Gray hair comes down to melanin, or rather the lack of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color. Gray hair has reduced melanin, while white hair completely lacks it. This occurs because of a gradual decline in the number of stem cells that mature to become melanin-producing cells.
Gray hair is caused by a loss in melanin, whereas white hair does not have any melanin at all. As you age, your hair produces less and less melanin that leads your hair to appear gray, and then eventually white. However, the speed that your hair loses melanin is largely attributed to genetics.
We use grey to describe the colour of people's hair when it changes from its original colour, usually as they get old (source). However, "white hair" can also be said to express the same thing: (of hair, a beard, etc.) silvery or grey, usually from age (source).
Can White Hair Turn Black Again? Genetic or age related greying of hair cannot be reversed.
With the right diagnosis and treatments, white hair progression can be stopped and reversed in some instances. A balanced diet and good hair care can also help. In some cases, however, the process is irreversible. Regular use of natural remedies may slow down and possibly reverse white hair.
Your hair follicles produce less color as they age, so when hair goes through its natural cycle of dying and being regenerated, it's more likely to grow in as gray beginning after age 35. Genetics can play a role in when this starts.
White hair could be a sign of an underlying health concern—a symptom of an autoimmune disease, thyroid levels, allergies, or a side effect of medical treatment. It can also be a sign of hormonal imbalance.
As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color — like gray, silver, or white — as it grows.
Genetics: It's all in genetics, say doctors. According to studies, premature greying happens due to genetics. Talk to your parents or even grandparents on when they first spotted their grey hair. If they had it very early in their age, chances are there you too will do the same.
A new study shows that stress really can give you gray hair. Researchers found that the body's fight-or-flight response plays a key role in turning hair gray. Your hair color is determined by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG.
You may have heard this before, but grey hair can turn black again naturally. It's a myth that all colouring will go away if you bleach it multiple times or put chemicals on your head!
"Follow healthy hair habits. Try to avoid repetitive use of heat and chemical treatments which can damage the hair and the pigment cells," recommends Lain. "Limit exposure to, or protect hair from, toxins and pollutants, and when possible, protect your hair from the sun by covering it up with a hat or scarf."
It's not possible to reverse or treat gray hair.
Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.
Dr. Kraleti doesn't recommend plucking or pulling the hairs out. “If there is a gray hair you must get rid of, very carefully cut it off. Plucking can traumatize the hair follicle, and repeated trauma to any follicle can cause infection, scar formation or possibly lead to bald patches.”
While lemon does not turn the color of your hair grey directly, it generally lightens the shade since it has bleaching components. But if you leave it on for long, it can damage the follicles responsible for melanin production which will then lead to premature greying.
Coconut oil helps retain the protein in the hair and prevent greying. Also, the oil has nourishing properties which is good for your hair. To use this oil for keeping whitening of hair at bay, you directly need to apply 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil to your scalp and hair.