8 Reasons You Hair Go Gray

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8 Reasons You Hair Go Gray

© Getty This is what actually causes your hair to go grey - according to a doctor

Like wrinkles, grey hairs are a visible sign of ageing - and let's be clear, there is zero, zilch, nada, nothing, wrong with that. It's a part of life - and a beautiful part at that. But if you've ever wondered just what actually causes hair to change colour over time, you're not alone... Trichologist Madeleine Preston, explains the science behind going grey, from what triggers it, to whether it can be delayed (should we actually wish to).

Intrigued? Here's what you need to know... 

1. When do most women go grey then?

"Most women who are in their 30s should see a few grey hairs, but by the time they get into their 50 most women would expect to have more than 50% of their scalp hairs turn grey."

2. So, why do we get grey hair in the first place?

"Grey hair is a combination of normally pigmented hairs interspersed with white ones. Hair turns white when the pigmentation cells responsible for colour (melanin) stop being produced."

3. Is it possible to slow the rate of greying hair?

"Nutritional and hormonal factors can affect hair colour as well as stress but, by and large, the predisposition to go grey earlier or later in life is genetic."

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4. Is grey hair more common in certain people?

"Grey hair is an inherited trait - if your parents went grey early there is a possibility that you will too. Caucasians seem to go grey earlier and some health conditions may cause premature greying such as diabetes, pernicious anemia or thyroid problems."

5. What should we eat to maintain healthy hair?

"Hair consists of protein (keratin) so it is very important for strong healthy hair. Foods like eggs and fish are all good sources of first class protein. Proteins consist of amino acids (some essential and some non-essential). Essential amino acids are more abundant in animal protein and more easily absorbed. Deficiencies of iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, B12 and B6 can be common so it's important to eat foods that contain these vitamins or, if you're vegetarian, it may be necessary to take them in supplemental form."

6. Anything we take to combat going grey, if we're worried?

"A multivitamin supplement such as Seven Seas Perfect7 contains Omega-3s, which prevent the hair from being dry and lifeless as they have a moisturising effect which can also reduce itching and flaking dandruff. The supplement also contains copper, which is known to prevent the onset of greying hair by boosting the production of melanin (the pigment that gives hair colour)."

  

7. Can we make lifestyle changes to improve hair health?

"Since hair is such a barometer of our health, any improvements we make to our general wellbeing will be a bonus for our hair. A well-balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates – which contain key essential vitamins and minerals – are great for hair growth. As hair is recognised as a non-essential tissue by the body we need to top up our energy levels with proteins and carbohydrates every 4-5 hours. Research indicates that the energy available to non-essential tissue such as hair follicles may be reduced after this time. As certain diseases can have an impact on the immune system and may possibly cause deficiencies it is wise to have blood tests at least once a year through your own GP or private practitioner."

8. Does 'massaging the scalp' actually do any good?

"Like our bodies need regular exercise, so does our head. Shampooing hair daily means we are massaging our scalps, which in turn results in a clean fresh healthier scalp. Massaging our scalps through needing action means we are taking vital nutrients to the scalp via the blood supply and feeding our follicles."

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