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Hair Color

The color of hair depends on the presence or absence of Melanin in the cortex layer of the hair. The absence of Melanin results in white/gray hair. Melanin is produced by the cells called Melanocytes. These cells are located in the hair follicles. There are two forms of Melanin: Eumelanin, and Phaeomelanin. All human hair has Phaeomelanin, the red pigment. The Eumelanin is the black pigment. Higher the amount of Eumelanin, the darker is the hair color.

The amount of Phaeomelanin is more stable than Eumelanin. If we bleach hair, the Eumelanin goes away first, leaving the hair as red due to Phaeomelanin. Further bleaching, bleaches the Phaeomelanin making the hair go orange and eventually yellow. The natural color of the protein that makes the hair is actually yellow.

The melanin varies for different part of the body. You may have different color eye brows, beard, private part, and head.

Turning gray with age

As we age, the melanocytes produce less and less melanin. Eventually no melanin is produced, the absence of melanin turns hair white or gray. The process is highly dependent on our genes.

There is no known diet or a supplement that can reverse or even even slow down this process of graying. The graying takes over a decade. In the mean time, we buy all the hair tonics that claim to slow down the process.

In India, the most common tonic ingredient for graying hair is Amla.

During a study of a new cancer dug for Leukemia, French scientists have observed restoration of melanin production as a side effect. It is still at a very early stage of development.

Premature Gray

Werner syndrome and Pernicious Anemia may cause premature graying. This is reversible after the patient has recovered.

Malnutrition can cause the hair to turn lighter, thinner, and brittle. The hair color may turn reddish brown due to poor production of melanin. This can be reversed with correction in food intake.

Some interesting facts

A recent study demonstrated that people 50-70 years of age with dark eyebrows but grey hair are significantly more likely to have type II diabetes than those with both grey eyebrows and grey hair.

Some Interesting Claims

In India, most of the anti-graying concoctions use Amla. Amla is high in Vitamin C. When dried Amla powder is soaked in water, the water turn black. When this Amla water is applied to hair, it sorts of acts like a dye.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Amla effects melanin production in any manner. Similar claims are made about Curry Leaves, Almond oil, and Brahmi Oil. None of these items effect the melanin.

Hair Dyes in India

In India, Henna (Mehndi), and Indigo (Neel) have been used to dye hair for centuries. Lemon juice and Chamomile tea are used to lighten hair. These colorants deposit color on the exterior of the hair with minimum loss to the basic hair structure.