As a biologist with a focus on cellular and molecular biology, I can explain the process of hair graying. Hair receives its color from a pigment called melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes. The color of your hair is determined by the type and amount of melanin produced: eumelanin for black/brown hair and pheomelanin for yellow/red hair.

Aging is the most common cause of hair turning white. As people age, the melanocytes gradually decrease in their ability to produce melanin. This decline in melanin production can be due to a variety of factors including:


1. Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to graying at an earlier age.

2. Oxidative Stress: Over time, oxidative damage can accumulate, affecting the melanocytes' ability to produce melanin.

3. Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, and copper, can lead to a decrease in melanin production.

4. Environmental Factors: Exposure to harmful UV rays, smoking, and other environmental pollutants can also contribute to hair graying.

5. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances can affect melanocyte function and lead to a decrease in melanin production.

Once the melanocytes stop producing melanin, the hair strand becomes colorless, which is what we perceive as white or gray hair.

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Keratin is the protein that makes up our hair, skin, and nails. Throughout the years, melanocyctes continue to inject pigment into the hair's keratin, giving it a colorful hue. With age comes a reduction of melanin. The hair turns gray and eventually white.read more >>