OmniBlog

Some scientists poke needles at our bubbles of happiness. Yes, at least they did for me.

I was touting my gray hair as a sign of wisdom for the last 3 to 4 years. But now, some researchers from UK and Germany have 'discovered' the 'real' reason for this graying, thus exposing my 'wisdom'!

Wood et al [1] using FT-Raman spectroscopy have proved H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in the entire human hair follicle, inclusive of the hair shaft, as a key element in senile hair graying.

Okay, let's take a simpler look at this:

Our original hair colour is maintained by a complex process. At least 3 enzymes are involved - catalase, methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSR) and tyrosinase. Catalase is an enzyme present in the hair follicles (among other locations) that normally breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into oxygen and water. MSR normally repairs the transient effects of H₂O₂ on hair follicles.

With age, the level of catalase and MSR is reduced. Catalase reduction results in increased accumulation of H₂O₂. MSR is also less, thus H₂O₂ induced damage is not reversed.

This accumulation of H₂O₂ results in the impaired functionality of the third enzyme mentioned, tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is necessary for melanin production that is responsible for our hair (and skin) colour.

So, the cascade is quite simple:

Reduced catalase and MSR

|

Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide

|

Hair follicle damage by free radicals
&
Impaired tyrosinase function

|

Impaired melanin production
in that hair follicle

|

Gradual loss of original colour (graying)

See, now it has nothing to do with wisdom! And the fact that I am actually blogging about this and letting everyone know the 'secret' behind my gray hair is enough proof!