Dr. Anthony Oro, professor of dermatology at Stanford University, recently told Good Housekeeping, when it comes to gray hair, there is a 50-50-50 rule. “Fifty percent of the population has about 50 percent gray hair at age 50,” with Caucasians going gray faster than any other race. And, if you’re a redhead, your ginger mane goes first. Next, Asians and lastly African Americans. This writer is the exception; I’ve been graying since age 19.
The hair experts at Roots Double Effects Hair break down a common myth: does worrying cause gray hair? The answer is yes.
Here’s why: Adrenaline, the stress hormone, can damage the DNA that produce melanin. As melanin is what gives hair its color, a loss of melanin could make hair turn gray.
Here a few tips to ward of those gray tresses:
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid stress. It is a culprit in many skin and hair issues.
- Eat foods such as liver and carrots, that are packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to help protect cells against toxins and help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other ailments. Low vitamin B12 levels can cause loss of hair pigment.
- Dye your hair.
