Why does hair goes gray

Scientists experimenting with mice recently showed that three specific genes can help maintain stable numbers of melanin-producing cells.

By manipulating the genes, the researchers prevented or reduced gray hair in the mice. But no product based on the research is currently available. Historical accounts claim jailed British statesman Sir Thomas More and French queen Marie Antoinette went white overnight while awaiting execution. A study found that smokers on average went gray three years earlier than non-smokers.

As we age, our hair eventually loses its color. The dark or light color of someone's hair depends on how much melanin each hair has. As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color — like gray, silver, or white — as it grows.

As people continue to get older, fewer pigment cells will be around to produce melanin. Eventually, the hair will look completely gray. People can get gray hair at any age. Preventing gray hair is just one among many reasons to take care of your body, eat healthy, and kick those unhealthy habits once and for all. Learn about ways to kickstart your journey to healthy eating. On occasion, gray hairs can be a sign of illness, such as thyroid disease or alopecia areata a common autoimmune disorder.

If you have other tell-tale signs, such as balding patches, let your healthcare provider know. However, don't panic — these are rare and little cause for concern. Though the connection is less clear, certain environmental factors may play a role in how quickly you go gray.

For instance, pollution and ultraviolet UV rays from the sun may cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to various forms of aging like wrinkles. This can lead to a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles that can cause grays. Finding that first gray hair may be shocking, which is a perfectly natural reaction. While it's important to keep your body as healthy as possible for reasons that go beyond the color of your hair , remember that it's normal to develop gray hair as you age.

Whether you choose to dye your hair or rock the silver vixen look, it's important to do what makes you confident and happy. Everyone will go gray at some point or another — but it's up to you to decide how to react to those silver strands. Do you have questions about ways to stay healthy and prevent signs of aging, including gray hair?

Call to find a primary care provider at Chester County Hospital. Learn about other health-related hair concerns, such as hair loss. Date Archives Year Rewards for Good. Share with facebook. Share with twitter. Share with linkedin. Share using email. Getty Images. Cures for graying hair Trying to solve the puzzle of graying hair is as old as history.

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