Pluck one grey hair, and two more grow! This is actually untrue - along with the much-believed falsehood that grey hair is caused by stress or trauma. By age 50, most people have a significant amount of beautiful grey hair. But what causes this?
Actually, hair begins as white - and then melanocytes, the cells in hair follicles, generate the pigment melanin, which gives color to hair. The more melanin, the darker the hair. The less melanin, the lighter the hair. In youth, the melanocyte cells continue their jobs, giving color to our hair. Overtime, however, the cells begin to conk out and stop producing the pigments, which leads to grey hair. Graying usually begins at the temples, and then slowly moves from front to back.
Generally, the time one begins to go grey is determined by genetics. However, other factors can cause grey hair, and even a premature onset of graying.
One common factor is Vitamin B12 deficiency, also known as pernicious anemia. Our hair follicles actually require Vitamin B12, because without it, they are deprived of oxygen-rich blood, as Vitamin B12 is responsible for the production of healthy red-blood cells. To avoid this, make sure to consume Vitamin B12-rich foods daily, such as cheese, eggs, and shellfish.
An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can also result in premature grey hair. This is because the thyroid gland affects the functioning of the activities of the pigment-producing melanocytes. Experts advise those under the age of 30 who have a lot of grey hair to get their thyroid activity checked by a medical professional.
A condition known as Vitiligo can also cause pre-mature graying. This auto-immune disease occurs when the melanocyte cells are destroyed, resulting in de-pigmented areas on the skin and premature grey hair.
Smoking tobacco products may also contribute to the premature graying of hair. Smokers are found to be four times more likely to have grey hair. According to Ralph M. Trueb, skin specialist, the chemicals in smoke may damage the DNA in hair follicle cells and constrict blood vessels that supply the follicles.
Also, according to Harvard Scientists, the failure of melanocyte stem cells to maintain the production of melanocytes could cause the graying of hair.
Nichol Clark, hairstylist at Mockingbird Salon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also indicated one other reason for grey hair. 'If there is a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in the body, that can also cause grays,' said Clark.
Statistically, the chances of going grey increases 10-20% every decade after 30 years. Biological sex may determine the onset of grays for some, as it is said that men typically go grey by the age of 30, while women tend to go grey by the age of 35. Race and ethnicity may also play a part as it is said that those of European or Middle Eastern ancestry tend to go grey before those with African or Asian ancestry.
Some wrongfully say that a career in politics causes grey hair. For instance, onlookers often blame the graying of American presidents' hair on their stressful jobs in office. However, what is actually happening is the president has finally reached the age when hair would typically grey, with the heavy stress job being a mere coincidence. For instance, President Obama, at age 47, is finally ripe for grays. This further dismantles the 'grey hair is a sign of stress or trauma' folktale.
Many of these fore-mentioned factors do make the onset of grey hair seem connected to unfortunate circumstances of disease, toxins, or deficiencies. Whatever reason brings on the grey, it is a lucky bag of silver for those who get to sport it, and should be treated with the utmost respect with hair products made specifically with grey glory in mind.
Debrah Morkun is a writer, poet, and certified yoga instructor. She began going grey at the age of 17, and was excited by this sign of wisdom. She happily lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visit http://www.gutzygray.com.
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