In the 1950s, scientists discovered that applying melanocyte-stimulating hormones to the scalp could reverse graying.But the hormones they used were very strong and could have dangerous side effects.So the researchers today are hoping to find a safer way to get the same result.
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Gray hair is a natural part of the aging process. We’re all destined for that fate, but researchers have a few leads on how to prevent and even reverse age-related graying. It may be because of our genes, but keeping the cells that color our hair alive and well is one way to preempt the graying. Those cells are called melanocytes and their death is one of the things that turns our hair gray as we get older. Oxidative stress is another factor that damages hair follicles and cells. Researchers in the UK and Germany are working on ways to prevent hydrogen peroxide build-up around these cells. They managed to find an amino acid, called L-methionine, that breaks down hydrogen peroxide and prevents oxidative stress from damaging hair cells. In the future, with the approval of a healthcare professional, we might be able to take L-methionine pills to keep our color. For those who are already gray, researchers are looking into ways to reverse it by keeping melanocyte stem cells moving. Melanocyte stem cells travel back and forth inside each strand of hair, and when they come into contact with certain proteins, they become color-producing cells. As we get older, these cells don’t travel as much, which is another cause of gray hair. But researchers are hoping to find a safe way to dislodge these stem cells from their rut and help them differentiate into pigmented melanocytes. In 1986, a study was conducted to investigate the use of PUVAsol, a treatment for vitiligo that involved the use of UV light and chemical therapy, to restore pigment in the skin and hair. Although researchers are not certain of how this treatment works, one hypothesis is that it helps melanocytes move around, which is consistent with more recent information on melanocyte movement and pigmentation.
Originally, PUVAsol was used as a treatment for vitiligo patients, but it was later extended to people without vitiligo to see if it could add color to hair that had lost pigment for other reasons. The treatment was successful for some people, with most participants having more color in their hair than before treatment, even months after the treatment.
Further research is needed to understand why PUVAsol does not work the same way for everyone, but with the progress being made in our understanding of melanocyte longevity and movement, it may just be a matter of time.
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