Can vitamin D reverse grey hair?: Examining the science behind nutrient-induced repigmentation

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 review, nutritional deficiencies in certain micronutrients, including vitamin D3, have been linked to premature greying of hair. This raises the question: Can vitamin D reverse grey hair that has already appeared? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on the root cause of the greying process.

Quick Summary

Premature greying is sometimes linked to nutritional deficits, including vitamin D deficiency. When a deficiency is the underlying cause, correcting it with diet or supplements can lead to repigmentation. However, it will not reverse natural, age-related greying, which is primarily genetic. Maintaining balanced nutrition supports overall hair health.

Key Points

Vitamin D and Premature Greying: Studies show a correlation between low vitamin D levels and premature greying, suggesting a deficiency can impact hair pigmentation.
Reversibility Depends on Cause: Hair repigmentation is possible only if premature greying is caused by a nutritional deficiency, not if it's due to natural ageing or genetics.
Correction is Key: For deficiency-induced greying, new hair growth may return to its natural colour once the nutritional imbalance is corrected through diet or supplements.
Other Critical Nutrients: Besides vitamin D, vital nutrients like vitamin B12, copper, and iron are also essential for melanin production and overall hair health.
Consult a Professional: It is important to consult a doctor to confirm any vitamin D deficiency before taking supplements, as over-supplementation can lead to adverse effects like hair loss.
Holistic Approach: Combining a nutrient-rich diet with stress management and environmental protection is the most effective way to maintain overall hair health and potentially slow greying.

The Science of Hair Colour and Greying

To understand if vitamin D can reverse grey hair, it's essential to first know what causes hair to lose its colour. Our hair's natural pigment, or melanin, is produced by specialised cells called melanocytes within the hair follicles. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin, which is responsible for black and brown shades, and pheomelanin, which creates reddish and yellow hues. The combination and concentration of these pigments determine an individual's hair colour. With age, the melanocytes in the hair follicles gradually decrease in number and activity, leading to a reduction in melanin production. When the hair grows without pigment, it appears grey, silver, or white. This process is a natural part of ageing and is largely influenced by genetics.

The Role of Nutritional Deficiencies

Beyond natural ageing and genetics, premature greying (canities) can be triggered by other factors, including nutritional deficiencies, stress, and certain medical conditions. Several micronutrients are crucial for supporting melanin production and overall hair health. When the body lacks these essential vitamins and minerals, it can disrupt the normal hair pigmentation process, potentially leading to premature greying. For individuals with greying hair caused specifically by a nutrient deficiency, correcting that imbalance might lead to the reversal of the process, with new hair growing in its natural colour.

Can Vitamin D Reverse Grey Hair? The Evidence

Several studies have established a correlation between low vitamin D levels and premature greying. A 2013 study published in The International Journal of Trichology found that children experiencing premature hair greying had significantly lower levels of vitamin D3 compared to those with natural hair colour. A 2018 review of research also identified vitamin D3 deficiency among several nutritional factors linked to premature greying.

While this connection is significant, it's crucial to distinguish between correlation and causation. The evidence suggests that a deficiency in vitamin D can contribute to premature greying, potentially by impairing the normal function of melanocytes. Hair follicles contain vitamin D receptors (VDRs), and proper vitamin D levels are essential for the hair follicle cycle. When a deficiency is present, it can affect the follicle's ability to produce pigment. In these specific cases, supplementing with vitamin D to correct the deficiency could, in theory, help restore natural hair colour.

However, for grey hair caused by natural ageing or genetic predisposition, vitamin D supplementation will not reverse the process. The decline of melanocyte function due to age is a biological process that cannot be permanently reversed with vitamins alone. Over-supplementation can also be harmful, potentially causing hair loss. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting any supplement regimen to first confirm a deficiency through blood tests.

Other Key Nutrients for Hair Pigmentation

Vitamin D is just one piece of a complex puzzle when it comes to hair colour. Other vitamins and minerals play equally, if not more, important roles in maintaining hair pigmentation. A holistic nutritional approach is the most effective strategy for supporting hair health.

Essential Nutrients and Their Impact on Hair Pigmentation

Vitamin B12: Deficiency in this vitamin is one of the most commonly cited causes of premature greying. It is vital for red blood cell production and proper cell function, and correcting a deficiency has been associated with hair repigmentation.
Copper: This trace mineral is a key component of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is essential for melanin production. Low copper levels can lead to a decrease in melanin synthesis.
Iron: Iron is necessary for delivering oxygen to hair follicles. An iron deficiency, particularly anaemia, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and impair pigmentation.
Zinc: Involved in tissue growth and repair, zinc supports overall hair health. A deficiency can impact melanin production and hair follicle function.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): Folic acid aids in healthy cell growth and supports pigmentation. Deficiencies have been linked to premature greying.

Age-Related vs. Deficiency-Related Greying: A Comparison

To summarise the differences between age-related and deficiency-related greying, consider the following table:


Feature	Age-Related Greying	Deficiency-Related Greying (Premature)
Cause	Gradual decline of melanocytes due to natural ageing, influenced by genetics.	Result of a shortage of key nutrients, such as Vitamin D, B12, copper, or iron.
Onset	Typically occurs after the age of 30, with a gradual increase in grey hairs over time.	Can start at a younger age, sometimes before 20 or 30, depending on ethnicity.
Reversibility	Generally not reversible. Once melanocytes stop functioning, they cannot be fully revived by nutrition.	Potentially reversible if the underlying deficiency is identified and corrected, and if caught early enough.
Associated Symptoms	Often occurs in healthy individuals as a normal part of ageing.	May be accompanied by other deficiency symptoms, such as fatigue (B12, iron), weakness, or brittle nails.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach for Hair Health

While the prospect of a vitamin reversing grey hair is appealing, it's essential to have realistic expectations. For most people, greying is an inevitable, genetically determined aspect of ageing, and vitamin D cannot reverse this process. However, for those experiencing premature greying due to a diagnosed nutritional deficiency, such as insufficient vitamin D, corrective action through a balanced diet or targeted supplementation might lead to a return of some natural hair colour. The key is to first identify the cause with a healthcare professional.

Ultimately, a balanced diet rich in a wide spectrum of nutrients, including vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, and copper, is the best strategy for promoting healthy hair and supporting pigmentation. Managing other lifestyle factors like stress and protecting hair from environmental damage are also critical components of a holistic approach to hair health. Remember, consistency in nourishing your body from within is the most sustainable path to vibrant, healthy hair.

To learn more about the role of various nutrients in hair health, consult a reliable source like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your grey hair is a result of a vitamin D deficiency, taking supplements as recommended by a doctor might lead to new hair growing in with your natural colour. However, it will not reverse natural, age-related greying.

The only way to know for sure is to have a blood test to check your vitamin D levels. You should consult a healthcare professional, who can assess your overall health and determine if a deficiency is contributing to your premature greying.

Several nutrients are crucial for hair pigmentation, including vitamin B12, copper, iron, zinc, and folic acid. Deficiencies in any of these can potentially contribute to premature greying.

A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is the foundation of good hair health. While a healthy diet supports pigmentation, in cases of significant deficiency, supplements might be necessary, and a doctor's guidance is important.

No, age-related greying is a natural biological process caused by the irreversible decline of pigment-producing melanocytes. Vitamins cannot reverse this process.

Yes, taking excessively high doses of any vitamin can be harmful. Over-supplementation of vitamin D can lead to toxicity and, ironically, potentially cause hair loss. Always follow a doctor's guidance on dosage.

Beyond its potential link to pigmentation, vitamin D is important for new hair follicle growth and preserving existing ones. A deficiency can affect the hair growth cycle, potentially contributing to thinning or loss.