“A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins such as vitamin E, C, and B-complex, and minerals like copper and zinc may help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, which is linked to graying.” says Birch. “Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are good choices. Ensuring a balanced diet with sufficient protein intake is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin, so a lack of protein in your diet might impact its health.”
4. You’re Still Smoking
Like a cigarette every once in a while? Well, if you’re worried about going gray, it might be time to toss out those Marlboros for good. Giving up smoking can be tough, but it will save your hair (and your bank balance) in the long run.
“There is plenty of scientific research that suggests that exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, including those from cigarette smoke, may contribute to premature graying,” says Birch. “Avoiding smoking and minimizing your exposure to pollution might help slow down the process.”
5. You’re Too Stressed
And back to the topic of stress. While going gray because of it can sound like a bit of a myth, this has actually been proven through plenty of research, including this 2020 study of mice that demonstrated how stress led their fur to go gray.
“Chronic stress has been linked to premature aging, including graying of hair.” says Birch. “It is necessary to find out the cause of stress and try to find ways to control it. Please do not forget that sometimes it’s important to make your life a little bit lighter and to do what makes you happy.”
Over the last couple of years, Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy (or PRP, for short) has been something that has been sometimes recommended to people who are worried about going gray. In theory, the treatment takes advantage of your blood’s natural healing properties. Your blood is collected, put through a process called centrifugation, and injected back into your scalp. It sounds pretty promising on paper, but it’s not always that straightforward.
“Although there are some debates of the efficacy of PRP, and while there have been some cases showing color being restored to hair, there is still not enough scientific evidence to support it.” says Birch. “Saying this, PRP shows some potential, but it would require a lot more research and understanding of the complex follicular pigmentation process.”
This story originally ran on British GQ with the title “All the reasons why you’re going grey, according to a very smart hair specialist”
