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Grey Hair: Any Hope To Avoid?
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What About Genetics?
It seems logical to think that one’s genes would play a role here, but scientists have been unable to conclusively prove this until now.
A study conducted by researchers at University College London discovered evidence of a gene linked to the greying process. The study examined 6,000 participants in various countries in Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The researchers wanted as wide a pool of data to draw from as possible, so the participants included both men and women of different age groups and racial backgrounds. The researchers analyzed DNA samples from the participants and made note of how much grey hair they had at the time in order to determine what the specific genetic links were to greying hair, as well hair texture and shape (curly vs. straight), balding, and more.
While study did prove that one’s genetics can contribute to aging, the findings don’t offer an explanation for every case. They found that one gene called IRF4 was responsible for causing the greying of hair in only 30 percent of individuals in the study. (Interestingly, this gene is also linked to the development of blonde hair in people of European ancestry.)
Researchers expressed hope that this newly discovered knowledge could unlock the potential for new drugs which could prevent the gene from producing this greying affect. “We might have drugs that boost or stop the protein from acting and change the amount of melanin in hair follicles and change the hair internally,” according to the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari. “So once the hair comes out like the way you want, you don’t have [to] go out and buy dyes.”
While these findings do offer promise in the form of a new, drug-based treatment for greying hair, it also raises the question of what caused the greying of hair in the remaining 70 percent of individuals in the study. It appears that the majority of cases were caused by the normal decreases in pigment associated with aging (which has already been established) and the others by lifestyle factors such as stress and factors in their environment and diet.
READ ALSO: 7 Powerful Natural Remedies For Hair Growth Infographic
This article is predicated on the assumption that one considers their hair a problem to be dealt with in the first place. Many people really do look good with grey hair or a “salt and pepper” look. Why not try it out for a while and see if you can pull it off? (Think Anderson Cooper).
Educate yourself on the facts behind greying hair and make the decision that is right for you.
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