Can you stop your hair from going grey?

Grey hair is a natural part of aging, but many of us wonder, can we stop it? Is there a magic pill or lifestyle hack that will keep our natural colour forever? Let’s dive into what actually causes grey hair, whether it’s preventable, and what you can do to keep your hair as healthy as possible.

Firstly, what causes grey hair?

Your hair gets its colour from melanin, a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. As we age, these melanocytes start to slow down and eventually stop producing melanin altogether. This results in hair turning grey, silver, or white.

But why do some people go grey earlier than others? There are a few key factors:

• Genetics: The most significant predictor of when you’ll go grey is your DNA. If your parents or grandparents turned grey early, chances are you might too.
• Oxidative stress: This occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules) and antioxidants in your body. Over time, oxidative stress can damage melanocytes, reducing melanin production.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, like B12, copper, iron, and zinc, may contribute to premature greying. These vitamins and minerals also help reduce oxidative stress which could further explain their role.
• Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause greying, it has been linked to premature aging, and some studies suggest it might accelerate the loss of pigment in hair. 
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, highly processed foods, and excessive exposure to pollution can all contribute to oxidative stress and potentially speed up greying.

Can you stop going grey?

It’s not yet known if the greying process can be stopped altogether, further research is being done. But there are some promising early studies that show grey hair reversal in parallel to a reduction in psychological stress. 

However, due to the substantial influence of genetics and DNA on hair colour, reversing grey hair may not be feasible if it is primarily caused by these factors.

Can you delay going grey?

While researchers are still finding out if you can reverse grey hair, you might be able to slow it down by supporting your hair health with good nutrition and lifestyle habits. Here’s what may help:

• Eating a nutrient-rich diet: Ensure you’re getting enough B12, folic acid, copper, and iron to support melanin production. These can be found in lean meats, green leafy veggies, nuts and seeds. 
• Manage stress: Chronic stress may accelerate aging processes in the body. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, or deep breathing.
• Reduce oxidative stress: Antioxidant-rich foods (like berries, leafy greens, and nuts) help neutralise free radicals that damage cells, including melanocytes.
• Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to premature greying due to its impact on oxidative stress and overall cellular health.

How can you improve your hair health?

Even if greying is inevitable, you can still keep your hair looking its best:

• Hydrate and nourish: Use moisturising shampoos, conditioners, and natural oils like argan or coconut oil.
• Protect against damage: Minimise heat styling, harsh chemicals, and excessive sun exposure.
• Scalp care: A healthy scalp promotes strong, vibrant hair. Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood flow and hair growth.

The bottom line

While the research is limited to stop hair from going grey, taking care of your overall health may help delay it. More importantly, embracing your hair, whether it stays its natural colour for decades or turns silver early, is part of the journey of aging gracefully. And if you ever feel like switching things up, hair dye is always an option! At the end of the day, healthy hair is beautiful hair, no matter the colour.

Related reads:

• How to transition to grey hair gracefully
• The top 10 foods for happy, healthy hair

Reviewed by the Healthylife health experts April 2025.