Yes. Stress has been shown to speed up signs of aging — including gray hair. When you're stressed, your body has a fight-or-flight response and releases a hormone called norepinephrine. This causes the melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin — to move out of your hair follicles.
There is no specific treatment for gray hair that may be caused by stress. Instead, experts say to try to manage those stressors the best you can. It's not a foolproof solution, but it might help. “Some basic science research suggests that addressing stress may also help reverse graying,” says Barbosa.
Most people start to notice their first grey hairs in their mid-30s, but this can vary widely based on genetics, ethnicity, and other factors. Some may see grey hairs in their 20s, while others might not experience them until their 40s or later.
POSSIBLE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF GRAYING
Reversible hypopigmentation of the hair can be seen in nutritional deficiencies protein-energy malnutrition and diseases of chronic loss of protein. Copper and iron deficiency also can cause graying of hair.
Genetic or age related greying of hair cannot be reversed. However, greying related to diet, pollution, bleaching and stress can be slowed down with a balanced diet and a good hair care regimen. Illnesses that cause gray hair The vast majority of people with gray hair have age-related graying.
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.
Vitamin A, C and B12 are the most needed vitamins to increase the melanin production in your hair. Add citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, pineapple, and melon to your diet. Also eat vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beans, etc. Non vegetarians can try adding red meat, chicken liver, fish, and eggs to their diet.
It has long been thought that reversal of gray hair on a large scale is rare. However, a recent study reported that individual gray hair darkening is a common phenomenon, suggesting the possibility of large-scale reversal of gray hair.
While moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe, excessive intake may negatively impact hair health. Potential Effects of Caffeine on Hair 1. Hormonal Imbalance: Caffeine can disrupt hormonal balances, particularly affecting the thyroid gland. Hormonal changes can contribute to hair graying, thinning, or loss.
Context: 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.
Melanin is what gives your hair (and skin) its natural color. People of African descent, Thai, and Chinese people, go grey more slowly.
It has been found that some hairs can become colored again when stress is reduced. One study with experiments on mice found that stress caused white hair even if the immune system was suppressed (ruling out auto-immune response) and if the glands producing cortisol were removed.
Stress can cause hair to gray prematurely by affecting the stem cells that are responsible for regenerating hair pigment. The findings give insights for future research into how stress affects stem cells and tissue regeneration.
Simply put, biological age reflects the current condition of the body. Chronic stress can make you age faster by increasing your biological age, which can lead to health problems on top of cosmetic skin concerns. However, some researchers suggest that biological age can fall once again after a stressor subsides.
There's an oft-repeated myth that pulling out one gray hair causes ten more to grow in its place. That's not true—but it's still not a good idea to pluck your grays. While yanking out a stray gray or two may not seem like a big deal, over time, it can become one.
Oxidative Stress: Sleep deficiency can lead to increased oxidative stress in the body, which, in turn, can damage melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. This damage can expedite the greying process.
Coffee's caffeine content can promote hair growth and halt hair loss. It stimulates the hair shafts, causing the roots of the hair to grow longer and wider. As a stimulant, caffeine promotes blood flow to hair follicles. Additionally, using coffee can strengthen hair and speed up hair growth.
Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, lemon aids in collagen synthesis and enhances iron absorption from plant-based sources. This citrus fruit supports overall hair health and may play a role in preventing premature greying.
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.
Furthermore, it appears that once people are under less stress, the hair color can return – and while the researchers don't suggest that age-related grayness can be undone, these findings could teach us something about the biological processes of getting older.
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.
Several natural methods, particularly those that reduce stress, may help you to naturally reverse premature grey hair. These include exercise, mindfulness practices, healthy sleep habits, and building a supportive social network. A balanced diet may also help if your grey hair was caused by nutrient deficiencies.