Many families have stories involving an ancestor waking up in the morning following a traumatic event with grey hair. Is the link between stress and grey scientifically proved? 

Researchers also wondered: does stress cause grey hair? A recent study on mice tried to verify the link between stress and grey hair. They exposed the mice to stress (movement restriction, short-term pain, and psychological stress) to prove it caused grey hair.

Melanocytes are cells creating melanin, the pigment which colors our skin and hair. Melanocytes stem cells that produce them are located in follicles. Melanocytes stem cells number decrease as the individual grows older, so there is less and less melanin in the hair, eventually leading to grey hair. Norepinephrine, the stress hormone, makes melanocytes stem cells produce too much, wasting the hair’s melanin reserve.

Keeping stress under control is crucial to staying healthy. Stressed people have grey hair prematurely, even if this phenomenon does not happen overnight.

Here are the best simple tips to manage your stress and stay healthy:

• Move it!

Sport and physical activity are the best allies for a healthy, stress-free life. Sport leads to endorphin release; this hormone improves sleep, mood, self-confidence, focusing, and positive attitude.

• Eat well!

The second best advice to stay healthy and calm is to eat well. A good diet help with the body’s health overall, although the hair is very sensitive to deficiency and people with a poor diet have poor hair: nutrients and antioxidants play a crucial role in keeping the cells healthy and well-functioning.

A healthy diet involves antioxidants, proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, and carbohydrates. The best way to get them is to eat loads of fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, legumes, fish, leafy greens, and eggs. It is also crucial to have a good eating schedule and not skip meals.

Better avoid junk and processed foods, trans fats, fried foods, and sugary foods.

• Sleep well!

Sleep deprivation increases stress levels and is harmful to health overall. Healthy sleeping habits help to stay healthy and happy. The best way to sleep well is to get enough sunlight during the day, keep a regular sleeping schedule, and not use screens before bedtime (no TV in bed!). Exercise and meditation also improve sleep quality. Alcohol and caffeine are not recommended for a healthy sleeping routine.

• Have fun!

Taking the time to do fun things, such as sport, watching movies, painting, listening to music, exploring the outdoors, is the best way to keep stress under control. 

• Find your own!

Everyone is different, and some techniques may work for some people but not for others. To each their own! Trying different ways to manage stress is the best solution to find the best for ourselves.