A team of European scientist has found that greying hair is caused by disordered mechanism for breakdown of hydrogen peroxide in our hair follicles. It results in high hydrogen peroxide levels, blocking the synthesis of melanin, a pigment responsible for the natural color of our hair. Find out the details of the process of getting grey hair.

Using Fourier infra-red and Raman spectroscopy, scientists found that hydrogen peroxide builds up in hair follicles. Normally, hydrogen peroxide is produced within hair follicles in minor quantities and is broken down quickly by special ferment catalase (peroxydase).

Grey hair occurs when age-related changes, hereditary inclination or disorders in hair follicles suppress the activity of catalase and other enzymes that play role in the synthesis of melanin. As a result, the production of melanin drops and hair becomes colorless.

Besides, the scientists found in a lab that hydrogen peroxide damaging effects on enzymes that help synthesize melanin could be repaired by methionine amino acid. So, the fact the greying hair will soon be reversible is great.

Source of the image: timesonline.co.uk.