Aging of the Hair Follicle Pigmentation System
January 2009
in “
International journal of trichology
”
hair follicle pigmentation hair graying oxidative stress reactive oxygen species ROS melanocyte degeneration melanin production antioxidant systems chronological aging genetically controlled amelanotic melanocytes hair repigmentation hair pigmentation gray hair melanin antioxidants aging genetics melanocytes hair dye
TLDR Hair grays due to oxidative stress and fewer functioning melanocytes.
The document discussed the aging of the hair follicle pigmentation system, focusing on the mechanisms behind hair graying. It highlighted that oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) played significant roles in melanocyte degeneration, leading to decreased melanin production. The study noted that graying hair follicles had reduced numbers of functioning melanocytes and impaired antioxidant systems. Additionally, it mentioned that the onset and progression of graying correlated with chronological aging and were genetically controlled. The research suggested that the high melanin production capacity and associated oxidative stress might contribute to melanocyte degeneration. The document also explored the potential for recruiting amelanotic melanocytes for hair repigmentation and noted the impact of graying hair on the cosmetics industry.
