Is it possible to prevent your hair from turning gray? Experts weigh in on the matter.

Wouldn’t it be great if our hair retained its natural color as we aged? Unfortunately, for most, the truth is that our strands often shift into a silver hue. While some advocate for delaying the inevitable graying process through methods like biohacking, supplements, or topical solutions, how effective are these? We’ve consulted with a dermatologist and a hairstylist to get to the bottom of the issue, providing expert answers on slowing or even reversing gray hair.

What leads to the graying of hair?

Graying begins at different ages for everyone, with many noticing their first gray hairs in their 30s or 40s. By the time they reach their 60s, they are often completely gray.

“Your hair consists of follicles that contain melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair color,” explains Howard Sobel, MD, clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital. “As you age, the melanin in your hair naturally declines, which leads to less pigment being produced by each strand. It usually starts at the temples and gradually spreads to the crown, a slow process that can take years.”

Is it possible to prevent or reverse the graying of hair?

Graying caused by non-genetic factors may be delayed. While much more research is needed, we know that lifestyle changes, improved nutrition, and enhanced scalp and hair care can slow the process of graying and, in some cases, even reverse it.

"Recent studies on reversing gray hair show promising potential, but no definitive results have been reached yet," says celebrity stylist Rogerio Cavalcante from The Second Floor Salon in New York City. However, while there’s no certainty, adopting healthier habits is always beneficial, regardless of the outcome. So why not give it a try?  

Ways to Reverse Gray Hair

Healthy Lifestyle Choices 

Certain habits in your daily life can accelerate the graying process, but the encouraging part is that most of these factors are within your ability to control. Plus, any positive changes you make will likely improve your overall well-being! 

"Stress, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to premature graying," explains Cavalcante. Research indicates that long-term stress can increase oxidative stress on your hair follicles, and smoking not only weakens hair but also accelerates the graying process prematurely. 

Dr. Sobel states, "Certain health conditions, such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism, can contribute to graying, along with specific autoimmune diseases." 

Taking proactive steps to manage your overall health and minimize environmental stressors may help delay the appearance of gray hair. This could include staying on top of any medical conditions, practicing stress-relieving activities like meditation, increasing your gym visits, quitting smoking or vaping, and maintaining good health habits in general.

Diet and Supplements  

The foods we consume (or fail to consume) have a significant effect on our bodies. They influence everything from our waistline to our immune system, and even the rate at which our hair turns gray. To slow or reverse graying, aim for a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in whole foods. 

A lack of essential B vitamins, particularly B12, as well as deficiencies in iron, copper, and zinc, are associated with early graying. Incorporating foods that are high in these nutrients or using high-quality supplements can help ensure your body gets the necessary vitamins and minerals. 

Leafy greens, eggs, and fortified cereals are rich in B vitamins, while shellfish, nuts, and seeds are great sources of zinc and copper. Adding antioxidant-packed foods like berries and dark chocolate can help reduce oxidative stress that harms melanin-producing cells.

Some companies, such as Vegamour, Arey, and heyhair, are marketing supplements that claim to reverse or slow the graying process. These supplements typically contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and compounds designed to support overall health and promote healthier hair.

Topical Products & Treatments  

While there's no product that can completely stop graying, some treatments show promise. One such treatment is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, where blood is processed to concentrate platelets and injected into the scalp. This technique is mainly used to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health, which may help reduce graying.

Cavalcante highlights the growing popularity of topical hair serums aimed at reducing or reversing graying by focusing on melanin production. For instance, Arey offers a topical treatment with a patent-pending antioxidant blend to slow down and re-pigment gray hair. Living Proof released an Anti-Grey Complex to protect pigmentation from oxidative stress and maintain natural color, while All Golden provides a root changer with patented peptides and anti-graying agents to minimize enzymes that break down melanin. (Reviews are generally positive.)

Although these advancements won’t fully reverse the passage of time, they could help slow its effects—especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle.