Does Stress Cause Grey Hair?

Does stress cause grey hair? Stress is a common part of life, but it can take a toll on our bodies in surprising ways, including causing our hair to turn gray earlier than expected. When we're stressed for long periods, our bodies produce hormones and free radicals that lead to oxidative stress. 

This stress can damage the cells in our hair follicles responsible for color, causing our hair to lose its pigment and turn gray prematurely. Knowing how stress affects our hair highlights why managing stress is so important for staying healthy and looking our best.

The Connection Between Stress, Hair Loss, and Greying of Hair

Stress is a significant factor when it comes to both hair loss and the greying of hair. Chronic stress can lead to noticeable hair thinning and shedding. In more severe cases, particularly following traumatic events, it can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium. This condition causes widespread hair loss, often in response to events like childbirth, surgery, or illnesses such as COVID-19.

When your hair is already beginning to turn gray, maintaining a healthy rate of hair growth becomes crucial. A slowed growth rate can prevent healthy, pigmented hairs from replacing the gray ones, leading to more noticeable thinning and an increased presence of gray hair.

Stress Causes Hair to Become Dormant

Along with hair loss, stress also causes the cells in the hair to become dormant. The cells in your hair work hard to keep things working and it is a well-oiled machine. When the cells become dormant because of stress, it also causes certain processes to stop working including producing thicker, healthier, and pigmented hair.

Pigment Cells Decrease

Along with dormancy, a study proves that pigment cells decrease when the body is under stress. Pigment cells are what gives your hair color, the more pigment you have, the darker your hair is. Which goes for the opposite, as well. The less pigment you have, the lighter your hair is. When your hair is lacking pigment cells, it causes the hair to go gray and become coarse and brittle as pigment also has a factor in keeping the hair healthy.

Takes A Toll on the Whole Body

Stress causes havoc on the entire body and it manifests in different ways. You can tell by the way your hair and skin looks if you’re stressed, there are many illnesses caused by stress, and you feel just overall worse when you are stressed. Gray hair is just one of the many symptoms of dealing with too much stress.

How to Prevent Stress-Caused Graying

Manage your stress

Stress can lead to a variety of problems in our bodies, one of which is premature graying. That's why it's so important to manage stress well. To keep stress in check, make sure you're managing your time wisely, always practicing self-care, and finding ways to relax and unwind. Taking these steps can help you stay healthier and prevent those early gray hairs from appearing.

Natural remedies

Polygonum Multiflorum

Polygonum multiflorum, a plant native to China, has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. This plant is believed to possess properties that can combat various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, Polygonum multiflorum is renowned as an exceptional anti-aging hair remedy. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for gray hair, and modern studies support this use. Research indicates that Polygonum multiflorum can naturally and effectively reverse hair depigmentation, restoring its original color. Moreover, it nourishes the hair, enhancing its health and preventing premature graying.

Curry Leaves

According to a report in the International Journal of Farmtech Research, curry leaves are a traditional remedy for premature graying. Rich in protein, antioxidants, and beta-carotene, curry leaves contribute to improved hair health and can help prevent premature graying.

Antioxidants

When your diet lacks sufficient antioxidants, free radicals accumulate in your body and are not properly neutralized. This condition, known as oxidative stress, puts a strain on your overall health and negatively impacts your hair's health. Oxidative stress accelerates the aging process and causes hair to lose its pigment more quickly. To combat this, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet is essential, as they help to prevent oxidative stress and support both your overall well-being and the health of your hair.

Healthy lifestyle

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can greatly improve your hair's health. Quitting smoking, eating nutritious foods, staying fit, and maintaining good mental health are effective ways to prevent gray hair. By committing to a healthy lifestyle, your body will retain essential nutrients, helping to keep your hair strong, hydrated, and pigmented.

Avoid Damaging Practices

Damaging your hair increases the chances of getting gray hair. You can avoid further premature graying by avoiding damaging practices like heat styling, chemical processes (bleach, dye, perms, etc.)

Say Less, Stress

When it comes to wreaking some havoc on your mental and physical health, stress takes the cake. It may not seem like much, but stress takes a huge toll in every aspect of your life, including your relationships, mental health, physical health, and physical appearance. Does stress cause grey hair? Gray hair is just another symptom of the cause. That’s why it’s important to give yourself a break and manage your stress accordingly. It’s not worth stressing your life away; you’ve only got one! Enrich your mind and soul, and make sure you are still doing things you enjoy and spending time with people you love. It will improve your overall state and keep those grays away!