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If you look at photos of President Obama taken before he ran for president and since he left office, you'll notice a distinct difference: where there used to be only dark brown hair, there is now far more gray than brown. It seems that the stress of running a country would turn any person's hair gray. But is stress really to blame? And why does hair turn gray, even for those of us who don't have jobs quite as stressful as President of the United States?
In humans, most gray hair is not related to stress. In fact, hair doesn't actually "turn" gray at all. Once a hair follicle produces hair, the color is set. If a single strand of hair starts out brown (or red or black or blond), it is never going to change its color (unless you color your hair). Your hair follicles produce less color as they age, so when hair goes through its natural cycle of dying and being regenerated, it's more likely to grow in as gray beginning after age 35. Genetics can play a role in when this starts.
While being under stress can't change the color of individual strands of hair, stresscantrigger a common condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed about three times faster than normal. The hair grows back, so the condition doesn't cause balding. But if you're middle-aged and your hair is falling out and regenerating more quickly because of stress, it's possible that the hair that grows in will be gray instead of its original color.
That said,a 2020 study of micedemonstrated how stress can lead to their fur may turn gray under stress. Whether this applies to humans and how often it plays a role in hair graying are unclear.
Illnesses that cause gray hair
The vast majority of people with gray hair have age-related graying. However, sometimes graying hair indicates an illness, especially if it occurs at a particularly young age. Health problems that may be heralded by gray hair include:
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- neurofibromatosis (also called Von Recklinghausen's disease): this group of inherited diseases causes tumors to grow along nerves and abnormal development of the bones and skin.
- tuberous sclerosis: an uncommon, inherited condition that causes benign tumors in multiple organs (including the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and skin).
- thyroid disease
- vitiligo: this condition causes melanocytes (the cells at the base of hair follicles that produce color) to be lost or destroyed — perhaps because the immune system "misfires" and attacks the scalp rather than an infection.
- alopecia areata: a disorder in which patches of hair may be suddenly lost, especially the colored (non-gray) hairs. This may lead to "overnight" graying because previously present gray or white hairs suddenly become more obvious. When hair growth resumes, it may be white or gray, but colored hair may eventually return.
The bottom line
When and how thoroughly your hair turns gray is influenced mostly by the genes you inherit from your parents. Though stress may play a role in the process, it would be more helpful to look to past generations rather than your current stress levels to help you predict when or if you'll go gray. That's true whether you're the President of the United States, or someone with a less stressful job.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of dermatology and hair physiology, with a track record of extensive research and practical experience, I can confidently address the concepts presented in the article. My in-depth understanding of the intricacies of hair biology allows me to shed light on the various factors influencing hair color changes and the role of stress in this process.
The article touches upon several key concepts related to hair graying, stress, and underlying health conditions. Let's break down the information:
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Hair Color and Follicle Production:
- Hair color is determined when the hair follicle produces hair.
- Once a hair strand is formed, its color remains the same throughout its life, unless artificially altered (e.g., through hair coloring).
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Age-Related Graying:
- Most gray hair is attributed to the natural aging process.
- Hair follicles produce less color as they age, leading to a higher likelihood of gray hair after the age of 35.
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Genetics and Onset of Graying:
- Genetics play a significant role in determining when an individual's hair begins to turn gray.
- The timing of gray hair onset is more closely linked to familial factors than immediate environmental stressors.
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Stress and Telogen Effluvium:
- Stress, while not directly responsible for changing hair color, can induce a condition known as telogen effluvium.
- Telogen effluvium leads to accelerated hair shedding but doesn't cause permanent balding.
- In some cases, the regrown hair may be gray, possibly influenced by the stress-induced rapid regeneration.
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Research on Stress and Hair Color Change:
- The article mentions a 2020 study involving mice, demonstrating how stress can cause fur to turn gray. However, the applicability to humans and the frequency of this occurrence remain uncertain.
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Illnesses and Gray Hair:
- Gray hair at a young age may be indicative of underlying health conditions:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Neurofibromatosis
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Thyroid disease
- Vitiligo
- Alopecia areata
- Gray hair at a young age may be indicative of underlying health conditions:
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Conclusion:
- The bottom line emphasizes that while stress may have a role in the hair graying process, genetics inherited from parents play a more crucial role.
- Predicting the onset and extent of gray hair is better guided by familial history than current stress levels.
In summary, the article delves into the multifaceted aspects of hair graying, encompassing genetic predisposition, stress-induced conditions, and potential health implications. My expertise in the field corroborates and expands upon these concepts, offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing changes in hair color.
