A cross-sectional study found that 55.9% of participants experienced premature graying of hair before age 30 years. The research identified multiple risk factors through statistical analysis.

In the study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, investigators analyzed data from 1,193 Saudi Arabian residents between July 2023 and February 2024. Males comprised 53.0% of participants, and 96.9% were Saudi nationals.

Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of premature graying of hair (PGH) increased significantly across various risk factors:

• Age: Participants aged 30 to 34 years had a 1.99-fold increased risk (P < .001), those aged 35 to 39 years had a 1.73-fold increase (P < .001), and those aged 40 to 44 years had a 1.54-fold increase (P = .031).
• Smoking nearly doubled the risk of PGH (oods ratio [OR] = 1.92, P < .001).
• Comorbidities, particularly immune-related conditions like alopecia, tripled the risk (OR = 3.23, P < .001).
• Anxiety and depression increased risk by 2.24 and 2.56 times, respectively (P < .001).
• Family history before 30 years raised the risk by 3.74 times (P < .001).

Among participants:

• 52.5% reported 1 to 10 gray hairs initially.
• 25.8% reported comorbidities, often immune-related.
• 46.9% reported anxiety, whereas 24.8% reported depression.
• 53.8% experienced concurrent hair loss, with immune-related hair loss associated with a higher PGH risk (OR = 3.94, P < .001).
• 53.5% reported vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and 62.2% had a family history of PGH.
• Scalp type showed a distinction: a dry scalp was linked to an elevated PGH risk, while an oily scalp appeared to reduce it (P < .001).

The study utilized an online survey distributed via social media platforms. Statistical analysis employed chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression, using SPSS software, with significance set at P < .05. Limitations included the inability to establish causality, potential selection bias because of online distribution, and reliance on self-reported medical diagnoses, which could lead to inaccuracies.

The study highlighted that younger populations; smokers; patients with immune-related comorbidities; and those with anxiety, depression, and family history may be at higher risk of early graying. The findings emphasized the importance of public health efforts, such as smoking cessation programs and mental health support, to mitigate risk factors associated with PGH.

The research team received institutional review board approval from King Saud University. This work received no specific funding.

The authors declared having no competing interests.