If you’ve ever noticed white or grey hairs appearing in your eyebrows, eyelashes, or on your scalp alongside patches of lighter skin, you may wonder if vitiligo is the cause. Most people associate vitiligo with pale patches on the skin, but the condition can also affect hair. In fact, for some people, changes in hair colour can be one of the first visible signs that something is happening beneath the surface.
Vitiligo occurs when the cells responsible for producing pigment, called melanocytes, stop functioning or are destroyed. These cells give colour not only to the skin but also to hair, which is why hair in the affected areas can lose its natural colour and turn white or silvery. This can happen anywhere on the body on the scalp, in the eyebrows, on the eyelashes, or even in areas of facial or body hair. Sometimes, the hair loss of colour appears alongside skin patches, but it can also occur independently, making it tricky to diagnose at first.
Hair involvement in vitiligo doesn’t mean that the hair itself is unhealthy. The strands remain structurally normal they simply lack melanin, the pigment that gives them colour. For many people, this depigmentation can be more noticeable in darker hair, where a streak of white or grey stands out sharply. In some cases, these changes may be confined to a small area, like a single patch on the scalp, while in others they may spread more widely over time.
While vitiligo affecting the hair is not harmful to physical health, it can have an emotional impact. Seeing white patches or streaks in the hair especially at a young age can lead to feelings of self-consciousness or anxiety. The unpredictable nature of vitiligo, where new areas can appear without warning, often adds to the stress.
Treatment for hair depigmentation caused by vitiligo can be challenging. Topical creams, light therapy, or oral medications may help restore some skin pigment, but hair that has already turned white is less likely to regain its colour. That said, early treatment of surrounding skin patches may slow or prevent further pigment loss. Cosmetic options, such as hair dyes or eyebrow tinting, can also help blend the colour difference and boost confidence. Dermatologists may recommend a combination of medical treatments and cosmetic approaches to manage both the skin and hair changes.
If you notice sudden whitening of hair along with lighter skin patches, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. A dermatologist can confirm whether vitiligo is the cause and suggest a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Understanding that vitiligo can affect both the skin and the hair and that these changes don’t reflect your overall health can help you feel more in control as you explore your options.
Understanding Vitiligo and Pigment Loss
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s defence system mistakenly attacks its own pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes. These highly specialised cells create melanin, the natural pigment that determines the colour of our skin, hair, and even the irises of our eyes. Melanin not only gives each of us our unique complexion and hair shade but also plays an important role in shielding the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When melanocytes are damaged or destroyed, they can no longer produce melanin. As melanin levels drop, the affected areas lose their natural colour and develop patches of skin that appear lighter or completely white.
Although vitiligo is most commonly associated with the skin, the process that causes this pigment loss is not limited to the surface. Melanocytes are also found inside hair follicles, the tiny structures from which our hair grows. When the immune system targets these pigment cells, the same disruption that robs the skin of its colour can also strip the hair of its natural shade. As a result, hair in the affected areas may turn prematurely white or grey. This can happen on the scalp, where a streak of white hair might stand out against darker strands, or in more delicate areas such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard. In some people, the whitening of hair occurs alongside the development of pale skin patches, while in others it may appear first, making it a subtle early sign of the condition.
The involvement of hair in vitiligo varies widely from person to person. Some individuals notice only a small patch of depigmented hair, such as a single lock on the scalp, while others may experience more widespread changes. In certain cases, the immune attack remains focused on the skin and leaves the hair untouched; in others, the opposite is true. This unpredictability can make vitiligo challenging to diagnose and manage, particularly when hair depigmentation occurs without obvious skin changes.
Because melanocytes exist wherever pigment is normally present, vitiligo has the potential to affect any area of the body. While scalp hair and body hair are common sites, pigment loss can also appear in facial hair, such as the moustache or beard area, and even in the tiny, almost invisible hairs on the arms or legs. Some people may notice a patch of white eyelashes or eyebrows that becomes more pronounced over time. The condition can also occur in hair-bearing areas that are less visible, which means pigment changes might go unnoticed in the early stages.
It’s important to understand that when vitiligo affects hair, the change is purely a loss of pigment rather than a sign of unhealthy hair growth. The hair shaft remains structurally normal it simply lacks melanin. This means that the texture, thickness, and growth rate of the hair are usually unchanged, even though its appearance may be strikingly different. For people with naturally dark hair, the contrast between pigmented and non-pigmented areas can be particularly noticeable, often creating dramatic streaks or patches of white.
How Vitiligo Affects Hair
Vitiligo is widely recognised for causing patches of lighter skin, but its impact often goes beyond what appears on the surface. Because the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes are located not only in the outer layers of the skin but also deep within hair follicles, the same autoimmune process that triggers skin depigmentation can also disrupt the colour of hair. When these melanocytes are attacked or destroyed, they stop producing melanin the natural pigment responsible for giving hair its colour. As a result, strands of hair may grow in white, silver, or very light grey.
This phenomenon is not limited to the scalp. Any part of the body that grows hair can be affected, from the fine hairs of the arms to the thicker hair of the eyebrows or beard. Some people notice only a few stray white hairs, while others develop larger areas of depigmentation. The changes can occur gradually or appear almost overnight, and they can affect people of any age, including children. Below are the most common patterns of hair involvement.
1. White or Grey Scalp Hair
One of the clearest examples of vitiligo’s impact on hair is the sudden appearance of white or grey patches on the scalp. Unlike natural ageing, which typically causes a slow and symmetrical greying process, vitiligo can produce isolated areas of depigmentation at any age. Parents sometimes spot a small lock of white hair in a child’s otherwise dark hair, while adults may notice a patch or streak that appears far earlier than typical age-related greying.
In some individuals, the affected area is no larger than a coin and remains stable for years. In others, the depigmented region may gradually expand, creating a salt-and-pepper pattern or even leading to large swathes of white hair. The texture of the hair usually remains normal soft, strong, and healthy but the sudden contrast between dark and light strands can be striking. This visual change can cause anxiety or self-consciousness, especially for younger people who are not expecting grey hair.
Regular consultation with a dermatologist is helpful not only for confirming that vitiligo is the cause but also for ruling out other conditions, such as alopecia areata or nutritional deficiencies, which can sometimes mimic similar changes. While medical treatments can slow or halt new areas of depigmentation in the surrounding skin, restoring pigment to hair that has already turned white is more difficult. Some people choose to embrace the new colour, while others use hair dye or professional colouring to achieve a more uniform appearance.
2. Eyebrows and Eyelashes
Vitiligo can also affect the delicate hairs of the eyebrows and eyelashes, especially when patches of depigmented skin appear around the eyes. Early signs often include a few pale lashes or a narrow streak of lighter hair along the eyebrow. Over time, the change may spread to a larger portion of the brow or lash line.
Because the eyes are such a focal point of the face, even a small patch of white lashes can feel very noticeable. However, the change is entirely cosmetic and does not harm the eyes or interfere with vision. Eyelashes continue to grow normally, and the hair itself remains healthy.
Many people use simple cosmetic strategies to manage the appearance. Tinted mascaras can darken white lashes, while brow pencils, powders, or gels can fill in and even out pale eyebrows. Professional treatments such as eyebrow tinting or semi-permanent makeup (microblading) can also create the look of fuller, darker brows. A dermatologist or cosmetic specialist can offer advice on safe products and techniques, especially for those with sensitive skin.
3. Beard and Body Hair
Vitiligo can extend to body hair as well. Men often notice depigmented patches in the beard or moustache area, where white hairs can stand out sharply against darker facial hair. Women may observe similar changes on the arms, legs, chest, or even on small, fine hairs of the hands or feet. Because body hair is less prominent than scalp or facial hair, these changes sometimes go unnoticed until a close inspection or a routine dermatological check reveals them.
As with other areas, the extent of body hair involvement can vary dramatically. Some people have only a few scattered white hairs, while others develop more widespread patches. The affected hairs remain structurally normal they simply lack melanin. Although body hair depigmentation is harmless, it can still carry an emotional burden, particularly for people who feel that the contrast between pigmented and non-pigmented hair draws unwanted attention.
The Unpredictable Pattern of Hair Depigmentation
One of the defining characteristics of vitiligo is its unpredictability. In some individuals, hair depigmentation remains confined to one area and does not change for many years. In others, new patches can develop suddenly and spread rapidly. Researchers are still studying why the condition behaves differently from person to person, but genetic factors, immune system activity, and environmental triggers such as stress or injury to the skin may all play a role.
Because vitiligo’s course is uncertain, regular check-ups with a dermatologist are valuable. Monitoring helps track any changes and provides opportunities to discuss treatment options early. While no therapy guarantees the return of pigment to hair, certain treatments such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or narrow-band UVB phototherapy may help restore colour to surrounding skin and reduce the risk of further hair depigmentation. Cosmetic solutions, including hair dyes, beard colouring, eyebrow tinting, and eyelash extensions, can also help individuals feel more comfortable and confident while medical treatments take effect.
Living with Hair Changes
Even though vitiligo-related hair depigmentation is not dangerous to physical health, it can affect emotional well-being. Seeing hair turn white unexpectedly especially at a young age can trigger feelings of embarrassment, worry, or frustration. Support groups, counselling, and educational resources can help people cope with the psychological impact. Sharing experiences with others who have vitiligo often provides reassurance and practical tips for daily management.
Treatments for Vitiligo Affecting Skin and Hair
Managing vitiligo that impacts both the skin and hair requires a carefully tailored treatment plan, as the condition can vary greatly from person to person. A dermatologist will usually begin by assessing the extent of pigment loss, the rate of progression, and the areas involved before recommending the most appropriate therapies. Because vitiligo affects both melanocytes in the skin and the hair follicles, a combination of approaches is often needed for the best results.
Topical Treatments
Dermatologists frequently prescribe topical medications to help control inflammation and stimulate repigmentation. Corticosteroid creams are a common first-line option, as they work to suppress the immune response that attacks pigment-producing cells. For delicate areas such as the face, neck, or genitals, non-steroidal calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may be recommended. These treatments are often used over several months and can help restore natural colour in early or mild cases when applied consistently.
Phototherapy (Light Treatment)
For more widespread or stubborn patches, phototherapy is a highly effective option. This treatment involves exposing the affected skin and hair to controlled doses of ultraviolet (UV) light usually narrowband UVB which helps stimulate melanocyte activity. Phototherapy can encourage pigment cells to return to the hair follicles as well as the surrounding skin. Treatments are typically performed two to three times a week in a clinical setting, though some patients may be given home phototherapy units under medical supervision.
Cosmetic and Camouflage Solutions
While medical treatments aim to restore pigment, cosmetic solutions can provide immediate improvements in appearance. Hair dyes can help blend white or grey hair that results from vitiligo, while brow pencils and camouflage creams can mask depigmented areas on the scalp, eyebrows, or beard. These products not only improve appearance but can also boost self-esteem, especially when repigmentation takes time or when permanent colour changes remain.
Emerging Therapies and Advanced Options
Research into vitiligo treatments is advancing rapidly. Newer therapies, such as biologic drugs and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, target specific immune pathways thought to be responsible for destroying melanocytes. Early studies show that these medications may help slow disease progression and even trigger repigmentation in some patients. In certain cases, surgical treatments like melanocyte transplants may also be considered when medical therapies do not achieve the desired results.
Because vitiligo affects individuals differently, treatment plans are often a combination of these methods. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist are essential to monitor progress, adjust therapies, and minimise side effects. With ongoing research and a personalised approach, people with vitiligo affecting both skin and hair have more options than ever to manage the condition and restore confidence.
Emotional and Social Impact
Changes in hair colour, particularly when they occur on visible areas such as the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard, can have a significant emotional effect on people living with vitiligo. Because hair is such a prominent part of personal appearance, any loss of pigment can draw unwanted attention and lead to feelings of self-consciousness. Children and teenagers are often especially vulnerable, as these changes may coincide with critical stages of identity formation and social development. They may worry about teasing at school, feel different from their peers, or avoid activities where the patches are more noticeable, such as swimming or sports.
For adults, visible depigmentation can also create anxiety in professional or social settings. Some individuals may experience lowered self-esteem, embarrassment, or even symptoms of depression, particularly if the condition progresses quickly or affects areas that are difficult to conceal. Daily routines, such as applying makeup, using hair dye, or choosing clothing to cover patches, can become emotionally draining and time-consuming.
Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals plays a vital role in coping with these challenges. Open conversations within the family can help normalise the condition and reduce feelings of isolation. Dermatologists and mental health counsellors can provide guidance, not only for managing the physical symptoms but also for addressing the emotional impact. Support groups whether in-person or online can be especially valuable, offering a safe space to share experiences, exchange practical tips, and gain encouragement from others facing similar struggles.
Final Thought: Taking Control of Skin and Hair Changes
Vitiligo isn’t limited to the skin it can also affect hair, leading to white or grey patches on the scalp, brows, lashes, or body. While these changes are harmless, they can feel distressing. The good news is that effective treatments exist, from topical creams to advanced therapies.
If you or your child are experiencing pigment changes in both skin and hair, it’s best to seek expert advice. You can book a consultation at our trusted Vitiligo Clinic in London for personalised care and treatment options.
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