Gray hairs are unavoidable, they’re just a natural part of life. But some people may get them too early, and want to fight back against that as much as possible. Is there a way to slow down or reverse this process?

What Causes Gray Hair?

Gray hairs are caused by melanin production slowing down. Melanin isn’t just responsible for giving color to skin, but also hair and eyes. This gradual decrease in melanin production can be attributed to numerous factors including natural aging, genetics, stress, smoking, vitamin deficiencies.

While grays are a normal part of aging, premature gray hairs (PGH) or a sudden change to substantial grays could be something that’s cause by the factors mentioned above. It’s best to consult a professional to help pinpoint what those factors are, especially if it could be an underlying medical condition.

Are Grays Reversible?

In most cases, gray hairs are irreversible. However, research shows that those who have PGH linked to nutrient deficiencies, may be able to reverse it . Deficiencies in copper, iron, zinc, calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12 can contribute to PGH. Nutrient tests can be helpful to pinpoint the exact deficiencies, and then with proper supplementation and/or diet, PGH could reverse.

Another study found that graying tied to stress can be reversed, where a man was able to reverse some of his gray hairs when he went on a two-week vacation.

Regardless of whether you’re able to reverse gray hairs or not, practicing good health habits will be beneficial for your overall hair health. Nutrient-balanced diets, proper supplementation, no cigarette smoking, and minimizing stress factors, are all important no matter what color your hair is.