The main difference between white and grey hair lies in the amount of melanin present in the hair shaft.
- White hair lacks any melanin pigment, resulting in a completely colorless appearance.
- Grey hair still contains some melanin, but less than pigmented hair. This reduced melanin creates a diluted color, appearing grey or silver.
As we age, our hair follicles produce less melanin, leading to the gradual transition from pigmented hair to grey and eventually white.
Here's a breakdown of the differences:
White Hair
- Appearance: Completely colorless, appearing white or very light blonde.
- Melanin: No melanin pigment present.
- Causes: Complete cessation of melanin production by hair follicles.
Grey Hair
- Appearance: Ranges from light grey to silver, depending on the amount of remaining melanin.
- Melanin: Contains some melanin pigment, but less than pigmented hair.
- Causes: Gradual decline in melanin production by hair follicles.
The transition from pigmented hair to grey and white is a natural process that varies greatly between individuals. Some people may start showing grey hair in their early 20s, while others may remain fully pigmented well into their 60s or 70s.
