Can Stress Cause Gray Hair? Separating Fact From Fiction
Hair tends to naturally turn gray during the aging process as hair follicles begin producing less and less pigment, typically starting around the age of 35.
If you are experiencing stress in your life, you might want to consider adopting healthier lifestyle habits, incorporating relaxation techniques into your life, or seeking the guidance of a licensed therapist. Certain illnesses and vitamin deficiencies can also lead to premature or abrupt graying, so you may wish to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to rule out underlying causes.
What causes hair to turn gray?
Your hair's color comes from melanin, the same pigment that gives your skin its color. Every hair follicle has a set number of melanin-producing cells, called melanocytes. The pigment-producing stem cells, also called melanocyte stem cells, are found at the base of the hair follicles.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the natural process of hair graying is due to the slow decline in these melanocyte stem cells as you age. At some point, melanin in the follicle may become completely absent, resulting in white hair. The age at which graying begins varies based mostly on underlying genetic factors, with environmental factors (including stress, smoking, illness, and exposure to radiation) possibly playing a role. Most people starting to notice gray hairs in their mid-thirties or early forties.
How can stress cause early graying?
Although stress has not been shown to directly turn hair gray, research has shown that it may accelerate the graying process by increasing oxidative stress in the hair bulbs. Studies have shown that oxidative stress, which makes reactive free radicals that can damage cells, may damage melanocytes directly and result in loss of pigment. Additionally, stress increases the production of noradrenaline, which can alter signaling and cause melanocytes to leave the reserve in the hair follicle, resulting in further loss of pigment.
Stress-induced hair graying may be reversible. According to a study conducted at Columbia University, stress-induced graying may be reversible. In this study, when chronic stress was reduced, many study participants began regaining melanocyte melanin production in their hair follicles and new hair growth regained color.
Other causes of graying
Vitamin B-12 deficiency, thyroid disease, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and cigarette smoking can all lead to a loss of hair pigment. If you have sudden hair loss, premature hair loss, or any unexplained symptoms, you might consider consulting doctor. They can conduct various blood tests to evaluate whether you might have an underlying health condition or deficiency that is contributing to graying.
When vitamin B-12 deficiency is corrected through dietary or supplement changes, hair graying may be reversible. However, smoking can cause damage to hair follicles, and the resulting premature graying may not be reversible.
What to do when your hair turns gray or white
Hair graying is often seen as a sign of aging, and premature hair graying, hair loss, and hair thinning can cause significant stress and affect a person’s self-esteem. If you believe that premature or abrupt graying may be due to an underlying medical condition or chronic stress, you may wish to seek out professional help. In some instances, premature graying may be reversible through medication, nutritional supplementation, or psychotherapy aimed at stress reduction.
While graying caused by environmental factors may be preventable or reversible, normal graying occurs as we age, and it is typically not preventable. For most people, hair dyes may be the best treatment option for dealing with the cosmetic concerns of graying hair.
There are many types of hair dyes available on the market, from temporary to permanent dyes. Since hair shafts devoid of melanin are typically more delicate and vulnerable to breakage, you may achieve the best hair dying results by seeking out the guidance of a licensed hair stylist. In addition to providing insight on the best dye types and colors for your hair, they may be able to recommend color-safe shampoos and conditioners that will help you maintain color for longer.
While aging can be stigmatized in some cultures, you may benefit from accepting aging. If you are considering letting your gray hair grow out, you might find it helpful to incorporate lowlights or highlights, remove residual hair dye, or dye all of your hair gray to smooth out the transitional period.
Effects of stress
In addition to accelerating the rate of hair graying, chronic stress can cause long-term inflammation, hinder immune function, and contribute to the development of behaviors that lead to hypertension and various diseases. Additionally, chronic stress can harm mental health and lead to worsening symptoms of some mental health conditions. Chronic stress may contribute to the development or worsening of the following diseases and conditions:
Anxiety disorders
Major depressive disorder
Substance use disorder
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Obesity
Asthma
Insomnia
High blood pressure
Certain types of cancer
Lowering your stress
Though chronic stress can be harmful to your health (and hair color), there are steps you can take to relieve it, including the following:
Exercise
Routine physical activity can reduce stress by increasing the level of endorphins (a natural mood booster) released by your body, helping you recenter your mind, improving sleep quality, and reducing muscle tension. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones, and clinical trials have found that exercise can help some people with anxiety disorders and/or depression.
Avoid excessive substance use
Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and unprescribed drugs can all increase stress. For example, excess caffeine consumption can elevate stress, raise your heart rate, and cause racing thoughts, making stress and anxiety worse. Although some people may use these substances to relieve their stress, it’s typically not effective in the long term.
Keep a gratitude journal
By taking time every day to write down what you’re thankful for, you can help yourself center positive things in your life. Studies show that gratitude journals may help you reduce your stress, improve your sleep quality, and reduce symptoms of depression.
Practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness
Meditation has been shown to help people reduce worrying, improve self-awareness, and improve mood. Additionally, meditation can be practiced anywhere (such as on a walk or while you’re waiting for the bus), and it is generally free or low-cost. Similarly, and can be practiced for free with the use of online instructional videos. However, you may prefer to seek out a group class where you can get feedback from an instructor and meet new people.
Make time for family and friends
A strong support system may help you lower your stress and manage anxiety. Spending time with loved ones can increase the production of oxytocin, a neurochemical that can facilitate bonding and relaxation.
Therapy for stress
Life stressors and mental health challenges can make it difficult to handle stress on your own. If you feel overwhelmed by stress or worry, it may be a good idea to try therapy. A licensed therapist may be able to assist you in changing negative thinking patterns and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Some people with chronic stress may prefer online therapy because it eliminates the need to commute to sessions. A 2018 study found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective at reducing stress in individuals with adjustment disorder and exhaustion disorder. Another study found that both videoconference-based CBT and in-office CBT were effective for reducing symptoms of stress.
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can connect with a therapist via phone or video chat at a time that works for you. You can also contact your therapist in between sessions through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can.
Takeaway
Does grey hair from stress go away?
The relationship between stress and graying hair has been highlighted in a study by Martin Picard, PhD, associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University. His research examines how stress can cause hair to gray prematurely by impacting the stem cells responsible for regenerating hair pigment.
Picard's new study offers insights into how stress may affect our body, particularly our hair. His research suggests that hair graying is not as irreversible as previously thought and that reducing stress could sometimes reverse the graying process. Pigment cells may recover with reduced stress levels, meaning the gray hairs could eventually return to their original color.
This perspective is groundbreaking as it opens up the possibility that our body's aging process might be more flexible than we know and that external factors like stress could have a tangible impact. The study finds stress management techniques might not only have mental and emotional benefits but could also have physical effects that reverse the signs of aging.
While more research is needed to fully understand and confirm these findings, Picard's work is an important step in exploring the connection between our physiological responses to stress and their visible effects on our bodies.
What makes your hair turn gray?
Hair turns gray when the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles, known as melanocytes, stop producing color. These melanocytes inject pigment into the keratin-containing cells that give hair its color. As we age, the activity of these melanocytes gradually decreases, eventually leading to a reduction or complete halt in pigment production. This process causes hair to change color and turn white when there is a complete loss of pigment.
Several factors contribute to the graying process:
- Genetics: The primary determinant of when and how much your hair will turn gray is largely dictated by genetics. If your parents or grandparents experienced early graying, you might be more likely to have the same experience.
- Aging: Naturally, as people age, the number of pigment cells in their hair follicles declines. This reduction in pigment cells causes the hair to turn gray and eventually white.
- Health and lifestyle factors: Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can also influence the graying process. For example, thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and smoking can accelerate the loss of hair pigment.
- Stress: While stress alone doesn't directly cause hair to turn gray, it may play a role in accelerating the aging process, including the graying of hair. Acute stress, in particular, can lead to the release of hormones that impact melanocyte activity and cause premature graying.
The graying of hair is a natural part of aging, influenced by a combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. While the process is largely unavoidable, understanding these contributing factors can help you manage the graying process and maintain overall hair health.
What type of stress causes grey hair?
The connection between stress and the graying of hair has been a subject of much speculation and research. One recent study used animals to examine this relationship and provided insight into what type of stress might cause hair to turn gray.
In this study, mice were exposed to three types of stress: mild, short-term pain, psychological stress, and restricted movement. These stressors led to a noticeable loss of melanocyte stem cells, crucial for hair pigmentation, resulting in hair graying.
Researchers identified the neurotransmitter noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine) as a key player in stress-induced hair graying. Noradrenaline levels, along with corticosterone, were found to be elevated in the stressed mice. This neurotransmitter is the primary chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system, which governs our body's "fight-or-flight" reaction in response to stress. The study suggests that the release of noradrenaline during stress causes a rapid depletion of melanocyte cells in the hair follicles, leading to the graying of hair.
This research sheds light on the biological pathways through which different types of stress can impact hair color, highlighting noradrenaline's significant role in this process. The sympathetic nervous system's activation and the subsequent release of noradrenaline appear to be crucial factors linking stress with the graying of hair. This finding helps explain why, sometimes, humans might notice an increase in gray hairs after prolonged or intense stress.
How can I reduce grey hair naturally?
The negative effects of stress on our physical and mental health are well documented, but there is still much to discover about how it specifically affects the graying of hair. While more research is needed in this area, a few lifestyle changes may help reduce the appearance of gray hairs.
- Practicing stress management: As we now know, stress can directly impact hair pigmentation. So, finding ways to manage and reduce stress levels can also help slow the graying process. Spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in regular physical activity are all great ways to de-stress and promote overall well-being.
- Eating a balanced diet: Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to graying hair, so make sure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods like leafy greens, fish, eggs, and nuts can provide essential nutrients for healthy hair. You may also experience more energy, better sleep, and better physical health when eating a balanced diet, which can indirectly reduce stress levels.
- Eliminating unhealthy habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can all increase the risk of premature graying. The negative effects of these habits extend far beyond just hair health, so cutting back or eliminating them can significantly impact your overall health.
While we cannot stop hair from turning gray completely, we can take steps to slow down the process and promote healthy, vibrant hair. Making choices that support a healthy mind and body can also have the added benefit of reducing stress levels, helping us live happier and more fulfilling lives.
Why shouldn't you pluck grey hairs?
Plucking gray hairs is common for many, but it's important to understand why this might not be the best approach. While the act of plucking won't turn hair gray, other concerns should be considered.
The primary issue with plucking gray hairs is the potential damage it can cause to the hair follicle. Repeatedly plucking hairs from the same follicle can lead to damage or trauma to that follicle. Over time, this damage can become significant enough to affect the follicle's ability to produce new hairs. In some cases, this can result in permanent hair loss from that particular follicle, leading to thinning hair in the area.
Moreover, excessive plucking can also lead to other issues, such as irritation or infection of the skin around the hair follicle. Plucking can be particularly problematic if the skin is broken during the process, as it opens up the potential for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
So, while plucking might seem like a quick fix to hide gray hairs, it's not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution. If gray hairs are a concern, more hair-friendly options include trimming the individual hairs or using hair colorants specifically designed to cover grays. These methods are less likely to cause damage to the hair follicles and can provide a more effective solution for managing gray hair.
Can lack of sleep cause grey hair?
Lack of sleep can raise cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. As mentioned earlier, stress can contribute to hair graying by causing a depletion of melanocyte stem cells. Therefore, a lack of sleep may indirectly lead to gray hairs.
In addition to the potential effects on hair pigmentation, inadequate sleep can negatively impact overall health and well-being. It can lead to fatigue, mood disturbances, and impaired cognitive function. Thus, getting enough quality sleep is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health.
Hair graying is a natural and inevitable process as our bodies continue to age. However, by understanding the role of stress in this process and making lifestyle choices that support well-being, we can potentially delay the onset or reduce the appearance of gray hairs.
Are grey hairs permanent?
Yes, gray hairs are typically permanent. Once the melanin-producing cells in the hair follicles stop producing pigment, the hair will grow gray. However, if the graying is caused by a vitamin deficiency or other underlying health issue, treating that root cause may help restore hair color.
If the stem cells related to hair pigmentation are restored, it is possible to reverse the graying process. However, this does not always happen and is not a guaranteed solution. More research is needed on effectively restoring hair pigmentation and reversing the graying process.
Are grey hairs normal at 25?
While grey hair typically begins around middle age, it is not uncommon for people in their 20s to start noticing a few gray hairs. Many factors can contribute to premature graying, including genetics, stress, and lifestyle habits.
If you are concerned about your gray hair at 25, a healthcare provider can help determine if any underlying issues may be causing it. Additional resources are also available to manage stress and promote overall well-being, which may help slow the graying process.
Therapy offers a safe and effective way to work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Additionally, regular self-care activities such as exercise, journaling, or spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress levels and promote a positive mindset.
Can shampoo reverse grey hair?
Shampoo does not affect hair at a cellular level, so it cannot reverse grey hair. However, using a shampoo specifically designed for gray hair may help improve the appearance and texture of silver or white strands. These shampoos often contain ingredients that help counteract yellowing or dullness in gray hair, making it appear brighter and more vibrant.
Choosing a gentle and nourishing shampoo can also promote overall scalp and hair health, which may indirectly support the pigmentation process. But ultimately, shampoo alone cannot reverse gray hair.
Healthy habits such as getting enough sleep and eliminating unhealthy practices like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption may be a more effective way to support hair health and potentially delay the onset of gray hairs. While aging is inevitable, taking care of our bodies and minds can help us embrace the natural changes that come with it.
Will I look older if I let my hair go grey?
The idea that gray hair automatically makes someone look older is a common belief, but it's not necessarily true. How old we appear largely depends on our overall appearance and lifestyle choices.
For example, if someone has healthy skin and takes care of their body through proper nutrition and exercise, they may not look significantly older with gray hair compared to when they had their natural color. On the other hand, someone with poor overall health and lifestyle habits may look older regardless of their hair color.
Additionally, embracing your natural gray hair can be seen as a sign of confidence and self-acceptance, making you appear more youthful. Aging gracefully often involves embracing and celebrating the changes that come with getting older, including gray hair. So whether you choose to dye your grays or let them show, it's important to focus on living a healthy and happy life rather than worrying about how others perceive your appearance.
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