Yes, stress absolutely causes gray hair by triggering the release of norepinephrine, which depletes the hair follicle's melanocyte stem cells, stopping them from producing pigment (melanin). This process leads to new hair growing in white or gray, though in younger individuals, it can sometimes be reversible when the stress subsides.
Science tells us hair graying caused by stress can be reversible, according to a 2021 article published in the journal Cell Biology. Research scientists studied volunteers who donated strands of hair that were absent of any chemical treatments or hair dye.
A new study shows that stress really can give you gray hair. Researchers found that the body's fight-or-flight response plays a key role in turning hair gray. Your hair color is determined by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
A review of research suggests that proper supplementation may reverse premature graying in those who are deficient in certain nutrients, including iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. However, even though some supplements are specifically sold as “anti-graying,” there aren't any studies that prove they work.
The average age for grey hairs to start appearing is in the 30s, however, some people may find grey hairs in their 20s or even their teens. Factors like genetics, ethnicity, stress, and lifestyle play a role in when grey hair starts.
Avoid plucking grays—it can harm hair follicles, leading to hair loss or bald spots. Gray hairs won't multiply just because you pluck one, but their wiry return will draw more attention. Embrace your natural grays or gently cut them if they bother you, but steer clear of the tweezers.
But many see their first greys much earlier or later. Does lack of sleep cause grey hair? No direct link exists, but lack of sleep does increase stress hormones that may deplete melanocytes over time. Adequate sleep supports healthy hair.
Dietary Strategies for Preventing Grey Hair
Include a variety of antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and colorful vegetables in your diet. These foods are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and copper that support hair health.
Q: Can Vitamin B12 prevent gray hair? A: While there is no conclusive evidence that Vitamin B12 can reverse grey hair, it may help prevent premature greying by supporting overall hair health. Adequate levels of Vitamin B12 contribute to healthy hair growth and may help maintain hair color.
Korean grey hair treatments focus on nourishing the scalp, using natural ingredients like ginseng to boost melanin (like WT Methode or Daeng Gi Meo Ri) for potential color restoration, or employing pigmented shampoos (like Moda Moda or Ryo) for temporary darkening, often avoiding harsh chemicals for gentle coverage, alongside general hair health via oils, serums, and toning. While no magic cure reverses all gray, these K-beauty approaches manage premature graying and maintain color naturally.
15 Home Remedies for Grey Hair
Vitamin deficiencies such as low iron, copper, b12, and hypothyroidism can lead to premature greying. Compelling evidence suggests that prolonged intense stress can cause premature greying. Oxidative stress from the sun and tanning damages the pigment cells of the hair root causing hairs to become grey.
Without adequate moisture, hair follicles become weak, and melanin production slows down which increases the likelihood of early graying. This connection between dehydration and premature gray hair highlights why drinking enough water is essential.
If graying occurs with fatigue, weight fluctuations or temperature sensitivity, check thyroid hormones with a physician.
Listen to the words of Scripture, “A grey head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31).” “The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their grey hair (Proverbs chapter 20 and verse 29).”
Gray hair is often associated with aging, but for many millennials and Gen Zers, those frosty strands are showing up far earlier than expected. While genetics and stress are the usual suspects, experts suggest another overlooked factor could be at play: mineral deficiencies.
Unfortunately, plucking does not stop hair regrowth ever. Yes, it might slow down the regrowth when hair is plucked at the right times and might make the hair thinner by traumatizing the follicle as well. But, no, it cannot affect the health of the follicle long-lastingly.
Going very grey before the age of 30 is considered 'premature greying' and is most often a sign of a deficiency in a key vitamin or mineral, particularly a lack of B-vitamins, or low calcium or iron, although it can also be a symptom of rare genetic disorders.
The "Big 3" in hair loss treatment refers to a popular, multi-pronged approach using Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, targeting different aspects of hair thinning (like circulation, DHT, and inflammation) for potentially better results than single treatments, often used for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). While Minoxidil promotes growth, Finasteride blocks follicle-shrinking DHT, and Ketoconazole reduces scalp inflammation, sometimes Microneedling replaces Ketoconazole as a "Big 3" component.
The 7 common signs you're not drinking enough water include thirst and dry mouth, dark, infrequent urine, fatigue and headaches, dizziness, dry skin, constipation, and bad breath, all signaling your body needs fluids for functions like toxin flushing, nutrient transport, and maintaining energy, with urine color (pale yellow is ideal) being a great self-check.
Experts think that low magnesium may not only increase hair loss risk but may also contribute to premature greying.
3. Diet and Nutrition for Melanin Production
The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg). Older adults may need to eat more vitamin B-12. The ability to absorb vitamin B-12 lowers as a person gets older. Older adults may need to eat 10 to 12 mcg of vitamin B-12 to get enough of this vitamin.
Brown Hair Colors for Gray Hair
If your natural shade is medium blonde to dark brown, all shades of brown hair color for gray hair hit the sweet spot for full coverage. They are also ideal if you're gray all over.
"Grey hair is a natural process that can't be stopped," Eva clarifies. However, there may be a few things we can do to try and pause the process. What is the average age to go grey? There's no 'right' age to go grey.