Ah, the age-old question: Why is my hair turning gray? Most people associate gray hair with getting older, and while age is a major factor in graying hair, many may not know why. In addition to age, there are other factors that contribute to hair turning gray. We’ll break down some of the myths about graying hair and FAQs for gray hair to help settle the mysteries once and for all.
Why Hair Turns Gray
Are you wondering what makes hair go gray? The truth is that there are a number of reasons that your hair may be turning gray. The most obvious reason that hair turns gray is because of age. While the actual strands themselves will never change color (unless you dye them), the hair follicles will start to produce less color over time.
How quickly someone goes gray has a lot to do with genetics, but there are other reasons that people go gray. Many people think that stress can make your hair gray, but that is not true. While stress itself will not induce gray hair, it can cause conditions that lead hair to shed about 3X as quickly as normally. This could result in hair that grows back as gray instead of your original color.
Certain illnesses and conditions can also impact hair going grey. Some of these may include vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, vitiligo, and alopecia. If, “Why am I going gray so young?” has been at the top of your list of concerns, however, it probably should not be unless you are experiencing other underlying health conditions. Everyone goes gray at a different rate; in general, gray hair is not something to be concerned about.
What Shade of Gray Will My Hair Turn?
While some people experience gray hair, others’ hair turns white. If you are wondering, “Why is my hair white instead of gray?” or vice versa, you’re in good company. Gray vs. white hair comes down to the pigment’s eumelanin and pheomelanin. Hair starts out going gray and eventually turns white as the hair follicle stops making melanin.
Will Grey Hair Change My Texture?
It can! Gray hair is thinner than hair with pigment because the hair cuticle is thinner. Just as blonde hair can feel dry, fragile, or coarse, so too may gray hair if it is not moisturized and hydrated properly. Consider using a special shampoo for gray hair or prolonging the length of time in between washing your hair if you see that your gray hair has started to lose its moisture.
