“Promising Research on Reversing or Preventing Gray Hair”
New Study Shows Potential to Reverse or Prevent Hair Graying
Gray hair is often seen as a sign of aging and can make people unhappy. However, a recent study by researchers at New York University Grossman School of Medicine has shown that it may be possible to reverse or prevent hair graying.
The researchers examined white hairs in mice and discovered that stem cells, which can turn into different cell types, have the ability to move between different parts of hair follicles. The researchers then focused on melanocyte stem cells, which control hair color in humans.
The study found that hair follicles with trapped stem cells were 15 percent in normal hair, but this rate was higher in worn and old hair. By helping trapped cells move between developing hair follicles, the researchers believe that it may be possible to reverse or prevent human hair graying.
“Our work adds to our fundamental understanding of how melanocyte stem cells work to color hair,” said Qi Sun, the study’s principal investigator. The researchers plan to explore potential ways to restore mobility to stem cells or physically move them between compartments where they can produce pigment and stop hair graying.
Senior researcher Mayumi Uti noted that the loss of function in melanocyte stem cells may cause hair color changes and hair loss. Ensuring melanocyte stem cell motility is key to keeping hair healthy and colorful, Uti said.
The study also found that as we age, the cycle of shedding and re-growth in hair causes an increase in the number of follicles and their compression, preventing them from taking in protein and turning into pigment cells. In youth, melanocyte stem cells move between developing hair follicles and are exposed to different levels of proteins.
This study offers hope to those who wish to prevent or reverse hair graying and maintain healthy, colorful hair. Further research is needed to fully understand how stem cells can be mobilized to reverse or prevent hair graying.
