Screenshot
Screenshot
How to keep hair from growing gray…. Kind of
Gray hair occurs when melanin-producing cells stop working, a process driven mainly by genetics but also influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle, and while no proven method can stop it, antioxidants and emerging research suggest possible ways to manage or even reverse pigmentation loss.
-
- Genetics: Your DNA largely dictates when you will go gray. People of different ethnic backgrounds tend to gray at different ages, and you typically start seeing gray hairs around the same age your parents did.
- The Aging Cycle: Hair follicles constantly cycle through growth, resting, and shedding. Over time, as a follicle goes through these cycles, the melanocyte stem cells eventually die off and stop regenerating
-
- Oxidative Stress & Stress Hormones: Natural wear-and-tear, along with severe or chronic stress, triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline into the hair follicles. This can overactivate stem cells, depleting them much faster and accelerating the graying process.
Key points:
Hair turns gray when melanocyte cells stop producing melanin after about seven to 15 hair growth cycles.
Professor Desmond Tobin says genetics is the primary factor in graying, with pollution, tobacco smoke, nutrition, sleep, and stress also affecting hair aging.
The typical age for noticeable gray hair varies widely, often appearing in the mid‑30s to 40s, but can occur earlier.
Experts state there is no widely recognized method to prevent gray hair once the process has begun.
Increasing intake of antioxidant‑rich fruits and berries may help reduce oxidative stress that contributes to aging of hair.
If you may need help with hair loss let me know as there are some good options! Appointments available Tuesday July 28th
Karen Soika MD
203-954-9293.