Does stress make hair white? How to avoid gray hair?

Understand what factors lead to this change and how healthy eating and habits help delay aging

Shilpi Ketarpalassociate professor of Dermatology and dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, specializing in hair disorders and laser and aesthetic dermatology, explains why hair turns gray or whitewhat is the relationship of fatigue with this event and how to avoid premature aging of the strands.

What causes our hair to turn grey? Is my hair more likely to go gray if I’m stressed?

Many things can cause our hair to turn gray, including genetics and stress. Hair graying is most often not related to stress, but it can make aging worse.

In humans, the purpose and function of hair is debatable, unlike in animals. Hair, however, serves as both an aesthetic tool and a means of non-verbal communication. The style and color of our hair can alter our physical appearance and affect our body image. Hair colors range from black and brown to red and blonde. Over time, hair slowly turns gray or white. Gray hair is perceived as a sign of old age, which can affect a person’s self-esteem, especially if it occurs prematurely.

Hair follicles have stem cells called melanocytes that produce a pigment, melanin, which gives hair color. Melanocytes change to continue producing melanin for a certain amount of time. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The diversity in hair color comes from the amount and proportion of black-brown eumelanin and reddish-brown pheomelanin. A mutation in a certain receptor (melanocortin-1 or MC1R) leads to red hair.

As we age, these melanin-producing cells undergo a phenomenon called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which causes hair to turn gray or white.

In addition to age, other factors can determine when someone’s hair will start changing color. The first is genetics: If your parents started graying early, there’s a chance you will. Ethnicity also plays a role. It has been shown that aging occurs earlier in Caucasians than in African Americans. One study showed that the average age of aging in Caucasians is 34 compared to 44 for African Americans.

Diet

Another reason is stress. Chronic stress can have multiple effects on the body and hair is no exception.. A 2013 study showed a correlation between stress and gray hair in mice. The theory is that melanocytes become depleted when under stress. While genetics appears to be a major factor when someone goes gray, stress can contribute to this.

A good diet, however, may be able to reverse some of the negative effects of stress on your hair. A diet rich in antioxidant sources such as fish, olive oil, and fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce oxidative stress.

Other factors known to cause aging include smoking and nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin D, B12, or ferritin). In these cases, correcting the deficiency has been shown to restore some of the hair’s pigment or color.

To keep your hair healthy, eat a balanced diet that is high in protein and includes lots of fruits and vegetables; and reduce stress with exercise or meditation.

+The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra newsletter. Click here!

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.