The most common cause that we hear from parents for their gray hair at an early age is their unruly children and teenagers. A good theory though, but how far do you think is the statement true? When this question pops up, there is never a good answer other than due to loss of pigment. But cancer researchers seem to have stumble upon a block, which describes the exact cause of hair turning grey.

Melanin, the pigment which is also found in the skin is responsible for determining the color of the hair. The number, size and color of the pigment granules help in determining the range of hair color. The cells that secrete melanin is known as melanocytes, which can possibly be depleted totally or may even slow down. And as a result, the hair began to lose its natural color.

However, the graying phenomenon is still not very clearly understood. Some are of the view that air bubbles block the passage of melanin and contribute to greying and some attributes greying to be genetically determined, yet the connection is not very clear. During the graying process, melanocytes make errors and position themselves in such a manner in the hair follicle, which leads to the loss of pigmentation.

With the pigment getting fewer and fewer as you age, the color booster reduces and the hair strands begun to appear grey, white or silver. Some have also attributed stress as the cause of gray hair but scientists are however not very sure about it. It has been suggested by Dr. Tobin, the melanocyte activities either slow down or stop when the hair is preparing to shed or fall out.

Among males, graying usually starts as early as 30 years of age and on average, females go grey at around 35 years of age. However, age cannot be strictly adhered to as far as greying is concerned, as it varies from person to person. Yet, after 30 years of age, there is a high chance of a person going grey. Further Dr. Tobin suggests that some people may go through this process rapidly and in some it may occur slowly and gradually.

Other possible factors which can affect the pigmentation of hair follicles are:

1) Genetic Defects

2) Hormones

3) Body distribution

4) Age

5) Climate

6) Pollutants

7) Toxins and Chemical Exposure.

Despite these facts, the reason why the hair turns grey still remains a mystery of science which is yet to be solved. But one proven fact is that there is no correlation between hair loss or balding and grey hair. Among men the ‘salt and pepper hair’ adds to their advantage as they look older than they actually are and has a distinguished look, which earns them dignity and respect at their work place.