Researchers Make New Discovery About Graying Hair – Though Claim that Heredity is Still the Root Cause
A recent article in the NY Times detailed a new study about graying hair – linking the presence of gray hair to the natural build up of hydrogen peroxide in hair cells. Especially after the recent media speculation linking Obama’s new gray hairs with his stress level as president, many people still believe that gray hairs are directly linked with stress, when in fact this has not been proven. A new study however, may bring scientists closer to unlocking the real relationship between stress and more “salt and pepper’ color to people’s hair.
While studying the genetic defect vitiligo (a condition marked by patches of bleached skin that lack pigment), European scientists noticed that bleached skin was essentially caused by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide in the skin that was negatively affecting and blocking the enzyme catalase. The scientists began to wonder if the same was true of graying hair. It was found that the natural build up of hydrogen peroxide in hair cells can similarly work to block pigment (melanin) in the hair – ultimately bleaching it and turning it gray or white.
Scientists are hopeful that this may help explain the link between gray hair and stress, but they are careful to note that heredity is still the number one influencing factor in graying. They are also careful to note that, while gray hair may make people look older, there is no link whatsoever to graying and premature aging.
For more information on hair, hair restoration, and/or hair loss contact Dr. Edmond Griffin of the Griffin Center of Hair Restoration & Research.
1 Comment to Researchers Make New Discovery About Graying Hair – Though Claim that Heredity is Still the Root Cause
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Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, I bookmarked it.