Can You Turn Back Time on Gray Hair?

Like wisdom and smile lines , gray hair Is something that many individuals receive as time passes. Therefore, if you're seeing some gray hair, remember you're not alone: A study found That 74% of individuals aged 45 to 65 sported at least some gray hair. While many accept their silver strands with grace, others opt for the time-honored remedy. hair dye , to hide it.

But recently, there's been buzz that gray hair may not be permanent after all, along with a slew of solutions claiming to reverse it, from hair products like shampoos to natural remedies such as foods and vitamins. Whether hair can actually change back to its original color again is up for debate. Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab and haircare experts reveal the truth — and science — about whether you can reverse gray hair.

First, what causes hair to turn gray?

To begin with, let’s explore how hair acquires its coloring. According to experts, "The hue of your hair is established by melanocytes, the cells within the hair follicles responsible for producing pigments." Christine M. Shaver, M.D. , a dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City. "Two types of pigment (melanin) are generated by these melanocytes: eumelanin, responsible for darker hair pigments that result in brown or black hair; and pheomelanin, which generates reddish or blond tones."

Various shades of hair color are produced using differing amounts of eumelanin and pheomelanin, which genetic factors dictate, she clarifies. According to Dr. Shaver, graying happens because the creation of melanin by the pigment-producing cells diminishes gradually with age. The complete absence of melanin turns hair white, he adds.

Kerry Yates, a trichologist and founder of , notes that non-pigmented hair might feel different from naturally pigmented hair and frequently shows up first at the front temples or along the hairline. Colour Collective In Dallas, Texas, although aging is typically the primary reason for hair becoming gray, several additional elements might lead to early graying—this refers to individuals who begin noticing grey strands in their 20s and 30s, according to GH Beauty Lab’s Director. Sabina Wizemann . These include:

• Medical conditions. As Wizermann points out, autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo, alopecia areata, or thyroid issues can contribute to early graying of hair.
• Genetics. "Some individuals might be genetically predisposed to turn gray early and stay that way permanently," Wizemann explains.
• Oxidative stress. As we grow older, our innate antioxidant protections weaken, resulting in heightened oxidative stress. This impairment affects melanocytes, reducing their production of melanin and leading to the fading of hair color," says Wizemann. "Insufficient intake of antioxidants from food, along with inadequate physical activity, poor sleep patterns, smoking, chronic stress, and heavy drinking can all exacerbate this oxidative stress.
• Lack of essential vitamins and minerals. A shortage of specific vital nutrients such as vitamins and minerals might cause your hair to turn gray. As Wizemann explains, "Not getting enough vitamin B12 could result in both anemia and problems with the nervous system which can impact the hair roots and decrease melanin creation." He further notes that copper, being crucial for the function of tyrosine—an enzyme pivotal in producing melanin—means insufficient amounts of this mineral could diminish pigmentation in hair strands. Moreover, deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron may contribute significantly to early-onset graying of hair."
• Stress. Wizemann further explains that chronic stress or experiencing a highly stressful phase can influence the nervous system, thereby impairing the capability of melanocytes to rejuvenate or generate pigmentation.

Is it possible to prevent hair from turning gray?

Not entirely true. While we cannot fully stop hair from turning gray, there are measures one can adopt to decelerate the aging process of hair," explains Dr. Shaver. "Given that specific vitamin shortages might cause early graying, keeping a balanced and nourishing diet could assist in preserving your hair’s natural color.

Moreover, since chronic stress can result in earlier gray hairs, it’s crucial to minimize both everyday stress and physical stresses on the hair like heat and chemical treatments that can harm it, she points out. Dr. Shaver recommends steering clear of smoking, as studies have linked it to premature graying. Additionally, schedule routine health exams with a doctor to detect any potential medical issues that might affect your hair’s condition and contribute to early graying.

Some believe that vitamins such as B12 and copper may reverse gray hair. Is this claim accurate?

Even though you might have come across information suggesting otherwise, vitamin supplements do not appear to be the ultimate solution for reversing gray hair. As stated by Dr. Shaver, "Currently, there is no scientific proof indicating that consuming vitamins like Vitamin B12, copper, and folic acid can restore gray hair color." However, deficiencies in these nutrients—although uncommon with typical Western eating habits—are known to lead to earlier graying of hair. Therefore, addressing any recognized deficiencies could aid in preventing premature greying.

Is it possible for hair care items such as shampoo to reverse graying?

When it pertains to the classification of shampoos , sprays , serums and treatments Claiming to restore gray hair to its natural color isn’t straightforward. According to Dr. Shaver, topical treatments that promise to reverse gray hair typically focus on reversing one aspect of the process causing hair aging and reduced melanin production, leading to grayer strands. A frequently utilized component in these products includes antioxidants like vitamins C and E) which may reduce oxidative stress on the follicle, thereby potentially playing a role in slowing down the aging, and consequently the graying, process."

Moreover, the buildup of hydrogen peroxide within the hair shaft over time is believed to contribute to hair discoloration, she notes. "To combat this, catalase—an enzyme—can aid in breaking down hydrogen peroxide, potentially slowing gray hair development," says Dr. Shaver. "Some products assert they boost melanin pigmentation via components like specific additives." peptides Which are necessary for efficient melanin production."

Their effectiveness is questionable, however: "These formulations lack strong scientific support since they do not explore the scientific reasoning behind their components or offer proof from double-blind placebo-controlled trials to validate their efficacy," Wizemann states. "Rather, they depend on consumer perception research."

Other products aim to kickstart hair growth To address gray hairs, they claim to revitalize the hair follicles, transitioning them from the dormant stage to the active growth phase. Consequently, this prompts the hair to resume the melanin generation process, causing any remaining melanin within the follicle to become visible again,” explains Yates. “In my research, I examined a hair loss treatment In which multiple participants exhibited more than 50% gray hair, regular use led to new hair growth that showed pigment, resulting in an appearance as though their hair was reverting to its natural color.

She points out though that “a rather limited number of participants achieved these outcomes, and I haven’t observed any cases where gray hairs devoid of all pigment began regenerating melanin or turning back into colored hair.” According to Wizemann, key contributors to graying hair like age and heredity involve tackling physiological aspects beyond what hair care items can handle.

Is there any food or natural remedy that can reverse gray hair?

Everything from coconut oil The claim about onions and ginger serving as a cure-all for gray hair is gaining traction. However, the items in your kitchen will not aid in restoring your original hair color. According to Dr. Shaver, "While a nutrient-rich diet can enhance overall hair health and potentially slow down early graying, there is no evidence suggesting that foods can reverse this natural process."

The same applies to natural remedies. While many believe that certain natural components like cumin, black tea, black sesame, and coffee might decelerate gray hair due to their antioxidant and polyphenol content, and amla (Indian gooseberry) could potentially boost hair melanin production, scientific proof validating these statements remains scarce, according to Wizemann. These claims primarily stem from individual experiences rather than robust scientific research.

Dr. Shaver notes: "These natural remedies frequently include the aforementioned vitamins or possess antioxidant qualities to lessen stress and consequently slow down aging of the hair follicles, though they won’t revert hair that has turned gray."

The bottom line

Regardless of whether your graying hair appeared earlier than expected or exactly as planned, Currently, there are no verified foods, vitamins, hair care products, natural remedies, or any other treatments available. permanently reverse gray hair. Restoring gray hair associated with aging and genetic components, where the pigment-making cells are irreparably harmed, cannot be done at this time," Wizemann states. "As for early graying linked to health issues or lifestyle choices, ( such as stress ) or nutritional deficiencies, reversing graying hair can sometimes be achievable depending on the root causes."

In some uncommon instances, gray hair has been documented to revert, typically when one discontinues a medication responsible for the graying or addresses an underlying health issue such as a thyroid disorder. alopecia areata
Dr. Shaver elaborates, "(This occurs due to an autoimmune response targeting the hair follicles.) In such cases, treating the root cause may restore hair color. Once this issue is resolved, hair will gradually return to graying according to one’s genetic predisposition for aging."
If you believe a health problem might be responsible for premature graying, consult a dermatologist for assessment, Dr. Shaver recommends.

And recognize that there might be (multicolored) hope at the end of the tunnel: "Although there isn't truly a permanent solution for reversing gray hair just yet, there are promising studies On stem cells that concentrate on altering melanocytes and revitalizing genetic routes responsible for hair pigmentation, allowing this concept to potentially turn into reality someday,” Wizemann states. Until then, accept those silvery tresses using grooming products designed specifically to care for and accentuate grey locks or perhaps dye your hair gray to ease the transition.