Is it true that stress makes you g0 gray?

Dermatologists analyze the effects of stress on hair and debate whether it can cause gray hair or not.

One of the most widespread clichés in the world of beauty is that women worry a lot about the appearance of gray hair (for example: world leaders who sport new silver hairstyles after years of serving their people ). Although it is well known that stress affects our physical and mental health, does it have anything to do with premature graying?

A sudden change in hair color can be considered one of the least important effects of stress on our body (gray hair itself is not harmful to health). But it’s worth looking into if you’re really curious. To better understand the correlation between stress levels and gray hair, we’ve turned to the professionals.

First we set out to understand why gray hair appears. Hair follicles contain melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment and give us our natural hair color. Dr’s explains that as we age, the number of melanocytes decreases and our hair begins to turn gray and eventually white. Also as we age, hydrogen peroxide builds up at the roots, which can also reduce pigmentation.

Can stress cause gray hair to appear?

Regardless of whether it is psychological stress, acute stress, or chronic stress, the short answer to this question is: Maybe. “Stress can cause hair to turn gray; “Research studies have suggested that stress may have an effect on the sympathetic nervous system and mitochondria of cells, causing graying by different mechanisms”. Hair Loss at the University of Chicago Medicine. “[But] more studies are needed to better understand these mind-body connections.”

Also stress hormones can influence the survival of the melanocytes in our hair, but there is no clear relationship between stress and gray hair. Instead, there are only a few small studies that show that it may be one of the many factors that contribute to this hair color change.

“Stress can contribute to graying hair as it causes oxidative damage that can damage pigment-producing cells, leading to less melanin being produced”. A recent study showing that the stress response in mice causes the depletion of melanocyte stem cells and can lead to gray hair. But right now, more research is needed to better understand how stress affects gray hair.

How does stress affect hair?

Stress is more of a risk factor in hair loss than in the appearance of gray hair. This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, occurs when someone experiences stress in the body or mind. Stress can cause a large number of hairs to become synchronized and fall out more than normal. The good news is that this type of hair loss is reversible and will grow back over time.

Treatment for gray hair

There is no specific treatment for gray hair caused by stress. Instead, experts say to try to control those stressors as best you can. It’s not a foolproof solution, but it can help. “Some basic scientific research suggests that addressing stress may also help reverse gray hair” “but more studies are needed in the area of gray reversal.” Of course, finding healthy ways to manage stress is good for our overall health and well-being.

lifestyle habits for avoiding gray hair

Changing lifestyle habits and addressing health problems can also help slow down the rate of hair color change. “Don’t smoke, treat any thyroid problems, and make sure you’re eating a good diet”. “[And] in general, I would recommend a diet that is predominantly plant-based and rich in antioxidants.”

As for vitamins and minerals you can take, studies show that biotin, calcium pantothenate, zinc, copper and seleni can help with premature gray hair. Experts points out products like Arey, which contain palmitoyl tetrapeptide 20, and which, according to small studies, promote hair pigmentation. But more data is needed to support these claims.

Shampoos and conditioners for gray hair

If you decide to embrace your new silver strands, one of the best ways to care for them is with moisturizing products: “Many people notice that the texture of their hair changes as they gray, becoming coarser and drier”. “For this reason, it is important to use hydrating shampoos and good conditioners to restore hydration to the hair shaft,” and adds that you can use products with blue pigments to reduce the yellowish tone. Products like Dove Love Your Silver Purple shampoo and conditioner contain biotin and purple pigment to keep white hair shiny and hydrated. Or Oribe’s Silverati Shampoo and Conditioner, both with fir extract to boost hydration and a blend of blue and silver pigments to prevent fading.

We are all going to get gray hair, and that is not a bad thing. If you notice that a strand of hair changes color when you least expect it, don’t worry. There are much more important things to worry about: “It’s a normal part of the aging process and there’s no need to correct it”. “I’m very happy to see that people have accepted gray hair lately. I think this is not just a trend, but a paradigm shift that really speaks to our acceptance of beauty in all its forms, even as we age.”