Uncovering the Cause of Gray Hair: Stuck Stem Cells

A new study published in the journal Nature has identified trapped stem cells as the root cause of gray hair. The study found that melanocytes, a type of stem cell, move between microscopic compartments in hair follicles, and as people age, more of these cells get stuck in one particular compartment, preventing hair from receiving its dose of pigmentation. The researchers say that moving the melanocyte stem cells to their proper location could prevent graying, and this research could also help in understanding how stem cells are regulated to maintain the body and reform tissues when lost due to injuries.