Gray Hair: From Prevention to Treatment

June 2025 in “ Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology ”

Yedi Herdiana

melanin melanocyte stem cell oxidative stress norepinephrine low-level laser therapy hair pigmentation genes nutritional deficiencies copper iron stem cell research topical treatments LLLT

From the encyclopedia

copper →

iron →

Low Level Laser Therapy →

laser therapy for anti-inflammatory and likely insignificant hair regrowth effects

Studysummary This study examined the factors contributing to gray hair, such as genetics and lifestyle, and found that while graying correlates with some health conditions, it is primarily a physiological process rather than a pathological one.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document explores the complex process of hair graying, which is primarily due to decreased melanin production from melanocyte stem cell (MSC) dysfunction. Factors such as genetic predispositions, oxidative stress, and environmental influences contribute to this process. Stress, through norepinephrine signaling, depletes MSCs, accelerating graying. Recent advancements in treatments focus on stimulating melanin production, using antioxidants, and exploring therapies like low-level laser therapy. Genetic studies highlight variations in hair pigmentation genes across populations, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly in copper and iron, are linked to premature hair graying. Emerging therapies include stem cell research and topical treatments, with ongoing research emphasizing personalized approaches to manage and potentially reverse gray hair.

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Research cited in this study

39 / 39 results

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27 citations , May 2024 in “Clinical and Translational Medicine”

This review discusses the origin, characteristics, and therapeutic potential of melanocyte stem cells in skin pigmentation disorders and reports no clinical results.

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January 2024 in “Grail of science”

This abstract highlights that while hair serves a protective role against environmental factors, its main function is aesthetic, contributing to an individual's flawless appearance when healthy and well-cared for.

Irradiation-Induced Hair Graying in Mice: An Experimental Model to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Interventions Targeting Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage Prevention, and Cellular Senescence

research Irradiation-Induced Hair Graying in Mice: An Experimental Model to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Interventions Targeting Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage Prevention, and Cellular Senescence

January 2024 in “GeroScience”

This review explores how radiation-induced hair graying can be used as a model to study the mechanisms behind hair graying, focusing on cellular senescence and potential therapeutic targets to address age-related changes. Results are not provided.

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January 2024 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This research highlights that various environmental pollutants, including particulate matter, tobacco smoke, and heavy metals, can significantly affect hair follicle health, linking them to conditions like alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia, underscoring the need for further study in this area.

research Human Hair Graying Revisited: Principles, Misconceptions, And Key Research Frontiers

21 citations , December 2023 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study highlights multiple factors contributing to hair graying, such as oxidative damage, melanocyte changes, and genetic influences, and suggests that repigmentation may be temporarily reversible, offering potential targets for future treatments while urging caution when applying mouse model findings to humans.

research Status of Research on the Development and Regeneration of Hair Follicles

November 2023 in “International Journal of Medical Sciences”

This review examines the mechanisms of hair follicle development and regeneration, discussing current hair loss treatments and emerging therapies like low-level laser therapy and stem cell therapy, which the authors suggest show promise in managing hair loss.

research Natural Alternatives From Your Garden For Hair Care: Revisiting The Benefits Of Tropical Herbs

21 citations , November 2023 in “Heliyon”

This review explored the use of six tropical plants, such as Acacia concinna and Garcinia mangostana, as natural active ingredients in shampoos, highlighting their beneficial physicochemical properties and biological activities for hair care and scalp maintenance.

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October 2023 in “Biomaterials”

This review highlights the potential of nanotechnology for hair follicle regeneration, focusing on strategies such as hair cycle modulation, progenitor cell stimulation, and wound-induced hair neogenesis, while also discussing regulatory challenges that may affect the development of these innovative approaches.

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September 2023 in “Frontiers in medicine”

This review suggests that the mTOR signaling pathway may play a significant role in hair follicle health by influencing the effects of Vitamin D receptor deficiency, potentially contributing to hair follicle damage and related hair loss conditions.

Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity

research Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity

August 2023 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study observed unexpected heterogeneity among pigment cells in human scalp hair follicles, identifying immature melanocyte populations outside traditional pigment production zones, raising questions about their potential roles beyond melanin synthesis.

research MTORC1 Activity Negatively Regulates Human Hair Follicle Growth and Pigmentation

12 citations , May 2023 in “EMBO reports”

In this study with organ-cultured human scalp hair follicles, high mTORC1 activity correlated with gray/white hair and reduced pigmentation, while inhibiting mTORC1 with rapamycin increased hair growth and pigmentation, suggesting mTORC1 inhibition could be a strategy for treating hair depigmentation and loss.

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20 citations , February 2023 in “Biology”

This review highlights the possibility of safely altering hair color through innovative cosmetics by targeting key biological processes in hair follicles, using insights from mammalian pigmentation studies and drug-induced hair color changes as potential pathways.

Melatonin Promotes the Development of Secondary Hair Follicles in Adult Cashmere Goats by Activating the Keap1-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the Inflammatory Transcription Factors NFkB and AP-1

research Melatonin Promotes the Development of Secondary Hair Follicles in Adult Cashmere Goats by Activating the Keap1-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the Inflammatory Transcription Factors NFkB and AP-1

1 citations , February 2023 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study found that exogenous melatonin improved cashmere fiber quality and yield in goats by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing pro-aging cytokine expression in secondary hair follicles.

research Role and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Hair Growth and Health

2 citations , January 2023 in “Pharmaceuticals”

This review discusses factors affecting hair health, types of alopecia, and the potential of phytochemicals in managing hair loss but reports no new clinical results; it highlights the need for further studies.

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104 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This review evaluates the hair cycle's phases and the factors influencing the transition between anagen and telogen, advocating for a holistic approach to addressing hair loss, though no specific results are reported.

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2 citations , January 2023 in “International journal of biological sciences”

This review discusses the mechanisms of hair repigmentation and reports no clinical results; the authors suggest further research into topical treatments for reversing gray hair.

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7 citations , November 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study found that both Japanese male and female hair darkens with age, with significant sex differences in melanin composition and melanosome morphology influencing hair color.

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5 citations , February 2022 in “Frontiers in physiology”

This review discusses the role of various cells outside the hair follicle in regulating melanocyte stem cells and hair graying, but reports no new clinical results.

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1 citations , February 2022 in “Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences”

This study found that lower zinc serum levels may contribute to premature hair graying in college students at Universitas Sumatera Utara.

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10 citations , May 2021 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology”

In this mouse study, UVA and UVB exposure led to hair follicle miniaturization, graying, and prolonged hair cycle duration, associated with changes in stem cells and increased Wnt signaling activity.

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7 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatology and therapy”

This study confirmed that the Alopecia Areata-Investigator Global Assessment and other clinical outcome assessments are valid and relevant measures of treatment success for alopecia areata patients in Japan, aligning with previous North American findings.

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37 citations , August 2020 in “BMC Genomics”

This study found that while genetic variants contribute minimally to predicting hair greying in a Polish population, age remains the primary predictor, underscoring the complexity of hair greying as a genetic trait.

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7 citations , July 2020 in “Dermatologic therapy”

This review discusses premature graying of hair, highlighting risk factors like smoking and vitamin deficiencies, and suggests that addressing underlying conditions may reverse the graying process.

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2 citations , March 2020 in “Developmental cell”

This study reported that stress can induce hair graying in mice through noradrenaline-mediated depletion of melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles, providing a mechanism that connects stress to hair color changes.

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1 citations , September 2019 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

This study found no significant difference in serum levels of lead and selenium between patients with premature hair graying and those without it.

Impact of Premature Greying of Hair on Socio-Cultural Adjustment and Self-Esteem Among Medical Undergraduates in Foundation University, Islamabad

research Impact of Premature Greying of Hair on Socio-Cultural Adjustment and Self-Esteem Among Medical Undergraduates in Foundation University, Islamabad

July 2019 in “Curēus”

In this study, 31.2% of medical students experienced premature greying of hair, with higher prevalence among females, impacting socio-cultural aspects but not self-esteem.

research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D Levels in Premature Hair Graying of College Students at Universitas Sumatera Utara

4 citations , July 2019 in “IOP conference series”

This study found no significant association between premature hair graying and serum ferritin or vitamin D levels in young adult males at Universitas Sumatera Utara.

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134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

This review discusses the potential role of vitamins and minerals in managing non-scarring alopecia but reports no clinical results; the authors advocate for further controlled trials to explore these relationships.

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17 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that patients with premature hair graying had lower serum levels of iron, copper, and calcium, which correlated with the severity of graying.

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20 citations , January 2016 in “International journal of trichology”

In this study, premature hair graying in Indian patients under 25 was associated with low levels of serum ferritin, Vitamin B12, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

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84 citations , April 2015 in “Cosmetics”

This review discusses various types of hair dyes, their mechanisms of action, molecular structures, application methods, and formulation aspects, but reports no new research findings.

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16 citations , February 2015 in “Photochemistry and Photobiology”

The researchers reported that hair offers a measurable protective barrier against UVB and UVA radiation, which increases with hair density, thickness, and melanin content, suggesting a role in skin cancer prevention.

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47 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This review examines the pathogenesis of premature hair graying and potential treatment avenues, but reports no new experimental outcomes, highlighting ongoing research challenges and hopes for drug development.

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35 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that serum calcium, serum ferritin, and vitamin D3 levels were lower in students with premature graying of hair compared to controls, suggesting a potential role in the condition.

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This case report describes an elderly multiple myeloma patient whose hair repigmentation was associated with lenalidomide use, suggesting hair graying may be reversible.

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36 citations , June 2009 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This text is an informational content piece about JAMA Dermatology's website and does not contain any research findings or conclusions.

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This review examines the differential aging of melanocytes in hair follicles and skin, and reports no new findings; the authors suggest further research is needed to understand these processes.

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