How to prevent grey hair

For some, the presence of grey hair signifies maturity and wisdom whilst for others, having early onset of grey hair is a sign of ageing.

Premature greying is considered to occur if it appears before the age of 20 in Caucasians or before 30 in Africans. Some researchers propose that 25 years could serve as a benchmark for individuals from the Indian subcontinent. On average, Caucasians begin to grey around 34 years, while Black individuals typically start around 43.9 years.

The exact cause of premature grey hair is not well understood and extends to a number of contributors. Premature grey hair can occur due to an autosomal disease, oxidative stress as a result of ultraviolet rays, pollution, emotional factors, or other inflammatory causes. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and zinc can reduce melanogenesis (melanogenesis is the process where hair cells make melanin).

Premature greying should not be mistaken for Canities subita. Canities subita is a rare condition in which the patient experiences overnight greying of the hair. This usually occurs after a traumatic event. Premature greying on the other hand, occurs gradually.

 

What gives hair its natural colour?

Human hair colour is determined by two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Generally, the more melanin present, the darker the hair. Its tone depends on the ratio of black or brown eumelanin to yellow or red pheomelanin. Melanin levels can vary over time, causing a person's hair color to change, and one person can have hair follicles of more than one colour.

 

Lifestyle prevention for grey hair

• Stop smoking 
• Avoid excess sun damage 
• Avoid excess heat on the hair 

 

Vitamins and minerals to prevent grey hair

Correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies necessary for melanin production has been shown to improve colour intensity.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Zinc 
• Copper 
• Manganese
• Iron
• Calcium

 

 

 

Treatments for grey hair 

There is currently a small data pool to support pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of grey hair and more research is needed. For example, the timing between when grey hair presents itself and when treatment is initiated needs to be examined. So far, this is what we know: 

1. During the active growth phase (i.e. anagen phase) there is active melanogenesis in the hair follicle. A decline in antioxidant activity is thought to damage melanocytes, leading to decreased pigmentation. Wood et al. demonstrated that the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and absent of antioxidants was found in grey hair follicles compared to coloured hair follicles.
2. Topical prostaglandin analogues have also been used to stimulate melanin production. A randomised double-blind controlled study published in 2012 by Blume-Peytavi et al showed that latanoprost 0.1% improved hair density and hair pigment in terminal and vellus hair (baby hairs) at 24 weeks in healthy patients with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Latanoprost is a pharmaceutical ingredient marketed for glaucoma and is used off label for androgenic alopecia. It also happens to improve hair pigment.

 

 

 

 

References:

1. Shmerling, R. "Why does hair turn gray?" Harvard Health Publishing. March 24, 2022.
2. Blume-Peytavi, U et al. "A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the efficacy of a 24-week topical treatment by latanoprost 0.1% on hair growth and pigmentation in healthy volunteers with androgenetic alopecia." J American Academy of Dermatology. May 2012, Pages 794-800
3. Kumar, A et al. "Premature greying of the hair." Int J Trichology. 2018 Sep-Oct;10(5):198–203.