Men can start having a grey beard in their 20s but most start in their 30s or 40s. The most common reason why beards are turning grey is genetics.
White or grey hairs in beards, like in scalp hair, occur primarily due to the natural aging process and a decrease in melanin production. Here are some key factors contributing to this phenomenon: Melanin Production: Hair color is determined by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in hair follicles.
King agrees and says that stress hormones may impact the survival of melanocytes in our hair, but there is no clear link between stress and gray hair.
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.
Most guys start to sprout gray hairs in their 30's, though some won't start to go gray until their late 40's. It's a genetic crapshoot, so don't feel bad if you happen to notice your first gray hairs even earlier - like in your 20's. It's not just the hair on you head though. Your facial hair slowly turns gray too.
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.
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.
Electrolysis: Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis doesn't rely on pigment. It uses a fine needle to deliver an electrical charge to each hair follicle. It's a more time-consuming process but is effective on all hair types, including grey hair.
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.
Genetic Mutations. "Just like long black hair that grows on the face and neck, these white hairs are also random, genetically mutant hair that grows during times of hormonal fluctuation in specific places, such as the chin, neck, and t-zone," adds Dr. Jegasothy.
If the cause of greying is genetic, it is not possible to reverse the process, no matter what some marketers on the internet claim. In case of nutritional deficiencies and underlying medical conditions, you can gradually slow down or even reverse the process.
No, most experts agree that pulling out gray hair is an impulse best avoided. Though plucking white hairs may seem like a quick and easy solution to your haircare woes, repeated plucking can damage the hair follicle and potentially cause the hair to thin.
There is a significant increase in mean percent of individuals with gray hair in smokers, chewers and in individuals with the habit of smoking as well as chewing tobacco, when compared to their normal counterparts, indicating strong genetic damage of melanocytes secondary to free radicals released by tobacco.
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.
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.
Melanin is what gives your hair (and skin) its natural color. People of African descent, Thai, and Chinese people, go grey more slowly.
The most common reason why beards are turning grey is genetics. After a certain number of years, your genes give directions to your body to stop producing melanin in your hair follicles – the substance that gives skin and hair colour. The lack of melanin causes your hair to go grey (well white actually).
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.
Growth rate: beard hair grows faster than head hair so new grey hairs show up in quick succession. Nutrition: lack of hair-boosting minerals and vitamins can contribute to premature greying.
There's undeniable allure in rocking a naturally gray beard. It exudes a sense of maturity, wisdom, and charisma that only comes with time. Sporting your gray can be a bold statement of confidence and authenticity, showing the world that you're comfortable in your skin — or in this case, your facial hair.
Understanding Why Beards Turn Grey
As you age, these melanocytes gradually become less active and eventually stop producing melanin, leading to grey or white hair.