
Considering that we live in a culture where 33-year-old Kate Middleton is splashed on the cover of magazines simply for letting her silvery roots show, it's fair to say going gray can be a sensitive subject—particularly in our youth-obsessed culture. For most, the first signs of gray don't come until you're in your thirties or forties, but for others, it's much earlier than that. While there's no denying a silver 'do seems to have more trend appeal than ever—Lady Gaga and Kat Moss have both rocked the hue—we'd rather not have silvery strands too early on. Here's what you need to know:
The Science Behind the Grays
Hair goes gray when pigment-producing cells stop releasing melanin, which gives it color. Unfortunately, going gray prematurely is in large part genetic or could be the result of an autoimmune condition. An inconveinent rule of thumb: If your parents went gray at a younger age, chances are you will too. According to a recent study (opens in new tab), ethnicity also plays are role. Caucasians tend to go gray sooner than other races, including African Americans and Asians.
How to Keep the Grays at Bay
The good news is that going gray isn't completely out of your control—your lifestyle can play a significant role. For one, there's stress, which is something that millennials know all too well. A 2013 study found (opens in new tab) that melanin-producing cells can disappear when exposed to stress hormones. While it's not going to cause you to go gray all at once, it does seem to contribute to the problem, so find opportunities to de-stress as much as possible.
Your diet, too, can play a consequential role in graying hair. Low vitamin B12 and B-9 levels (more likely for vegans), as well as copper and iron deficiencies, have been known to cause a loss of hair pigment. To amp up your nutrition, and potentially prevent premature grays in the process, look to a balanced diet rich in antioxidants with foods like salmon, green leafy vegetables, and nuts. Bonus: They'll also give you glowing skin (opens in new tab).
Lastly, a 2013 study found a link between smoking and going grey in your twenties. As if you needed another reason to quit...
You should also check out:
You're Doing It Wrong: 7 Ways to Use Your Hair Products Like a Pro (opens in new tab)
Everything You Need to Know About Hair Contouring (opens in new tab)
The Power of the Silk Pillowcase: Real or Fake? (opens in new tab)
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong
-
The 25 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023, According to Experts
Rapunzel-like hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 23 Best Beauty Advent Calendars of 2023
The gift that keeps on giving—literally.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 17 Best Sea Salt Sprays for Beach Waves
Perfect vacation hair with these fake-it-'til-you-make-it products.
By Gabrielle Ulubay