Updated June 2022 By Dr Jonathan Palmer
Why does hair go grey? What causes grey hair?
Our hair changes colour as we get older; it will get lighter and eventually become grey.
This process generally starts around the age of 30 but can develop when you are significantly younger, but why do we go grey in the first place?
Greying hair is a natural process and the subject of much scientific study. Essentially hair turns grey because of decreases in the amount of melanin (hair colour pigment) naturally expressed in your hair follicles during fibre synthesis. This occurs because there are complex biochemical changes happening at the follicle level, which either affect the metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of melanin or dysregulate the follicle cycle itself.
You may have heard that grey hair is unhealthy, but this isn't always the case. Grey hair usually has a healthy cuticle and good strength; it only lacks the melanin that gave your hair its original colour.
Changes in your body, such as hormonal changes, severe illness, or a diet, can change the production of melanin proteins within your hair follicles. In some cases, these changes could lead to less hair pigmentation.
Reasons for premature greying include excessive hair dyeing using peroxides, bleaches (hydroxides) and undue physical or emotional stress.
Reduce the risk of grey hairs by:
Maintaining a balanced diet with a good mix of fruit and veggies.
Consider taking vitamin supplements from a reputable supplier.
Try to maintain a stress-free life. Yes, stress can affect your hair.
Exercise regularly. This helps keep you both healthy and fit.
A healthy body is needed to create healthy hair.
Hair can rapidly change colour (becoming lighter in tone), something typically observed at the ends of hair and on top of our scalps. This phenomenon is further discussed in our hair colour guide here.
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If you have concerns about changes in your hair colour or other changes in your hair, then please consider the HairKnowHow Complete Hair Analysis package. Following your hair analysis, we can advise you further with tailored expert advice.
