Mid Brain muses:
First we told you about a better way to get your gray hair dyed. Then we explained how stress causes gray hair. And most recently we we told you how to to get rid of gray hair forever. Now we’re blogging about why you should be HAPPY that you have gray hair. (Why all the posts about gray hair? Trust me, if you had to look at the Left Brain’s roots everyday you wouldn’t have to ask that question!) Anyway, the latest news is that gray hair may actually protect you from cancer!
Gray hair is good
Hair color is produced by cells called melanocytes which are in part controlled by stem cells. When the number of stem cells in hair follicles goes down, hair turns gray. Now researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan have discovered that radiation and chemicals that damage DNA can cause stem cells to permanently transform into melanocytes. Without the stem cells to produce more melanocytes, hair turns grey (Cell, vol 137, p 1088). Another researcher, David Fisher at Harvard Medical School, suggests this processes may help protect us from cancer, by preventing damaged stem cells from passing on mutated DNA. “One likely beneficial effect is the removal of potentially dangerous cells that may contain pre-cancerous capabilities,” he says. So there you have it gals, it’s Gray Pride Day!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Looking at my roots, eh? Very funny, Mid Brain. Maybe you need to be reminded that you’re still just an intern here. I’m sure we could find a replacement for you…
Lighten up Lefty! That line about Gray Pride Day was hilarious!!
-Sarah
And here I thoguht I was happy to get grey hair because it just meant that I’d lived long enough to do so.
Thanks for the assist, Sarah. I’m glad someone else enjoys poking fun at the Left Brain once in a while!
So when did we decide that the official Beauty Brains spelling is “Gray hair” not “Grey hair?” Did I miss that agenda item at our last staff meeting?
PS Just for the record, I like making fun of Left Brain too!
I’m just happy for the pic of Anderson Cooper. Smart & sexy!
Tried poking fun at my left brain and almost ended up with a frontal labotamy, or was that a bottle in front of me??
On a serious note, does tinting (we prefer not to use the “dye” word) damage your DNA? Can a product used on the surface of the skin penetrate far enough to damage stem cells? And if so, this quote from above:”radiation and chemicals that damage DNA can cause stem cells to permanently transform into melanocytes.” would mean that it would therefore decrease grey hair but only “maybe” produce cells that “maybe” cancer prone??
Would this be a greater risk than breathing the air in any capital city or eating and drinking from a modern diet? Smoking (whatever you choice of carcenogen may be), Xrays from your doctor, need I go on?
Colour you hair ladies, we men out number you and once you cut out the losers, married/engaged/taken and gay ones, things don’t look promising for the “pigmentally challenged”.
Gray hair only is good when it is on a silver fox as in AC.
I wnat my hair to be more salt and pepper..I am about 95% grey…how can I make it happen?
Elaine, go to the beautician and have them reverse frost/streak (or whatever they call it now) your hair. Be sure the one you pick is an expert and remember, you will need to continue to do this on a regular basis.