Gray Hair: Genetics, Stress, and Nutrition Explained
Gray hair is primarily determined by genetics, not stress, according to experts from Harvard and Mount Sinai. Robert H. Shmerling of Harvard Health Publishing explains that hair color is fixed once a follicle produces a strand; graying occurs when follicles produce less melanin with age, typically starting around 35. Stress can accelerate hair loss via telogen effluvium, causing regrowth to be gray, but it does not directly turn hair gray. Judith Joseph, psychiatrist and Vichy Laboratories ambassador, emphasizes that genetics from parents are the main predictor. Medical conditions like vitiligo, alopecia areata, and thyroid disease, as well as deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, protein, or copper, can contribute to premature graying. Smoking, certain medications, and chemical exposure are also factors. The article, published on Vogue's website, advises embracing gray hair and consulting a dermatologist for concerns.
Key facts
- Gray hair is primarily genetic, not caused by stress.
- Hair color is fixed once a follicle produces a strand.
- Melanin production decreases with age, typically after 35.
- Stress can cause telogen effluvium, leading to faster hair loss and gray regrowth.
- Medical conditions: vitiligo, alopecia areata, thyroid disease.
- Vitamin deficiencies: B12, D, protein, copper.
- Smoking, certain medications, and chemicals can contribute.
- Embracing aging with a positive mindset may reduce negative symptoms.
Entities
Institutions
- Harvard Health Publishing
- Vichy Laboratories
- Mount Sinai’s Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- Vogue