Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment. : I Didn’t Know That. . .
<i> From Times Staff and Wire Reports</i>
Q: Why does hair turn gray?
A: Hair color is produced by pigments, which are synthesized in hair follicles, the bulbs from which hairs grow. As the follicles age, they lose the ability to produce the pigments, and the hair slowly reverts to its pigment-less color, which is gray. The primary pigments are black melanin, for brown-black hair, and yellow-red, for blonds and redheads. There are no verified cases of hair turning gray overnight in response to a frightening experience.
