What Causes Gray Hair?

What Causes Gray Hair?

Most of us get those dreaded gray hairs occasionally even if we are still in our 20's; at least I know I have tons of them. I think the causes of gray hair are very interesting. Some of these I have never thought of.

A little science lesson:

Our hair follicles consist of cells known as melanocytes which, produces pigments called melanin. It is the melanin that determines the color of our skin and hair. The more the production of melanin the darker the skin and hair and when the production decreases the hair becomes transparent. What appears as gray hair is actually transparent. It appears gray because of the surrounding dark hair. As people get older the production decreases and this causes gray hair however, there are other causes of gray hair.

Causes of gray hair:

Heredity- Heredity is considered to be the main cause of gray hair. People whose parents or grandparents have had gray hair early are most likely to gray early as well.

Medical or health problems- Another cause is poor health. Gray hair is usually seen in people with vitamin B-12 deficiency, anemia and a thyroid imbalance.

Smoking- People who continuously smoking don't produce as much melanin therefore, they began to gray.

Emotional Stress or Shock- It is believed that emotional stress or shock can cause gray hair.

Other Causes- Environment, Pollution, Exposure to UV rays and chemicals.

Many people with gray hair use color to cover it up however, others use their gray hair as a style statement.