What Causes Hair to Turn Grey?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the causes of hair turning grey, exploring the chemical processes involved, the role of melanin, and potential genetic factors. Participants also consider the influence of external factors such as health conditions and lifestyle choices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the chemical process that leads to hair turning grey and why grey is the resulting color rather than other colors like red or blue.
  • Another participant provides links to external resources that may address the question.
  • A participant acknowledges the explanation regarding melanin production and poses a question about whether the underlying cause is due to an excess or defect of a chemical agent.
  • Another participant suggests that while a chemical agent could be involved, there may also be a genetic limit to melanin production, speculating that certain health conditions could influence the timing of greying hair.
  • It is noted that individuals with certain health issues, such as AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, may experience greying earlier than what is expected based on genetics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the causes of grey hair, with some focusing on genetic factors while others consider environmental or health-related influences. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes speculative elements regarding the role of chemical agents and genetic factors, with no consensus on the exact mechanisms involved in hair greying.

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"Why does your hair turn grey"?

What is the chemical process which, changes your natural hair color to grey? Why gray and not red or blue? :confused:
 
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iansmith said:
Does that answer your question

http://kidshealth.org/kid/grownup/getting_older/gray_hair.html
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/medicine/article/0,12543,355658,00.html

Thanks iansmith, Yes you did, understood. If lack of sufficient melanin production in pigment cells, of the hair follicle is the cause. Then white hair would be the total lack of melanin. Do you think the cause of the cause would be excess or defect of a chemical agent?
 
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It could chemical agent but it could also be that there is a set limit on melanin production set by the genetic clock. There probably a chemicals that is missing as you age but this is pure speculation.As stated in the article, gray hair seems to be a genetic thing but people with aids, who smokes or in chemotherapy can develop gray early than the genetic clock. There migth be a chemical common to these situation.
 

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