What Deficiency Causes Copper Hair Color Changes?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 25% of people in America and Canada may not be meeting their recommended copper intake, a deficiency that can lead to subtle and not-so-subtle changes in your body, including alterations in hair color. While genetics are the primary driver of hair color, a lack of the essential mineral copper can disrupt melanin production, potentially causing premature graying and other pigmentary changes.

Quick Summary

Low levels of the essential mineral copper can cause hair color changes, including premature graying. This occurs because copper is crucial for the function of enzymes that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Insufficient copper disrupts this process, leading to a loss of pigment in hair follicles. Other causes include genetics and excess zinc intake.

Key Points

Copper and Melanin: Copper is an essential mineral required for the function of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is critical for melanin production and thus, hair pigmentation.
Premature Graying: A deficiency in copper can lead to compromised melanin synthesis, potentially causing premature graying or loss of hair color.
Zinc Competition: High, chronic intake of zinc supplements can cause a secondary copper deficiency by inhibiting copper absorption.
Other Symptoms: Beyond hair changes, copper deficiency can cause fatigue, a weakened immune system, and neurological issues.
Diagnosis is Key: Blood tests for serum copper and ceruloplasmin can diagnose a deficiency, which can then be treated with supplementation under medical supervision.
Dietary Sources: Including foods like shellfish, nuts, and legumes in your diet can help prevent a deficiency.

The Essential Role of Copper in Hair Pigmentation

Copper is a vital trace mineral, essential for numerous bodily functions, including the production of melanin, the pigment that determines the color of your hair. This process is dependent on the copper-containing enzyme tyrosinase, which facilitates the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine, a critical step in creating melanin. When the body does not have enough copper, this enzymatic process is inhibited, and melanin synthesis is compromised, potentially leading to noticeable color changes in the hair.

How Copper Deficiency Affects Hair Color

When a copper deficiency arises, the hair follicles, which are some of the most metabolically active cells in the body, do not receive the necessary resources to produce melanin effectively. This can lead to a state of hypopigmentation, most commonly seen as premature graying. The hair may become lighter, duller, or lose its vibrancy, often appearing prematurely gray or white. While genetics is the main factor in when and if a person experiences graying, nutritional shortfalls, particularly in trace elements like copper, can contribute to the early onset of pigment loss. This effect is particularly noted in rare hereditary disorders like Menkes disease, which significantly impairs the body's ability to absorb copper and is characterized by peculiar, kinky, steel-colored hair.

Common Causes of Copper Deficiency

While dietary deficiency is rare in developed countries, several factors can lead to an inadequate copper status:

Malabsorption Issues: Chronic gastrointestinal conditions like celiac disease or cystic fibrosis, as well as bariatric surgery, can interfere with the proper absorption of copper from food.
Excessive Zinc Intake: Zinc and copper compete for absorption in the small intestine. High, chronic intake of zinc supplements or zinc-containing products (like some denture creams) can overwhelm the body's absorption pathway, leading to a secondary copper deficiency.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): Patients receiving long-term intravenous feeding without proper mineral supplementation can develop copper deficiency.
Hereditary Disorders: Menkes disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects copper transport, leading to a systemic deficiency.

Comparison of Nutrients and Their Impact on Hair Pigmentation


Nutrient	Role in Hair Pigmentation	Deficiency Symptom	Recovery with Supplementation
Copper	Essential for the tyrosinase enzyme that produces melanin.	Premature graying, hypopigmentation.	Can reverse pigmentation loss in cases of severe deficiency.
Vitamin B12	Supports red blood cell formation, which carries oxygen to hair follicles.	Premature graying, hair thinning, fatigue.	Can potentially increase melanin and reduce graying if treated early.
Iron	Crucial for hemoglobin production, which transports oxygen for follicle health.	Diffuse hair thinning, dull hair color, fatigue.	Often effective in reversing deficiency-related hair thinning and dullness.
Protein	Keratin is a protein that makes up the hair shaft.	Hair color changes, thin and brittle texture, slow growth.	Supports healthier hair shaft structure and pigment production once addressed.

The Broader Impact of Copper Deficiency

While premature graying is a visible sign, copper deficiency can manifest in more severe ways. It can cause fatigue and weakness due to impaired iron absorption and compromised energy production. The immune system may also be weakened, leading to frequent illness. Neurological problems, such as unsteadiness while walking, and vision issues can occur due to damage to the nervous system. Copper is also essential for maintaining strong bones, and a prolonged deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis.

Diagnosis and Management of Copper Deficiency

Diagnosing a copper deficiency typically involves a blood test to measure serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. If a deficiency is confirmed, treatment often involves copper supplementation, either orally or intravenously in severe cases. It is important to address the underlying cause, whether it's dietary intake or an issue with absorption. For those taking high doses of zinc, reducing or discontinuing the supplement is often necessary to restore the balance of these competing minerals. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, as excessive copper can also be toxic.

Conclusion

In summary, a deficiency in copper is a scientifically established cause of altered hair pigmentation, most notably premature graying. This occurs because copper is a crucial cofactor for the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing melanin in hair follicles. While other factors like genetics, stress, and other nutritional deficiencies also play a role, addressing a confirmed copper shortfall is a valid way to support healthy hair color. By maintaining a balanced diet rich in copper or taking targeted supplements under medical guidance, it is possible to mitigate the effects of this deficiency and support overall hair health. The science is clear: for vibrant, pigmented hair, copper is a non-negotiable component of good nutrition.

Explore the symptoms of copper deficiency in more detail on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

For premature graying caused specifically by a confirmed, severe copper deficiency, supplementation may help reverse the loss of pigment. However, for most people, hair graying is primarily a genetic and aging process, and supplements are not a proven solution.

Foods rich in copper include shellfish (especially oysters), organ meats (like liver), nuts, seeds, mushrooms, dark leafy greens, and dark chocolate.

A hair color change is not a definitive sign of copper deficiency, as many factors can influence it. A diagnosis requires a blood test ordered by a healthcare professional to measure your serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels.

Yes, high intake of zinc supplements can interfere with the body's ability to absorb copper, potentially leading to a copper deficiency.

Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weakened immune function leading to frequent illness, neurological problems (like loss of balance), and potentially fragile bones.

Clinical copper deficiency is relatively rare in healthy individuals in developed countries. However, certain conditions like malabsorption issues or bariatric surgery increase the risk, and some studies suggest many people do not meet the recommended daily intake.

Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a key role in the body's production of melanin, the pigment that provides color to your hair, skin, and eyes.