Causes of Grey Hair

Growing up I wondered why my father had all white hair for as long as I could remember, while my mother until now did not have any even though both of them are of similar age. We get grey or white hair when we get old. But why do some people go gray or white hair earlier? Is it related to our health? 

How does hair turn Grey?

Hair has pigment-producing cells that give hair its color. Over time as part of the natural aging process or due to some illness body production of that pigment slows down. Resulting in hair losing its color and turning white or grey. When the pigment-producing cells are lost or completely destroyed hair turns white. Grey hair sometimes indicates more than our biological age.

Grey hair and immunity

It could be a sign of an overactive immune system. A study showed that premature white hair is related to immune activity. Researchers believe that genes that are responsible for hair color are also involved in body immunity. When the body is attacked by virtual or bacterial infection, the body’s innate immune system is activated. The immune system can detect any foreign invader that may enter the body. Cells that get infected by these invaders produce a molecule called interferons to fight the invaders. The infected cells alert other cells of the attack. A protein called MITF notifies other cells. This protein is also involved in hair pigment production.

Other causes

Premature white hair can also be genetic, it can pass from parent to child. There is also a connection between white hair and smoking for which a causal connection has not been found yet. According to a study smokers are 2.5 times more likely to get their hair turned grey. 

Some nutritional deficiencies may also cause grey hair. Whatever the reason it is a natural part of getting old and we all grow old.