Cause of gray hair and actual ageing

In summary, as we age, there is a decrease in the chemical that keeps hair dark, which is melanin. Melanin is produced by pigment cells called melanocytes and is passed on to the cells that produce keratin, the main protein in hair. As we age, the melanocytes become less active, resulting in less pigment being deposited in the hair and causing it to appear lighter or gray. Eventually, the melanocytes die off completely, leaving no cells left to produce color. This process is not necessarily age-related and can also be affected by other factors.
  • #1
Medicol
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I have learned that a catalase increase may help feed peroxide and reduce gray hair but on the other hand human ageing states that its heme-Fe increases automatically overtime. These two "facts" really confuses me. Could you help me explain this ? Thank you.
 
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  • #2
As we age their is less of the chemical that keeps the hair dark!

We need to find out this chemical!
 
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  • #3
oracle21 said:
As we age their is less of the chemical that keeps the hair dark!

We need to find out this chemical!
The chemical is melanin.

What causes your hair's color to change? That has to do with the process controlling the production of the pigment called melanin, the same pigment that tans your skin in response to sunlight.

Every hair follicle contains pigment cells called melanocytes. The melanocytes produce eumelanin, which is black or dark brown, and pheomelanin, which is reddish-yellow, and pass the melanin to the cells which produce keratin, the chief protein in hair. When the keratin-producing cells (keratinocytes) die, they retain the coloring from the melanin. When you first start to go gray, the melanocytes are still present, but they become less active. Less pigment is deposited into the hair so it appears lighter. As graying progresses, the melanocytes die off until there aren't any cells left to produce the color.

http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/f/why-does-hair-turn-gray.htm
 
  • #4
Do all the cells die off?
 
  • #5
Just the colored ones.
 
  • #6
Think You!
 
  • #7
Tell me about the colored one's?
 
  • #8
Melanocytes is the short answer. The produce the pigments that color hair. When they die out you get grey hair. It is not necessarily age related.
 

1. What causes hair to turn gray?

There are several factors that can contribute to hair turning gray. The most common cause is a natural part of the aging process, as the production of melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color) decreases with age. Other factors that can contribute to gray hair include genetics, stress, and certain medical conditions.

2. Is there a difference between gray hair and actual aging?

Yes, there is a difference between gray hair and actual aging. While gray hair is a visible sign of the aging process, it does not necessarily mean that a person is experiencing other age-related changes in their body. It is possible for someone to have gray hair at a young age due to genetics or other factors, but still have a healthy, functioning body.

3. Can stress cause hair to turn gray?

While there is no direct link between stress and gray hair, chronic stress can contribute to premature graying by causing damage to the melanin-producing cells in the hair follicles. Stress can also accelerate the aging process in general, making a person more susceptible to gray hair.

4. Is there any way to prevent or reverse gray hair?

At this time, there is no known way to prevent or reverse gray hair. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels may help delay the onset of gray hair. Some studies have also shown that certain vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and biotin, may help slow down the graying process.

5. Are there any health concerns associated with gray hair?

Gray hair itself is not a health concern, but it can be a sign of underlying health issues. For example, premature graying may be linked to certain autoimmune diseases. In addition, some studies have found a correlation between premature graying and an increased risk of heart disease. It is important to consult with a doctor if you have concerns about your gray hair and overall health.

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