Everything you need to know about white hair: age, causes, maintenance, coloring

THE first white hair often worry. They sometimes appear as early as the thirties, or even earlier in certain people. Natural aging, genetics, tobacco, diseases, stress… Several factors can explain this progressive loss of pigmentation. Should we really be worried about this? Can we slow down the phenomenon? And why do some gray hairs seem to appear “overnight”? We take stock with Dr Philippe Assouly, expert at the Sabouraud center (Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris).

Contrary to what one might think, white hair is not neither “dead” hair nor “sick” hair. It continues to grow normally, but gradually loses its color over the years.

As a reminder, hair color depends on melanina pigment made by melanocytes, cells located at the roots of the hair. “Their role is to transmit the pigment to the cells which produce the hair fiber. They thus determine the color of the hair, but also that of the hair, the skin and the iris,” explains Dr. Assouly.

With age, these cells age and become less efficient… They produce less melaninsome go dormant and others disappear completely. Result: the hair fiber gradually fades.

Hair whitening is above all a natural phenomenon linked to aging. But age is not the only factor involved. Some people see their first white hair appear very early, sometimes before the age of 30.

As Dr. Assouly explains to us: genetics play a major role. “If the parents had gray hair early, the risk is higher of being affected in turn.”

But other factors can also accelerate the phenomenon:

The subject has long intrigued researchers, who continue to be interested in it.

“In animals, several studies suggest that significant stress could disrupt the functioning of melanocytes. In humans, data is still limited and it is difficult to establish a direct link », Indicates Dr. Assouly.

The dermatologist, however, wishes to qualify: “An emotional shock or a difficult period does not cause an entire head of hair to turn white overnight. On the other hand, chronic stress could accelerate certain mechanisms linked to agingtherefore hasten the arrival of white hair.

The appearance of white hair varies greatly from person to person. For some, the first appear in their twenties. In others, they only arrive after 40 or 50 years.

As stated above, genetics play an important role : if your parents had gray hair early, you are more likely to have it quickly too.

The age at which white hair appears also seems to vary depending on the origins. “White hair often appears in the mid-thirties in people of European origin, a little later in people of Asian origin, and rather around the forties in people of African origin,” emphasizes Dr. Assouly.

In the majority of cases, no. On the other hand, when whitening appears very early, quickly or unusually, it is better to talk to a doctor, especially in the presence of other symptoms such as:

The doctor may look for certain associated causes, such as a thyroid problem or a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Some people keep their natural color for a long time, sometimes even into old age. Here again, genetics plays a major role.

“There is great variability from one person to another,” insists Dr. Assouly. It evokes a form of “Gaussian curve”: some whiten very early, the majority much later, and a minority of people keep colored hair most of their lives.

It all depends on how quickly the cells responsible for hair color age!

Non. « Biologically this is not possible. Once the hair emerges from the scalp, its pigmentation no longer changes. And a hair grows about 1 centimeter per month. It cannot therefore suddenly whiten in a few hours,” assures Dr. Assouly.

On the other hand, certain illnesses or particular situations can give the impression of sudden whitening. This is particularly the case for certain hair loss which mainly affects pigmented hair and spares the white hair already present. Result: white hair suddenly becomes much more visible.

There is currently no treatment that can prevent the appearance of white hair. It’s difficult to counter genetics and natural aging… But certain habits can however delay their appearance:

Rest assured: pulling out a white hair does not grow several white hairs in its place. “Each hair grows from its own hair follicle. Removing one therefore has no effect on neighboring hair,” assures Dr. Assouly.

That said, pulling out your hair regularly can damage the hair follicle and weaken regrowth. The best thing is to cut them or color them if that bothers you.

In the vast majority of cases, no. Once the cells responsible for hair color stop functioning, the pigmentation gradually disappears in a lasting manner. But several studies now suggest that they could be reactivated:

For the moment, there is no treatment capable of naturally recoloring white hair. “ Research advancesbut we are still far from a miracle solution,” says Dr. Assouly.

The specialist also calls for caution regarding products sold on the internet which promise to “make white hair disappear naturally”. No oils, lotions, vitamins or dietary supplements has not yet proven its effectiveness in lastingly restoring the natural color of hair.

The coloration remains today the most effective solution to camouflage white hair. There are several techniques, with more or less important results and maintenance depending on the needs.

Among the most used options:

The choice depends on several criteria, such as the quantity of white hair, the sensitivity of the scalp, the desired result, or the time you wish to devote to maintenance. Some people prefer to completely cover their gray hair, while others simply choose to reduce contrasts or to gradually assume their white or gray hair.

Regardless, “Hair dyes remain chemical products that should be used with caution, particularly in people with sensitive scalps or those prone to irritation,” recalls Dr. Assouly.

Over time, white hair can change texture. They often appear drier, thicker, rougher or more difficult to style. This phenomenon is linked to the natural aging of the hair fiber.

White hair also reflect more lightwhich makes them more visible. And over the years, they can turn yellow under the effect of the sun, pollution, tobacco or certain hair products.

To keep white hair bright and healthy, a few simple steps can help:

“These habits help preserve their suppleness, softness and shine,” confirms Dr. Assouly.

In summary, white hair is part of natural aging. Age remains the main cause, but genetics, smoking or certain diseases can accelerate their appearance. Even if no miracle solution exists today to permanently prevent money laundering, adopt a healthy lifestyle helps maintain healthy hair. And above all, having white hair is neither an illness nor a defect: more and more people are now choosing to fully embrace it!