Can White Hair Be Caused by Genetics Or a Health Condition?


White hair loss can be part of the natural aging process or caused by genetics or an underlying health condition. It can be reversed through proper diet, hair care, and natural remedies. Avoid plucking gray hair, making them less likely to grow back. Instead, use intensive tinting treatments as a more gradual transition process.

Genetics

Researchers have recently discovered that genes play an enormous role in determining one’s hair color. A small change can make someone naturally blonde or transform them into brunettes. Scientists believe the number of activated Eumelanin genes determines one’s hair hue – each child inherits four from both parents with their off- and on-ramp genes having an effect; the more “on” genes a person has, the darker their locks will become.




MC1R (melanocortin one receptor) is the best-known hair color gene. This receptor controls how much eumelanin melanocytes (cells that produce pigment in skin, eyes, and hair) produce and what type of melanin (pheomelanin or eumelanin) and its density are produced. These factors have been linked with various hair colors, including blonde, brown, and black hues.

Red hair can be traced back to another gene; this one produces a protein that reduces pheomelanin transmission to hair follicles, making light blonde or red hues instead. This gene has also been associated with various other traits, including eye and skin pigmentation, more frequently found among people of Northern European ancestry.








UK Biobank recently conducted a genome-wide association study, identifying multiple loci linked to hair color variation. These included the MC1R gene as well as several others involved in DNA transcription, chromatin folding, and cell-to-cell transport; however, only ten variants can be directly attributed to this region of MC1R gene coding region – one being an amino acid change caused by mutation of TSPAN10 gene that alters an essential part of MC1R protein structure.

Stress

Stress is a necessary component of life, yet it can become problematic over time. While occasional or moderate amounts may be beneficial, long-term or excessive stress can lead to health issues and premature graying of hair follicles due to sympathetic nervous system signals triggered by stress, which may deplete them of color reserves faster. Studies suggest this might explain why some individuals tend to gray faster when under stress; decreasing stress in your life could slow or reverse it altogether.
















Your stress can be reduced through exercise, talking with a friend, and seeking professional assistance from a therapist or support group. A therapist or group may provide valuable tools that will enable you to cope better and manage stress more effectively.

Hair care products

No matter if your hair has been bleached platinum blonde in honor of Marilyn Monroe or you sport white locks naturally, they require special attention and require products with violet pigments to neutralize brassiness and yellow tones and look for ones containing nourishing ingredients to keep the strands looking their best.
















Reinhart recommends investing in a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup from hard water, pollution, and styling products. Rinsing out and repeating this routine once every week should help with this goal, with gentle conditioner providing additional moisture.

Avoid shampoos containing sulfates, as these can dry out your strands and lead to breakage. Instead, opt for clarifying shampoos that do not contain harsh chemicals like sulfates. There are numerous options at beauty supply stores, or try Shea Moisture’s line of Black-hair-specific products for guidance.
















Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo is an exquisite formula that brightens white and gray locks while protecting them from further yellowing and fading. Packed with cornflower extracts to combat yellowing and packed with vitamin C to combat environmental stressors – you’ll understand why so many customers rave about it! It has won several industry awards as well. It is no wonder it has earned such stellar user reviews!