As the years pass by, we - especially men - find more and more gray hair on the sides of our heads. While many of us attribute this to the natural aging process, the underlying causes of this phenomenon are actually much more complex. Recent research suggests that the development of gray hair may be due to a glitch in the function of our stem cells - melanocyte stem cells to be precise - which are responsible for producing new hair follicles.

Since a lot of our customers aren’t aware of this gray phenomenon, Lordhair - a global hair toupee supplier - decided to explain the science behind it. If you’re curious about why your hair is turning gray, read on and learn more about the stem cell glitch. Let’s first understand what stem cells are.

 

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are specialized cells that have the unique ability to divide and evolve into various types of cells. As we age, the function of stem cells can decline, leading to a reduction in their regenerative capacity. This decline in stem cell function can contribute to a wide range of age-related diseases and conditions, including hair loss and graying. 

For those who don't know, melanocyte stem cells (MSCs) are stem cells that reside in the hair follicles and are responsible for producing melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that give hair its color. As we age, the number of MSCs in the hair follicle decline, leading to a reduction in the number of melanocytes produced. This decline in melanocyte production results in a gradual loss of hair color and the development of gray hair.

 

 

What Causes Gray Hair?

Research has shown that the decline in MSC function may be due to a number of factors, including oxidant stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)  and the body’s ability to neutralize them. Turns out, ROS causes damage to DNA, which leads to stem cell dysfunction. 

Inflammation also contributes to the decline in MSC function by causing damage to the hair follicles and impairing its ability to regenerate capacity. 

 

How to Improve MSC Function 

Several studies have investigated ways to enhance the function of MSCs and potentially reverse the graying process. One approach is to use stem cell-based therapies to replenish the number of MSCs in the hair follicles. Studies have shown that this approach can lead to increased hair growth and pigmentation. Another approach is to stimulate the activity of MSCs in the hair follicles using growth factors and other signaling molecules. Researchers have identified several growth factors that can stimulate MSC activity in the hair follicles, including fibroblast growth factors. These growth factors can be delivered to the hair follicles using various techniques, including injections, topical application, and gene therapy. 

 

Are you suffering from hair thinning along with gray hair? Check out these gray hair options in hair systems to get an all-natural look.

 

How to Recover from Gray Hair and Baldness?

Researchers are exploring ways to enhance the functions of MSCs and potentially reverse the graying process using stem cell-based therapies. However, scientists are still in the experimental stage and may require many years for the development of new treatments for age-related hair loss and graying.

For those who are experiencing hair loss along with hair graying, here are the best ways to combat the duo at the initial stage:

 

• Use hair color to counter graying 

• Wear hair systems to counter aggressive baldness 

• Try SMP to counter hair thinning 

• Learn about plasma therapy for hair thinning 

 

Read these blogs for additional insights on baldness:

• Hair loss prevention through diet, styling and hair care
• How to prevent seasonal hair loss

 

 

Reduce Hair Graying 

In conclusion, stem cells play a critical role in the development and maintenance of tissues, including the hair follicles. The decline in MSC function with age can contribute to the development of gray hair by reducing the number of melanocytes produced. 

Thousands of individuals struggling with hair loss and other hair conditions have chosen our exclusive range of hair systems. 

Our non-surgical hair replacement systems for hair loss (commonly known as wigs, toupees, toppers, and hairpieces) are lightweight, comfortable, and natural-looking. Lordhair real hair wigs and toppers also come at affordable prices so that everyone can benefit from them. 

If you have any queries or concerns about graying hair, please feel free to drop the same in the comments section. Also, check out ways to match your hair color.