Many people dye their hair gray because it represents advanced age and a lot of stress. But when do you get gray hair and does stress really affect it?
At what age do you get gray hair?
On average, men in Europe start graying at the age of 30. Women only have to adjust to the gray hair color at an average age of 35.
Incidentally, people of African or Asian origin usually get gray hair much later, which studies show is due to their genes. But the genes also play an important role in every individual and can trigger gray hair sooner or later.
Where does gray hair come from?
Once the body runs out of melanin, the hair loses its color. This is a completely normal aging process, which unfortunately cannot be stopped. However, there are other factors that cause hair to turn gray. This includes:
stress
Smoking
hormonal imbalances
Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
These factors also lead to a lack of melanin, causing the hair to lose its color. Exactly why this is the case is currently being researched and is not yet entirely clear. So gray hair can have different origins, but at some point it always happens.
What role does stress play?
Some clinical studies have found that stress can lead to gray hair. This is because the hair roots react to stress hormones. The production of melanin, the hair dye, suffers as a result. As a result, fewer or no more color pigments are produced
However, the direct connection between gray hair and stress is disputed in science, to go through life more relaxed, but it also makes sense
Can the color be brought back?
In another study, conducted by Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, it was found that stress-related gray hair can actually be restored to its original state. However, the study is not really representative, as only 14 subjects took part. They kept a diary in which their own stress level was recorded. By reducing stress, some subjects also regained their hair color. So there is at least the assumption that stress affects hair color and that hair color can even be regained through a more relaxed life.
You can achieve more relaxation in everyday life primarily through mindfulness exercises and a conscious perception of your surroundings. With short, conscious moments in everyday life you can reduce the stress a lot and thus do something good for your hair.
