The following article is attributed to Dr Ajay Rana, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician and Founder & Director of ILAMED
Grey hair is one of the most visible signs of aging, and over the years, it has become the subject of countless myths, superstitions, and half-truths. From blaming stress to fearing the consequences of plucking, misinformation about greying has persisted for generations. But what does science actually say? Let’s separate fact from fiction and debunk the most common grey hair myths once and for all.
Myth 1: Stress Turns Your Hair Grey Overnight
This is perhaps the most popular myth, reinforced by dramatic depictions in movies and folklore. While stress can negatively affect overall health and accelerate aging, there is no evidence that it can suddenly strip hair of its pigment overnight.
Recent studies have shown that chronic stress may contribute to premature greying due to oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Stress can impact the stem cells in hair follicles that regulate pigment production, but the process is gradual, not instant. In short, stress might play a role, but it won’t turn you grey in a day.
Myth 2: Plucking One Grey Hair Will Cause Ten More to Grow
This persistent myth has no scientific basis. Hair follicles function independently, and plucking one grey hair does not influence the surrounding follicles to produce more grey hairs. What can happen, however, is that repeatedly plucking hair from the same follicle can damage it over time, potentially leading to thinning or permanent loss of that hair.
In other words, plucking a grey hair won’t cause a silver stampede—but it’s not a great habit either.
Myth 3: Grey Hair Is Only Caused by Aging
While aging is the most common cause of grey hair, it’s not the only one. Genetics play a huge role in determining when and how quickly someone goes grey. If your parents or grandparents started greying early, chances are you might too.
In some cases, premature greying can also be linked to medical conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, autoimmune disorders like vitiligo or thyroid issues, and even certain medications. So, while aging is a major factor, it isn’t the sole cause.
Myth 4: Poor Diet Causes Grey Hair
A lack of proper nutrition can impact hair health, but it doesn’t directly turn hair grey. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals—such as vitamin B12, folate, copper, and iron—can contribute to premature greying, especially in younger people. However, greying due to age or genetics cannot be reversed by improving your diet alone.
That said, maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is still essential for strong, healthy hair overall.
Myth 5: Sun Exposure Causes Hair to Grey
Excessive sun exposure can lighten hair color by breaking down melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. However, this lightening is not the same as greying. Grey hair occurs when pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles—called melanocytes—stop producing melanin altogether. UV rays can dry and damage hair but do not directly cause greying.
Myth 6: Grey Hair Is Coarser and Thicker
Many people report that their grey hairs feel wiry or coarse. This change is real but isn’t due to the pigment loss itself. As hair turns grey, the follicles can undergo structural changes, including reduced oil production from the scalp, making hair feel drier and rougher. The texture changes, but the actual diameter of the hair doesn’t significantly increase.
The Bottom Line: Grey Hair Is Normal, Not a Failure
Greying is a natural part of life influenced by genetics, biology, and, to some extent, lifestyle factors. While society often treats grey hair as something to hide, more people are now embracing their silver strands as a mark of authenticity and confidence.
So, the next time you spot a grey hair, don’t panic—or pluck. It’s not a sign of losing youth, but rather gaining experience. And thanks to science, we can finally move beyond the myths and appreciate the truth behind the grey.
