We all dread the day when our luscious, colorful locks turn a dull gray, but is it possible to have no gray hair at an older age?
Undoubtedly you’ve seen celebrities and models older than 70 walking around with gorgeous, colorful hair.
And it’s only natural to wonder if that is a possibility for your future. Let’s explore this intriguing question: is it possible to have no gray hair at age 70? And if so, what is the secret?
What Is the Usual Age for People to Have Gray Hair?
The usual age at which someone begins to notice gray hair varies depending on the person. Race and ethnicity play a significant role, as well as stress levels and medications someone may be on.
The typical age that a Caucasian person will grow gray hair is early to mid-30s. However, African Americans tend to see gray hair later in life at around age 40. In contrast, someone of Asian descent will likely see gray hair in their late 30s.
Stress and Gray Hair
As mentioned above, other factors could expedite the onset of gray hair. One is stress. An NIH-supported study found that stress can affect the stem cells responsible for regenerating hair pigment.
The researchers found that stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which releases norepinephrine into the hair follicle. This affects melanocyte stem cells, which help create the pigment-producing cells that give hair its color.
Without enough melanocyte stem cells left to regenerate pigment-producing cells, new hair can grow in gray or white.
Medications
Certain medications may affect hair color, though this is not a common side effect. A review published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that drug-induced hair color changes have been reported with many medications, but only a few have enough evidence to support a strong connection.
If you notice an unexplained change in your hair color while taking medication, the medication could be one possible factor.
Is It Possible to Have No Gray Hair at Age 70?
Yes, it’s possible to reach age 70 without having gray hair, though it is uncommon. Anyone who is 70 or older and still retains their natural hair color should consider themselves genetically lucky.
Hair color comes from melanin, a pigment made by specialized cells called melanocytes in the hair follicles. As we age, these pigment-producing cells can slow down and produce less melanin.
When new hair grows with little or no pigment, it appears gray or white.
By that age, most people have at least some hair follicles that have slowed down or stopped producing melanin, but not everyone does.
Genetics will determine how your body reacts to aging, as well as many other life factors. You can look at your family tree to estimate when you will begin seeing gray hair. If your mother began to gray before 70, you likely will too.
Why It’s Highly Unlikely to Have No Gray Hair at Age 70
It is certainly not impossible to have no gray hair at 70, but it is highly improbable. You would have to be genetically lucky to pull it off.
A worldwide survey published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that 74% of people ages 45 to 65 already had gray hair, with an average gray-hair intensity of 27%. The study also found that men had significantly more gray hair than women, and that the age graying starts and how quickly it progresses can vary by ethnic and geographical origin.
Final Thoughts
Although it is highly unlikely for someone to have no gray hair at age 70, it is not impossible. Genetics, stress, and medications all play a role in whether or not you get gray hair at an early age. If you do get gray hair, just take refuge in the fact that gray hair is in style now.