Growing gray hair is a problem that many people face, especially as they age, the number of gray hairs will gradually increase. For many people, growing gray hair is a bothersome thing because it not only affects physical appearance but can also represent a decline in physical functioning.
In addition to genetic and age factors, there are many other factors that can contribute to gray hair. For example, malnutrition, lack of certain vitamins and minerals, mental stress, illness, etc., can all have an impact on hair color.
Gray hair is a common problem, but with a healthy lifestyle and proper medical treatment, we can effectively improve this problem.
Some of the articles on the Internet are sometimes unbelievable, such as a recent article about a Harvard study that claimed that people with long gray hair are less likely to develop cancer. This article has left many people confused and troubled because there seems to be no direct connection between the formation mechanism of gray hair and cancer.
First, let's take a look at the research this article is talking about. In fact, the study was not conducted by Harvard University, but was an academic study from Japan. The study was published in 2009, some time ago. The researchers found that when the hair follicles of mice were damaged by DNA, the melanocytes in the hair follicles did not die, but they transformed into mature melanocytes, leading to stem cell failure. As a result, the mice's hair can no longer be gray, but gradually turns white.
However, the study itself is only a discussion of the mechanism of hair graying and does not address cancer. The statement on the Internet that people with white hair have a lower risk of cancer actually stems from a misunderstanding of an article in the British "Daily Mail".
The reporter in the report quoted the interpretation of the study by the head of the department at Harvard University, arguing that the mechanism of hair graying can reduce the risk of cancer to a certain extent. This is because when melanocytes are not converted into melanin, there is a certain risk of cancer, and when they are converted into mature melanocytes, the risk of cancer is reduced.
However, this explanation is only for the contrast between the cells, and it is not as simple as white or black hair. The author of the online article took the expert's argument out of context and subsequently published it, which led to misunderstandings. Dr. Xu Yamei, from the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, said that the formation mechanism of hair graying is very complex, and there is no link between it and cancer.
In short, although some articles may be misleading, we need to think rationally and be objective. We should be vigilant and cautious about such rumors on the Internet.
First of all, genetics is one of the important factors that affect the growth of gray hair. Some people are born with fewer melanocytes, resulting in graying hair earlier. In addition, family inheritance can also lead to premature graying of hair. As a result, gray hair can occur even in younger people.
Secondly, nutrition is also one of the factors that affect the growth of gray hair. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron, can cause gray hair. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet is very important for hair health.
In addition, health status is also one of the factors that affect the growth of gray hair. Certain diseases and medications may affect the color and growth rate of your hair. For example, diseases such as hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes, etc., can cause gray hair. Certain medications can also cause graying of hair.
Therefore, growing more gray hair does not necessarily mean that you are old. If you notice that your hair is graying or overgrowing, you should consider the above factors and take appropriate steps to keep your hair healthy. For example, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding overexertion, maintaining a good state of mind, etc. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is best to consult a medical professional or ** doctor.
The saying that a white hair is plucked and ten long is a popular folk saying. However, from a scientific point of view, this claim is not credible.
First of all, hair growth is driven by stem cells in the hair follicles. When we pluck out a gray hair, we only cut off the apex of it, and the stem cells in the hair follicle are not affected. Therefore, plucking out one gray hair does not stimulate more hair to grow.
Secondly, the growth cycle of hair is divided into anagen, degenial, and telogen phases. At the end of the anagen phase, the hair falls out naturally and then moves on to the next growth cycle. If we keep plucking gray hair, it may interfere with this natural growth process, making it harder for hair to grow back.
In addition, hair color is determined by melanocytes. As we age, the number of melanocytes gradually decreases, causing the hair to turn gray. Therefore, gray hair is a natural physiological process and not produced because we unplug it.
To sum up, the claim that a white hair is plucked and ten long is unfounded. On the contrary, if we pluck out gray hair frequently, it may cause damage to the scalp and even trigger infections and other complications. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone do not pluck gray hair easily, but improve the condition of their hair through diet, sleep, and proper care.
In order to attract attention, some hair care institutions often use "gray hair special medicine" as a selling point. However, Dr. Duan Xiaohan from the Department of Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, Beijing, pointed out that from a medical point of view, the hair follicle pigment stem cells that have already appeared gray have been depleted and cannot turn black again. Therefore, there is no such thing as a "cure-all". So, we can't easily trust the various ** gray hair products on the market.
However, there is one case in which gray hair may "turn black", and that is the graying caused by psychological factors. Researchers at Columbia University published a study in Biorxiv that proves that human hair turns gray under stress, and when the stress is removed, the hair returns to its natural color. The results of this study provide new ideas for the reversibility of human hair graying, but this reversal needs to begin after the hair has grayed.
Although there are rumors that gray hair can fight cancer, this claim is only rumors after all. In daily life, most people gradually develop gray hair as they age. For those who have gray hair due to long-term stress and tension, they should adjust their lifestyle as soon as possible to reduce the occurrence of gray hair as much as possible.