Gray hair is considered one of the main signs of aging, like facial wrinkles. Therefore, many people are interested in whether the graying of hair can be reversed.
Medianews.az, referring to Lent.az, reports that most specialists in dermatology and trichology state that this process cannot be reversed in the long term.
However, a small-scale study conducted in 2021 showed that under certain conditions, this might be possible for a short period.
The study examined the effect of stress on graying hair in different age groups and whether this process could temporarily reverse. Scientists observed individuals who had hair strands darkly pigmented at both ends and gray in the middle, obtaining interesting results. It was found that periods of reduced stress coincided with the repigmentation of hair. In fact, in one participant, a two-week vacation was linked to partial recoloring of the hair.
What affects hair graying?
Experts state that one or two stressful days do not affect hair color. Antonella Tosti, a professor of dermatology and skin surgery at the University of Miami, USA, emphasizes that environmental factors have a stronger impact.
According to her, oxidative stress factors such as smoking and environmental pollution significantly increase the risk of hair graying. Tosti also noted that antioxidant-rich nutrition reduces cellular and DNA damage, which can have a positive effect against aging and the risk of gray hair. However, it is emphasized that more extensive research is needed on this topic.
Genetic factors also play an important role. Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner states that if there are cases of early hair graying in the family, the likelihood of this trait appearing early in the next generation is high.
Possible solutions to the problem
Currently, there is no fully effective medical treatment for gray hair, but scientists continue research in this direction. The focus is on melanocyte cells responsible for hair color and melanin production. It was previously thought that these cells die as age increases.
However, a 2023 study on mice published in the journal Nature showed that melanocytes do not completely disappear but instead gather at the base of the hair follicle and stop migrating to the upper part of the hair strand.
According to Antonella Tosti, theoretically, it might be possible to reactivate these cells through medical intervention. However, currently, there is no confirmed treatment method that achieves this. While Joshua Zeichner speaks about the potential of topical antioxidant applications against oxidative stress, he notes that at this stage, coloring hair in salon conditions is the most realistic way to reduce the visual effect of graying.
