One day, you might look in the mirror and spot it—your first grey hair. It can feel like a sudden change, but the process of hair turning grey, or canities, is a gradual one that happens to nearly everyone. It’s a natural part of the human experience, a visible marker of the journey we’re all on. But what exactly is happening on a biological level to cause this shift in our signature color?
The Role of Melanin in Your Hair Color
To understand why hair turns grey, we first need to talk about melanin. This is the pigment produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the hair follicles at the root of each strand. Think of melanocytes as tiny factories that inject color into your hair as it grows. The type and amount of melanin you produce determine whether your hair is black, brown, blonde, or red. For most of your life, these factories are working at full capacity.
What Happens When Pigment Production Slows
As we age, the number of melanocyte stem cells in our hair follicles naturally declines. Some of these cells become damaged over time, while others simply slow down. When a follicle loses its melanocytes, the new hair that grows in no longer receives a dose of pigment. This new hair grows without its natural color, which means it appears grey, white, or silver. The hair itself isn’t “turning” grey; it’s growing in that way from the root.
Factors That Influence When You Go Grey
While genetics are the primary factor determining when you’ll see your first grey hair, other elements can play a role. Significant, prolonged stress may contribute to the process by causing inflammation that can affect melanocyte stem cells. Certain medical conditions and vitamin deficiencies, particularly in B12, have also been linked to premature greying. For most people, however, the timeline is largely written in their DNA, so if your parents went grey early, there’s a higher chance you might, too.
Embracing the Change
Seeing grey hairs can be a surprising moment, but it’s a sign of a life being lived. While some choose to cover their greys with hair color, many others are now choosing to embrace their silver strands as a badge of honor and a natural part of their beauty. However you choose to approach it, it’s a personal decision. If you notice greying very early or very suddenly, it’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
In the end, grey hair is a common and natural part of the aging process. It’s the story of your years, written strand by strand.