Why Our Hair Turns Grey

When our hair turns grey, many of us thing the end is near; that we have officially reached "being old." While this is partly true, as grey hair usually comes with increased age, there are other factors involved in when and why the hair turns grey. Often, we think of our hair as an extension of our personal style and appearance, not as a part of our body.

Many people regard their hair (and often their fingernails) more of an accessory rather than something tied into the physiology of their body, but nothing could be more true. It is important to understand that hair is a living, growing part of the body that can reflect internal changes. These changes could include stress, nutrition levels, and possible illness.

To understand hair itself, one must understand the three parts of the hair structure - the hair shaft, the hair bulb, and the hair cycle. Respectively, these are synonymous with the fiber of the hair, the root of the hair, and the period of rest and regeneration of the hair. When there is a problem with the hair, such as turning grey, it is usually related to one of the three parts of the hair.

Simply put, hair going grey is the hair actually bleaching itself without the help of outside chemicals - no salon needed.

A recent study by European scientists, discussed in a February 2009 publication of ScienceDaily, has determined that going grey is caused by years of damage caused by high levels of hydrogen peroxide buildup in the hair follicle. Hydrogen peroxide is produced naturally in tiny amounts by the hair cells. As a person ages, this tiny amount increases.

This buildup of hydrogen peroxide is caused by wear and tear on the hair follicle and eventually blocks the melanin in your body that is responsible for coloring your hair. Melanin is the body's natural pigment - it is responsible for the color in the skin, hair, and eyes. As this buildup occurs, the hair will first turn grey, then over time, white.

Researches examined cultures of human hair follicles and found that the buildup coincides with the reduction in levels of enzymes that break up hydrogen peroxide molecules into water and oxygen. These same follicles could not repair the damage caused by the hydrogen peroxide buildup.

The European study is pivotal in allowing scientists and researchers to understand and experiment with the increasing levels of enzymes in the body that may prevent this hydrogen peroxide buildup. This may allow people to retain their hair color naturally as they get older.

Sources:

http://www.aolhealth.com/health/hair-symptoms
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223131123.htm