Possible Reversal of Greying Hair: New Research Highlights

Haircare specialists are looking towards an unexpected breakthrough.

Recent studies suggest that it might be feasible to reverse greying hair without resorting to dyes. Spanish researchers observed that as lung cancer patients recovered thanks to immunotherapy, their hair regained its pigment, too.

Initially, researchers thought it was just a coincidence, but then realized that even patients not under their care experienced similar results after using treatments like Keytruda, Opdivo, and Tecentriq. This prompted Melissa Harris from the University of Alabama to explore methods to help anyone seeking a simpler solution from websites like Amazon.

The cells known as melanocytes are responsible for hair color, but as people age, the stem cells that continuously regenerate them diminish, leading to the loss of color.

So, how soon could grey hair be a thing of the past? Perhaps sooner than we think.

Less than 25% of individuals have a significant amount of grey hair by the age of 50, according to research from the British Journal of Dermatology in 2012. However, nearly 90% experience some pigment loss before they even reach that milestone.

This pigment loss relates to melanocytes, which are the cells that contribute color to hair follicles. They rely on a supporting cast of stem cells for regeneration, but stress, fatigue, and natural aging processes can hinder this function. Eventually, this cycle fails, and the body stops producing melanin, which also influences skin and eye color.

Genetics play a huge role; for instance, if your grandmother had striking white hair, you might inherit that trait too. Interestingly, even dogs can grey, often developing a “sugar face” or white streaks as they age.

Scientists believe that the immunotherapy drugs aid in countering greying hair by rejuvenating the existing stem cells, which act like maintenance workers for the body. These drugs, originally designed to combat cancer, have an unintended side effect: they may help restart the pigmentation process for hair.

At the University of Alabama, Harris and her team are focusing solely on isolating the immunotherapy treatments for hair pigmentation. However, human trials have yet to be conducted, which means we might be waiting several months to see how this can benefit everyday individuals.

In the meantime, some new supplements have appeared on the market, claiming to restore color to greying hair. A product called Arey, launched in 2021, touts its ability to “repigment” hair by reducing the oxidative stress responsible for early greying.

Tech enthusiast Bryan Johnson shared on social media that he’s been using a combination of a melanin-boosting GR-7 serum, labeled a superfood for melanocytes, and Mayraki, a peptide serum derived from fo-ti root, which showed potential in early studies to maintain hair color.

Interestingly, some individuals view grey hair as a sort of badge of honor. Historical figures like baseball pitcher Jessee Petty earned the nickname “the silver fox” for his grey hair, and it’s a term that has stuck around for attractive older men, including the likes of George Clooney.

Meanwhile, actors like Andie MacDowell and Salma Hayek continue to shine, showcasing their grey hair. Model Stephanie Cavalli made a statement by opening the Chanel couture show flaunting her natural grey locks, expressing that the experience felt euphoric.

Evolutionary theories even suggest that grey hair can signify wisdom and survival, as observed in silverback gorillas, who gain respect as they age. A research paper from 1998 introduced the “grandmother hypothesis,” which posits that older women were favored in early human communities for their invaluable knowledge and social skills.

Pop culture figures like Queen Charlotte from “Bridgerton,” along with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker, demonstrate that grey can definitely be chic.

But, if you’re not quite ready to embrace the grey, rest assured that advancements in science are on the horizon to support those looking to maintain their hair color.