Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the reason why hair turns gray and white as we age. Researchers from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine have identified a key component in hair follicles called melanocyte stem cells or MCSCs, which are responsible for keeping hair dark.
Why Hair Turns White with Age?
As we age, the MCSCs that produce melanin, the pigment that gives hair its natural color, begin to age and lose their ability to maintain the hair’s natural color. The movements of stem cells that can develop into different types of cells and have the ability to move between the growth zones of follicles also begin to disappear with age. This leads to hair losing its color and turning white.
The researchers conducted research on the cells in the skin of rats, which are also found in humans, to gain a better understanding of how MCSCs function. The results of the study could help in the development of treatments to turn gray hair black again and to prevent hair growth.
The head of the research team, Qui Sun, expressed optimism that the results of the study could be replicated in humans. If so, it could be possible to send the blocked cells back to the hair follicle area, preventing the hair from turning white or black again. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach hair care and aging.
