Some people have white eyebrows primarily because of a natural decline in melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, as they age.
Understanding Why Eyebrows Turn White
The greying or whitening of eyebrows is a natural part of the aging process. Just like the hair on your head, your eyebrows contain melanin, which gives them their color. As you get older, the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) gradually decrease their production.
The Role of Melanin
- Melanin is a pigment that determines the color of your hair, skin, and eyes.
- Lower melanin levels result in lighter hair color, progressing from grey to white.
The Aging Process and Eyebrows
The reference material clearly states: "As you age, the amount of melanin in your hair naturally declines, which causes your hair to appear gray and eventually white. Along with the hair on your head, your eyebrows and eyelashes can turn gray or white with age. The graying process often starts with a few hairs before spreading."
Contributing Factors
While aging is the primary cause, other factors may contribute to the development of white eyebrows:
- Genetics: Your genes play a significant role in determining when you start to grey.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may affect hair pigmentation.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, though less common, can cause premature greying.
