The Effects of Corona Stress on Gray Hair

COVID-19, which plagues us until the end of the year

As the COVID-19 pandemic has prolonged our inability to meet friends, acquaintances, engage in hobbies, and engage in daily life, our stress levels have steadily increased. As previously invisible gray hairs begin to appear, a vicious cycle of stress builds as each new strand of gray hair grows, creating further stress.

Are those noticeable gray hairs really caused by stress?

Source: Hankyoreh Future & Science

Stress is the root of all evil, but the direct link and mechanism by which stress causes gray hair have not been identified. However, it is said that stress increases the amount of reactive oxygen species in the body and reduces melanin, the pigment that creates color within the body, which can lead to gray hair. Furthermore, stress disrupts the body's oxidative balance, potentially leading to gray hair.

So, what exactly causes gray hair? Gray hair is a normal part of aging. Hair color is determined by melanocytes in the hair follicles. These cells synthesize melanin, and the more pigment present, the darker the hair. Hair turns gray with age because the number of melanocytes that produce melanin decreases and their function declines.

An international team of researchers recently searched the whole genome sequences of more than 6,000 South Americans to find genes associated with hair and beard traits, including hair graying, baldness, beard thickness, unibrows, and eyelashes. The scientists found that 30% of the changes were due to genetics, while the remaining 70% were due to aging, environment, stress, and other factors.

So, how can we prevent gray hair? There's no surefire way to prevent gray hair, but as with hair loss, improving blood circulation is said to be effective.

<Reference Materials>

[1] [KISTI Science Fragrance] Why do we get gray hair?

[2] Gray hair: Prevention is the best! Once it appears, it can't be stopped.