Why do people's hair go gray with age?

Question

Is there any way to avoid it? Some peole go grey when they are relatively youing - in their 20s.

Answer 1

As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color - like gray, silver, or white - as it grows. As people continue to get older, fewer pigment cells will be around to produce melanin. Eventually, the hair will look completely gray.



Not all hairs respond in the same way or at the same time. So the graying process usually is gradual. You can't prevent graying. Some people start graying in their 30s, and some not until their 60s. Genetics likely play a strong role in graying.

Answer 2

It is genetic. Really no way to avoid it.....find a very good colorist and hair will stay healthy and still have color. I went gray in my 20's and have colored for over.......well let's just say a lot of years and it looks natural and my hair is in great shape.

Answer 3

People's hair goes gray and white with age because the pigment making cells (melanocytes) top producing the pigments.

Answer 4

It's part of the aging process. Read the Mayo clinic article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gray-hair/AN00310

Hope that helps!