Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

Remember that cute story that explains why hair turns gray?

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

Well, scientists have a new reason for the cause of graying. They say that it is caused by a buildup of hydrogen peroxide as it leaves your hair follicle.

Our cells naturally produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria. As people age, more hydrogen peroxide builds up, it bleaches the hair follicle.

Now there's good news and bad news. Here's the good news: Getting rid of the hydrogen peroxide will result in a return of your natural hair color.

The bad news? Scientists are nowhere near creating a product that will remove the hydrogen peroxide.

Listen to the Science Friday February 27th, 2009 Podcast to learn more.