What causes grey hair?

“Say it loud. I’m back and proud.” That’s the song all men would love to sing when it comes to their hairline. The race to drive away grey hair from our heads is fueling the global hair color market currently valued at over N24 trillion ($24.86 billion).

But what makes our hair turn grey? Grey hair is primarily caused by the natural aging process, but there are scientific factors that contribute to this phenomenon.

The biggest scientific cause of grey hair is Melanocyte Stem Cell Decline.

Melanocytes are specialized cells in the hair follicles that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.

As we age, the number and activity of melanocyte stem cells decline, leading to a decrease in melanin production. This results in the appearance of grey hair.

Stress factor or class?

Another cause of grey hair is stress. Chronic stress has been associated with premature greying.

Stress hormones, such as norepinephrine, can affect melanocyte stem cells and disrupt melanin production.

But grey hair can also give you a classy executive look. It’s all a matter of perspective.