• Frequent chemical treatments or heat styling

Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle and humid climate also affect hair health, especially if dampness accumulates in the body.

How TCM Treats Premature Greying

TCM treatment focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance instead of just addressing the symptom.

1. Acupuncture

Improves circulation to the scalp and regulates Kidney, Liver, and Spleen functions.Patients often notice better sleep, less stress, and improved hair growth quality.

2. Herbal Medicine

Herbs commonly used for greying hair include:

• He Shou Wu (Polygonum)

• Dang Gui (Angelica Root)

• Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries)

• Nu Zhen Zi

• Shou Wu Teng

These herbs nourish the Liver and Kidneys, enrich the blood, and support hair pigmentation.

Always consult a licensed physician for personalised prescriptions.

3. Dietary Therapy

TCM recommends foods that nourish the Kidneys and Liver:

• Black sesame seeds

• Black beans

• Walnuts

• Goji berries

• Chinese dates

• Seaweed

• Dark leafy greens

• Bone broth

Avoid excessive cold drinks, raw foods, and greasy meals that weaken the Spleen.

4. Scalp Massage and Bojin

Stimulates meridians on the head, increases blood circulation, and enhances nutrient delivery to hair roots.

5. Stress Regulation

TCM emphasises restoring emotional balance using acupuncture, breathing exercises, and lifestyle moderation.

Can Grey Hair Be Reversed?

Whether grey hair can turn black again depends on:

• Age of onset

• Severity of Kidney or Liver deficiency

• Stress levels

• Lifestyle

• Genetics

Early-stage grey hair caused by stress, nutritional deficiency, or mild organ imbalance often responds well to TCM. Long-standing or genetically driven greying is harder to reverse, but TCM can slow the process and improve overall hair quality.

Final Thoughts

Premature greying is often a sign that your body is asking for attention. Instead of focusing only on the hair, TCM looks deeper into the state of your Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, and overall lifestyle.

With acupuncture, herbal medicine, and targeted dietary therapy, many individuals see improvements in energy, sleep, stress levels, and hair health. Early treatment offers the best chance of preventing further greying and restoring balance from within.

-Grand Oak TCM