British scientists have proven that gray hair is good, it testifies to the health of the owner of platinum hair.

Recent studies by British scientists prove that there is a completely different connection between gray hair and the state of the human body that previous researchers talked about. Loss of coloring pigments long time was perceived by scientists as a consequence of severe psychological shocks and nervous breakdowns. The normal age for the appearance of gray hair was considered to be 40 years. For blondes - a little earlier, for dark-haired - later. Besides, frequent staining and perm, in a certain way affecting the structure of the hair, has also been attributed to the ability to influence the appearance of gray hair. Genetic predisposition was also recorded in the "offset".

It was believed that anemia and diseases of the cardiovascular system cause a disruption in the supply of hair follicles. essential substances... Another reason is thyroid dysfunction. Incorrect diets, monotonous diet, digestive problems were also accused ...

According to the results of recent studies, scientists have been able to prove the opposite. It turns out that gray hair is a sign of good human health. True, there are some exceptions here as well. This applies to cases where gray hair appears before the age of 30. Quite a few people find their first gray hair at the age of 25. Anything from alcohol abuse to genes can cause gray hair. Scientists have previously found that high adrenaline levels are also responsible for the appearance of gray hair. American researchers have found that the cells that give hair color disappear under the influence of high doses of stress hormone. Unfortunately, if stress has already caused the disappearance of these cells in the body, they will never come back. Grey hair will not become light or dark again. When the human body is under stress, the stem cells responsible for production move from the hair follicles to the skin to help minimize damage. Scientists have found exactly the same effect of stress in experiments on mice.

Every year in the human body, oxidative processes are more intense, and this reduces the amount of the antioxidant glutathione.

If gray hair appears in old age, it shows a large amount of glutathione, due to which the hair turns gray.

Scientists explain that if gray hair appears by the age of 50-55, this means that there are no serious failures in the body. That is why, seeing gray hair, you should not despair, this is a sign that the body is functioning correctly.

Cosmetic giant L'Oreal has done research to find out how many men and women don't need its gray-masking hair dye. It turned out that 10% of people over 60 years old do not have a single gray hair. Stars like Susan Sarandon (65) and Sigourney Weaver (62) are just one of them. Their hair color remains unchanged almost all their lives.

It turned out that the number of gray-haired people among the elderly is much less than it has always been assumed. Previously, it was believed that among 50-year-olds, half have at least 50% of gray hair, but in fact less than 25% of those were found. Moreover, gray hair spreads around the world unevenly, and in some countries there are even fewer gray hairs.

The researchers based their findings on the hair color analysis of 4,000 men and women. of different ages and ethnic groups of 20 different countries... Overall, 74% of people aged 45 to 65 had gray hair covering at least 27% of the scalp. The level of gray hair increases with age, and between 56 and 60, 86% already have some kind of gray hair, and from 61 to 65, 90% of people have gray hair occupying at least 40% of the head. At the same time, gray hair is more common in men (78%) than in women (71%). In the stronger sex, it usually begins on the forehead, then goes to the crown of the head and from there to the back of the head, and in women in equal proportions on the forehead and on the back of the head.

A bold new trend has emerged in the fashion world today. Artificial gray hair is becoming more and more popular. Stars such as Agness Dein, Kelly Osbourne and Pixie Geldof have already followed the new trend and showed the world "gray" hair.

Women and men have been fighting gray hair in various chemical ways for generations. But now silver strands have appeared even in the hairstyles of the Dior and Chanel models. Best hairdressers Manhattan claims that the number of applications for the creation of artificial gray hair has increased recently. Victoria Hunter, owner of a salon in West Village, says that after the "stars", ordinary people have already reached out, wanting to radically change their appearance.

The fashion trend has seriously interested scientists. In an interview with The New York Times, Arizona State University professor of gender studies Rose Weights said this is how trendsetters demonstrate their strength and solidity.

But still new trend intended rather for young people. Experts in the field of hairdressing do not recommend such experiments for people of age. Even 36-year-old Kate Moss faced criticism and disapproval when a model was found in her hair last month gray strands... Within 24 hours, Kate got rid of them.

Glasgow-based hairdresser Stephanie Paul says natural gray hair has no pigment. And to obtain a new fashionable shade, it is necessary that the hair retains its pigmentation. Therefore, fashionable gray hair is only for young people.

For those who do not want to put up with the appearance of gray hair, even though it demonstrates excellent health, it is proposed to follow a number of simple rules. Such as the inclusion in your daily menu of fresh vegetables and fruits, foods rich in protein, fish, nuts, legumes. In addition, do not forget about taking multivitamins, regular visits to the endocrinologist. And of course, as much as possible, get upset about insignificant reasons as little as possible. And if it is not possible to completely protect yourself from stress, keep your nervous system under control is quite real.

Treatment of gray hair that has already appeared is hardly possible. But hide it with different cosmetics not difficult. If there is very little gray hair, you can try special toning shampoos. They lightly color the hair, masking the highlights of sparse gray hair. They are used in the same way as ordinary shampoos - they are applied to damp hair, whipped into a lather, then washed off. As much as possible, paint over gray hairs of dark shades.

The appearance of gray hair in a woman causes panic, because this indicates an aging of the body. The appearance of gray hair depends on heredity, lifestyle, and may indicate serious pathologies in the body. To exclude the presence of the disease, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor.

How old does women's hair turn gray?

The appearance of gray hair should not frighten a woman. Today, gray hair appears at the age of 25-35, it all depends on the genetic predisposition, the woman's lifestyle, and the ecology of the environment.

Earlier, the onset of gray hair was associated with the onset of old age and old age. Today, this stereotype is being destroyed, because according to statistics, 40% of young people under the age of 30 are already beginning to have gray hair. Scientists are studying this phenomenon, however, to give a specific answer to the questions of how much hair turns gray in women and what triggered this process in such early age, can not. It is possible to identify the reasons only after a clear analysis of the lifestyle, diet, place of residence and genetic predisposition.

The age of 33-40 years is considered the norm for the appearance of the first silvery curls. Their number increases every year, it is impossible to prevent this process.

Gray hair in women: at what age do they face the problem?

The time of the appearance of gray hair in people of different nationalities and races is different. Scientists have determined when the hair of European women begins to turn gray - the threshold begins at the age of 35. Asians are faced with gray hair by 42 years, representatives of the Negroid race - at 50 years old, pigment resistance is observed in Indians - gray hair breaks through by the age of 70. Statistics indicate that women turn gray later than men, and blonde hair earlier than dark ones.

How old is gray hair in women: the effect of the amount of melanin on hair color

Research by scientists proves that women with blond hair turn gray faster than brunettes. It depends on the amount of pigment in the hair structure.

Human hair has its own structure. The root determines the color and condition of the hair, it contains melanocytes (located at the base of the hair follicles), which produce the production of the pigment melanin. The latter substance is involved in the formation of keratin fibers, which are the basis of the hair shaft. It enters into a chemical reaction with glutathione, so that every woman has her own specific shade of hair. Glutathione protects the body from free radicals. With a decrease in the concentration of melanocytes, a systematic loss of the nucleus, important cellular structures of keratin tissues, occurs, which leads to the loss of the ability to exchange melanin.

According to statistics, 30% of cases of early graying are reversible. It is necessary to restore the functioning of the dermal papillary hair, which acts as a supplier of nutrients to the shaft.

Gray hair acts as a physiological process, a manifestation of biological processes in the body that occur with age. Scientists have found that the source is stem cells that are found in hair follicles. When their supply runs out, the person begins to turn gray. Age or external factors can stop the production of a substance in the required amount. The cells inside the hair begin to produce hydrogen peroxide particles. They bleach the hair from the inside out. If the hair follicles are healthy, they destroy it using enzymes produced by the liver.

If the first gray hair appears at the age of 20, you should urgently undergo a medical examination.

At what age does gray hair appear in women: causes of gray hair

When gray hair appears in young women in the temporal part of the head, it is important to find provoking factors. Trichologists identify a significant list of reasons:

  • Diseases - hair begins to turn gray in women with malfunctions internal organs: problems in the digestive system, the work of the thyroid gland, with cardiovascular diseases, anemia, impaired renal function, autoimmune disorders. The consequences of hormonal disruption, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus can affect the condition of the hairline; early detection of the disease will help prevent the premature appearance of silvery curls.
  • Heredity - if there is a genetic predisposition, it will manifest itself in 99% of cases.
  • When you endure severe stress, gray hair appears in women; a protracted depressive state, constant nervous tension affects the appearance, the condition of the hairline; cortisol (a stress hormone) disrupts blood circulation, causes inflammation in the hair roots, so after a while after a strong shock, gray hair may appear.
  • Improper nutrition, the use of junk food, constant diets lead to an insufficient intake of protein, and a deficiency of B vitamins leads to a disruption in the process of assimilating protein, which ensures hair pigmentation.
  • Medication can affect how long gray hair appears in women, especially if it is steroid-based and the course of treatment is different.

Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, poor ecology act as concomitant factors that, in combination with the main causes, provoke discoloration of the hair structure.

Regular use of a hair dryer, ironing, washing with hot water, the use of aggressive dyes and the wrong shampoo can help reduce the amount of melanin.

What time does women's hair begin to turn gray: ways to eliminate

Cosmetologists and doctors identify many ways to eliminate gray hair: from the usual dyeing with permanent paint to the use of laser therapy and ultrasound to stimulate the growth of the hair follicle.

Women who have their first gray hair early, resort to dyeing them. This method allows you to eliminate gray hair for a certain time, but active hair growth requires a monthly repetition of the procedure.

Regardless of the age at which a woman has gray hair, cosmetologists suggest using modern technologies that help get rid of a significant amount of gray hair:

  • Mesotherapy is aimed at enriching follicles with vitamins, microelements, nicotinic acid, melanin. It involves the use of special injections into the scalp; the procedure is painless, effective for hormonal disorders and fatigue.
  • Laser therapy is effective when a woman's hair starts to turn gray; it improves metabolism, fills cells with oxygen, which stops the destruction of melatonin, prevents the appearance of gray hair; this procedure is suitable for young women with vitamin deficiency, prolonged use of antibiotics.
  • Ultrasound helps to increase blood flow, stimulates hair growth; applies regardless of the age at which hair begins to turn gray in women.

A common way to fix the problem is folk remedies: tincture of red pepper, a decoction of nettle and burdock, masks from tea tree, sesame and linseed oil.

It is extremely important for women to know everything about their health - especially for the initial self-diagnosis. This rapid test will allow you to better listen to the state of your body and not miss important signals in order to understand whether you need to see a specialist and make an appointment.

Gray hair is a physiologically inherent process, a common manifestation of those biological mechanisms that constantly occur in the human body with increasing age. Is it possible to prevent or treat gray hair? For most people, trichologists and dermatologists attribute hair depigmentation to one of the direct consequences and one of the first signs of aging in the body.

The mechanism of natural hair bleaching

The hair follicle is a complex structure, the condition of which determines the growth and natural coloring of hair. It contains melanocyte cells that synthesize melanin. The latter consists of two pigments - eumelanin, which has a black-brown color, and pheomelanin, which is yellow-red. The amount and different proportions of these pigments provide brightness and a whole spectrum of all existing hair shades, which is due to the genetic code.

Hair is composed of elongated keratin fibers. They, in turn, are formed as a result of cell division of the hair shaft located in the follicular base. During division and development, cell proteins combine with melanin, which is supplied to their melanocytes, as well as keratin, which is also a protein structure.

As cells develop, they lose their nucleus and organelles, turning into filamentous keratin protein structures (fibrils). All this occurs cyclically, including the production of melanin, and corresponds to the stages of hair growth. There are two types of melanocytes - active, which are destroyed during the catagen period (growth arrest), and those that are activated during the next cycle of their hair growth. The supply of melanocytes is limited.

Thus, the color provided by melanin depends on the color of the root itself. The outer part of the hair, that is, the keratin fibers, do not have the ability to receive or give melanin. In other words, the hair turns gray from the root as a result of a lack or absence of pigment. It can lose its color within a few hours only under the influence of any chemical substances but not as a result of stress, as some people assume.

Hypothetical Causes of Gray Hair

  1. Lack of melanocytes or a decrease in their function.
  2. The appearance of air spaces between the keratin fibrils, as a result of which the refraction of light rays changes, and the hair looks gray.
  3. Violation of the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide formed in the hair follicles.

The inevitability of graying may be due to factors such as:

  • limited supply of melanocytes;
  • damage to the DNA structure of melanocytes by highly active oxygen forms against the background of a reduced function of the skin antioxidant system; as a result of this, there is an accumulation of free radical groups formed under the influence of ultraviolet rays, aggressive chemical elements of the external environment, inflammatory processes of the skin and general diseases of the body, leading to disruption of blood microcirculation in the bulbs, etc.;
  • a decrease in tyrosinase activity (the main enzyme involved in melanogenesis), as a result of which the amino acid tyrosine, which is part of the structure of proteins, is not absorbed, the interaction of hair cells with melanocytes is disrupted and the migration of the latter to the follicles slows down.

Premature gray hair

The onset of the appearance of gray hair in men is considered normal at 30-35, in women - at 40-45 years. If gray hair appears at the age of 20 or even 25, this is regarded as premature graying. Most men begin to turn gray from the chin. In women, gray hair appears first on the temples, and then on the parietal and occipital regions.

Some trichologists believe that early gray hair occurs as a result of certain viral diseases, for example, caused by cytomegalovirus. Although it is common, only immunocompromised individuals get sick.

It is useless to remove gray hair in the hope that new ones with normal color will grow, since the same defective melanocytes remain in the hair follicle. The reasons for the appearance of gray hair at an early age are different. Their influence has not been sufficiently studied and in many respects controversial. Factors that accelerate and predispose to early graying are:

  1. Genetic predisposition, that is, heredity, similarity in children and parents of the immune system. Preventing or combating such gray hair by any means is useless.
  2. Stressful conditions, especially of a chronic nature. Presumably, stress hormones contribute to the formation of intrafollicular inflammatory processes with the formation of free radical groups, disruption of blood microcirculation in hair follicles, and distortion of signals that control melanin delivery.
  3. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals, in particular, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, sulfur, selenium, calcium.
  4. Endocrine diseases - hypothyroidism, diabetes... Thyroid hormones, for example, affect hair structure and pigmentation. In women, hormonal dysfunction of the gonads is possible, the cause of which can be established by a gynecologist-endocrinologist.
  5. Gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as a result of which the breakdown and assimilation of nutrients, vitamins and microelements is impaired.
  6. Weight loss diets and diets that are deficient in protein, resulting in tyrosine deficiency.
  7. Anemia of various etiologies, blood diseases.
  8. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Gray hair treatment

When asked about the possibility of slowing down the appearance of gray hair or returning the hair to its original color, scientists now do not give such an unambiguous negative answer as before. The ability of white hair melanocytes to synthesize melanin was experimentally established under cell culture conditions. but universal remedy from gray hair has not yet been invented. Nevertheless, given the mechanisms, causes and contributing factors, it is theoretically considered possible to slow down the processes affecting graying.

For these purposes, it is necessary:

  • if possible, avoid situations that lead to psycho-emotional overwork;
  • restore good nutrition;
  • examine and treat diseases of internal organs, endocrine system, chronic inflammatory and skin diseases;
  • take preparations containing basic microelements, as well as vitamins from gray hair in combination with selenium, which have an effect on metabolism and have a pronounced antioxidant effect - ascorbic acid, vitamins "E" and "A", para-aminobenzoic acid (vitamin "B 10" ). The drugs "Selmevit" and "Selmevit Intensive", consisting of a complex of vitamins, are considered effective.

Cosmetologists and trichologists also recommend lotion "Antisedin", which stimulates the function of melanocytes, the introduction of magnesia solutions, carrying out with amino acids, vitamins, magnesium, rubbing creams and ointments with microelements and irritants to improve microcirculation in the hair follicles.

Hardware methods (iontophoresis, ultrasound, soft laser exposure) improve blood circulation in the follicles, restore metabolism and reduce inflammatory processes.

In the case of a genetic predisposition, the only reliable way to get rid of gray hair is only masking hair coloring.


Women fearfully await the appearance of the first gray hair. Just like the first wrinkles, they are associated with the beginning of the end of life and aging of the body. But is it really so? Graying is a natural process that sooner or later happens to everyone. Usually, the appearance of individual white hairs begins at the age of 30-35, and at the age of 50-55, graying increases. But it happens that graying begins at a fairly early age. What is considered premature graying? In medicine, graying is considered premature if more than half of the hair turns gray by the age of 40 or gray strands appear before the age of 30.

Hair color is determined by its central part - the medulla - and the cortical covering it. The medulla contains gas bubbles and does not a large number of pigment that is formed in the hair follicle by special cells - melanocytes. Depending on the amount of pigment, the hair has a different color: light, light brown, red, black. have no pigment at all and are usually filled with air bubbles.

With age, the amount of pigment in the cells decreases and the number of air bubbles increases - the hair turns gray. The content of coloring pigments is maximum in mature age(which is why in childhood hair color is usually lighter), and gradually decreases with aging, which leads to graying. The pigments themselves are quite persistent substances, although they can be partially destroyed under the influence of external influences: for example, chemicals (then the hair dulls) or solar radiation (hair burnout).

Head hair grows more intensively than body hair. Therefore, gray hair on the head appears earlier than on other parts of the body.

Why does graying start too early?

In most cases, early gray hair is genetically determined. In order to determine the possibility of premature gray hair appearing in oneself, it is enough to look at your mom and dad. If one of the parents turned gray early, then, alas, the appearance of early gray hair in you is most likely inevitable.

Premature graying can be caused by some other, non-hereditary factors and diseases:

Thyroid dysfunction.

Vitiligo (pigmentation disorder).

Lack of vitamin B12.

Anemia.

Stress and nervous shocks.

Sometimes, premature graying is associated with bone loss leading to osteoporosis.

With severe fright and nervous shocks, a large amount of the hormone adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, which, among other things, has a strong vasoconstrictor effect. As a result of spasm of the arteries of the hair papilla, the nutrition of the cells of the hair follicle is disrupted, up to their death. In this situation, the formation of hair coloring pigment may stop, especially if the stress is strong and lasts for a long time. But it will not be possible to notice gray hair immediately, but only when the hair is changed to a new one.

By the way, premature graying does not mean at all that other aging processes in you started as prematurely. You will not have wrinkles in abundance, your teeth will not fall out, and you will not show other signs of old age.

Can you turn gray instantly?

As numerous legends say and horror stories, from a great fright, a person can turn gray instantly or, for example, overnight. So, allegedly, the famous martyrs Thomas More and Marie Antoinette turned gray.

Of course, hair cannot immediately fade color. Simply because hair cells, which received their pigments at the beginning of growth, subsequently quickly die and become keratinized, so that no metabolic processes can take place in them. So if the hair has already grown a certain color, it will remain that way forever. Of course, unless you specifically repaint it.

One of the explanations for the phenomenon of "instant graying" may be that a person unexpectedly drops out in abundance dark hair... It is caused by an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, meaning patchy hair loss. In this disorder, sometimes caused by severe stress, pigmented hair can fall out in whole strands - and gray hair remains, leaving the impression of quick graying.

Is it possible to "cure" gray hair?

From time to time, drugs appear on the cosmetics market, supposedly capable of stimulating the production of hair pigment. But if they were really effective, there would be no gray-haired people left in the world. In the meantime, you can get rid of gray hair only with one effective way- buy a bottle of hair dye. Women, as a rule, resort to this method - in modern society to seem old is "unfashionable."

If you do not want to dye your hair, then wear "wise gray hair" with pride. This is Holy Scripture itself on your side. "The crown of glory is gray hair," says the Bible, "they find it on the path of righteousness." But people then lived a little more than 35 years, and they did not have to admire this "crown of glory" of premature gray hair for too long.

Gray hair can be tinted lightly in a blue or lilac shade. But it is better to cut them shorter or always stack them in a bun. With long gray flowing hair, rarely does anyone manage not to look like a "witch."

But if it is impossible to "cure" premature graying, then you can still try to delay it, especially if early graying is inherent in you genetics. The best prevention premature graying are healthy image life, protection from stress and a nutritious balanced diet, including

When does the first gray hair appear? This question is not so rarely faced by fairly young people. The first gray hair appears, as a rule, after 35 years, while complete graying usually occurs by 55 years. It is believed that this behavior of the body is the norm. But in fact, these numbers are very arbitrary, and often the first gray hair appears much earlier than 35 years. Moreover, this happens with the same frequency in women and in men.
There are many cases when girls and boys found the first gray hair at the age of 14. And some old people live to a ripe old age and do not have a single gray hair.

Why does it depend and is it possible to somehow resist this or at least slow down the process of the appearance of all new gray hair? The answer "no" to the second question will be incorrect, since according to statistics, in 30 percent of cases, early gray hair is reversible.

Causes of early gray hair

So, when you have your first gray hair, you should pay attention, first of all, to your health and the level of stress resistance. Although in fact there are many more reasons for the appearance of gray hair - everything is very individual.