Can you reverse gray hair?
According to dermatologists, scientists are close to having a viable solution but more research is needed.
As we age, our hair produces less melanin, which is why it turns gray.
Your hair color comes from melanocytes in the hair follicle.
And once you lose those melanocytes, you usually dont get them back, says Dr. Shah.
Theoretically, if you stimulate them, you could produce more pigment.
board-certified dermatologist atMedical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgeryin New York
For years, researchers have been working to figure out how to do just that.
A potential treatment is alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (-MSH).
But the commercialization of -MSH wont happen anytime soon.
First and foremost, researchers have to establish whether or not it is safe.
Do we want to be stimulating our melanocytes?
Because melanocytes also contribute tomelanoma (AKA skin cancer), says Dr. Shah.
Some of the studies are showing that it works.
And so the next stage would be safety.
Until then, Ill be dyeing my hair every three weeks, says Dr. Gohara.
Ready to embrace your gray?
Check out our lists of the bestshampoosandconditionersfor gray hair.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
