In the News – Gray Hair Caused By Cell Stress

Snippet from the article:

Work or personal stress may make you want to pull your hair out, but it’s cellular stress that actually turns it gray, a new study has found.

That’s because DNA is “under constant attack” by damaging agents, such as chemicals, ultraviolet light, and ionizing radiation, according to study lead author Emi Nishimura of Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

A single mammal cell can encounter up to 100,000 events a day that damage DNA, Nishimura added in a statement.

The stem cells within hair follicles responsible for color are the most impacted by this irreparable DNA weathering.

Read the rest at National Geographic — Gray Hair Caused by Stress (Cell Stress, That Is)

Essentially, the stem cells that produce pigment in your hair follicles dry up as you age. The study was done to learn more about aging in general, and the findings could eventually lead to an anti-gray-hair lotion. For now though, stick with hair dye.