It is truly amazing to see how grey hair sprouts up as people progress in age, connoting change of some sort.

But what really is the scientific reason behind grey hair? 

Your hair follicles contain pigment cells that produce melanin (which gives your hair its colour).

Research suggests that ‘as we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. As the pigment cells in the hair follicles dwindle, those strands of hair will no longer contain as much melanin, becoming more transparent in colour, like grey, silver or white as it grows’

Interesting facts show that people can grow grey hair at any age, but on average, 50% of the population will have 50% grey hair by age 50!

 Men can start greying closer to 30, whilst women can start noticing grey hairs around 35 years of age!

People who get grey hair as early as under 20 are categorised as having ‘premature greys’ and this is largely genetic.

Some causes of grey hair include:

  1. Genetics

  2. Stress

  3. Vitamin Deficiencies

  4. Certain medical conditions

  5. Smoking

  6. Chemical hair dyes and hair products

It is believed that a person’s diet plays a part in preventing grey hair. A diet rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress.

Antioxidant – rich foods include: 

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Green tea

  • Olive Oil

  • Fish

Race also seems to play a role in the greying process. White skinned people start going grey in their mid-30s, whilst Asians start in their late 30’s. Black-skinned people averagely start greying in their mid-40s!

Do not get grey hair worrying about grey hair! 

With time, whenever they appear, grey hairs will be a great symbol to reflect that you have actually earned some ‘mileage’ on mother earth, which many pray about each day!