This period, when graying has just begun, is probably when the process is most reversible, according to Paus. In those with a full head of gray hair, most of the strands have presumably reached a “point of no return,” but the possibility remains that some hair follicles may still be malleable to change, he says.
Grey hair that is caused by aging, thanks to old age, cannot naturally turn black again. But grey hair that originates from discoloration, stress, nutrition, pollution, vitamin deficiency and other physical ailments can be turned black again naturally if cared for properly.
You cannot reverse gray hair as the pigment change occurs in the internal structure when the hair is being produced. You can cover gray hair with hair color. Gray hair is inherent. If your parents have a lot of gray hair it is safe to say that you will too.
Once hair has turned gray or white, it generally does not revert to its original color naturally. However, certain factors can influence the appearance of gray hair: Health and Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals may support overall hair health, but it won't necessarily restore color to gray hair.
While it is very rare for white hairs to grow back in with their earlier color, it has been documented to happen. The mechanism that allows it to do so is currently unknown. A white hair can spontaneously become dark again as well, but again, this is a very rare phenomenon.
Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.
As we age, melanocytes decrease in number and less melanin is produced. Fewer melanocytes mean a lack of pigment in the hair, resulting in a silvery-gray color. Now the hair itself is not actually white; it is an optical illusion that results when light is refracted off the hair, creating a silver-like look.
The average age of onset of hair graying appears to be mid- to late forties; however, this varies with race, with the average age for Caucasians being mid-thirties, that for Asians being late thirties, and that for Africans being mid-forties.
Many things can cause our hair to gray, including genetics and stress. The graying of hair most of the time is unrelated to stress, but it can worsen the graying.
Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG.
We have previously published findings that, after the age of 50, humans are seldom with- out gray hair. At this age, around 50% of men and 30% of women are moderately or totally gray haired.
"Ensure you have an adequate level of vitamin D3 and vitamin B12, since deficiencies in either of these may accelerate graying," explains Lain. Other important micronutrients for healthy hair include vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc, iron, copper, selenium and magnesium.
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants and nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B5, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Consume wholefoods, green leafy vegetables, and fruits every day and avoid processed foods and refined sugar.
Similarly, if the cause is a chronic disease, the graying cannot be reversed. However, if it's stress that's causing your hair to turn white, a recent study has shown that it may be possible for it to naturally regain its color.
Melanin is what gives your hair (and skin) its natural color. People of African descent, Thai, and Chinese people, go grey more slowly.
Genetics: One of the primary factors associated with premature graying is the presence of certain genetics. The age at which your hair starts to turn gray is influenced by your genes. If you have a first-degree relative experiencing gray hair, you may likely develop gray hair at an early age.
In some individuals, the change in color of pubic hair may occur around the age of fifty, but it can happen earlier or later, depending on individual genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors.
Disrupted sleep patterns can disturb melatonin production, affecting the balance of melanin in the hair follicles. Inflammatory Response: Poor sleep can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, potentially affecting the hair follicles and contributing to greying.
There's no hard-and-fast rule about when (or if!) you should stop coloring your hair and go gray; it's ultimately a personal choice.
That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.
Grey hair has a little melanin in it while white hair has zero. It also differs in texture, says hairdresser and colour expert, Lisa Shepherd: “Grey hair can be slippy and shiny whereas white hair tends to go more fluffy and frizzy.” But while we know 'what' white hair is, it's the 'why' and 'when that's up in the air.
Changes in hair colour typically occur naturally as people age, eventually turning the hair grey and then white.