Why Hair Goes Gray: Causes, Prevention Tips, and the Gen Z Trend

Gray hair appears when hair follicles stop producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair its natural color. Genetics largely determine when this happens, but environmental factors like pollution, tobacco smoke and lifestyle choices—nutrition, sleep and stress—can influence the pace of graying. There’s no proven way to fully reverse gray hair once it starts. However, eating antioxidant-rich fruits and berries may help manage oxidative stress, and emerging research suggests some gray follicles might regain pigment after certain medical treatments or lifestyle changes. Videos claiming that Gen Z is graying earlier have gained traction, but experts warn this trend likely reflects modern stressors—longer work hours, fast food diets and disrupted sleep cycles—rather than a sudden generational shift in genes.

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