The greying of hair is indeed a chemical change.
Here's why:
Understanding Chemical Changes
A chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different properties from the original substances. This change is usually irreversible.
The Science Behind Grey Hair
- Melanin: Our hair color is determined by a pigment called melanin. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin (brown and black) and pheomelanin (red and yellow).
- Hair Follicles: Melanin is produced in the hair follicles, which are tiny pockets in the skin.
- Greying Process: As we age, the hair follicles gradually produce less melanin. This reduction in melanin leads to the hair appearing grey or white.
Why Greying is a Chemical Change
The greying of hair involves a chemical change because the production of melanin decreases. This decrease in melanin is a chemical process that alters the composition of the hair shaft, resulting in a change in color.
Therefore, the greying of hair is a chemical change because it involves a change in the chemical composition of the hair.
