Legend has it that French queen Marie Antoinette’s hair suddenly turned white before her execution, giving rise to the notion of "Marie Antoinette syndrome”. While it may seem like an exaggeration to imagine your once luscious locks turning brittle and white due to sorrow and stress, there is some truth to the idea that excess stress can accelerate the greying of hair in a short period of time.

Why does hair turn white?

Our hair follicles contain melanocytes which produce melanin, giving our hair a glossy black colour. But melanocytes will wear out and eventually die as we age, that’s why our hair become grey and white over time.

Does stress reduce the number of melanocytes?

Scientists from Harvard University performed a test by gathering mice in the same environment and giving them different degrees of stress including mild pain, temporary pain, mental stress and limited space. It was discovered that these factors reduce the number of melanocytes significantly, making their fur turn white.

Research findings also show that stress will lead to a rush of adrenaline, pushing the melanocytes into a dormant state. These cells will only be activated again when the stress is relieved.

Does this mean stress relief can turn my hair black again?

Columbia University in the USA conducted a study by capturing high-resolution images of tiny slices of human hairs to quantify the degree of pigment loss in each hair strand. 

There was a participant who went on vacation in a relaxed mood, and the result showed that five of his white hair strands turned dark again. It turns out that stress can trigger mitochondrial changes. But when you are in a relaxed state, mitochondria in cells will produce changes in up to 300 proteins, giving the hairs their original black colour.

The above research proves that stress relief can effectively bring back your black hair! These are three ways to reduce stress:

1. Gardening

Medical research has proven the benefits of gardening on our mental health. Doctors advise Hong Kongers to grow more succulents which are easier to care for. You only need to maintain a good environment with sufficient lighting and moisture, they can still thrive even if you have no time to care for them for 1-2 weeks. Seeing them in a good shape can give you a sense of satisfaction, hence relieving stress.

2. Music

According to foreign studies, listening to classic and light music can boost your mood and memory, reduce the secretion of stress hormones and lessen your anxiety. You can try listening to your favourite tunes for 20-30 minutes to take your mind off any troubles.

3. Exercising

Exercising can stimulate the production of happy hormones like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, helping you to stop worrying and relieve stress. Doing aerobic exercises for 30 minutes and going for a walk every day are simple and effective ways to relieve stress. 

If the above ways are not effective in reducing your white hair, you may consider receiving a hair revitalisation treatment to get back a full head of dark and glossy hair rapidly and effortlessly!

Hair Forest’s Exclusive Stem Cells Hair Booster Package:

Scalp Revival Treatment + HW Stem Cells Treatment

Trial Price for New Clients: $680

Hair Forest’s Stem Cells Hair Booster Package can instantly awaken dormant melanocytes!

Step 1: Scalp Revival Treatment

The therapist will first perform a deep cleansing of your scalp with the best product from a renowned Italian hair care brand to remove substances clogging the hair follicles, chemical residues and accumulated DHT. This helps your hair follicles absorb nutrients, slowing down hair-whitening and giving you stronger hair strands!

Step 2: HW Stem Cells Treatment after scalp cleansing

448kHz radiofrequency increases the number of mesenchymal stem cells by 25% and simultaneously awakens dormant hair follicles, which largely shorten the hair growth cycle which normally lasts for up to 6 years

Restores cellular functions of hair follicles, promotes metabolism, boosts the regenerative abilities of collagen fibres

Enhances hair density and elasticity, restoring the natural glow of hair

Receives 12 patents and approval from FDA, guaranteeing a safe and reliable procedure!

<Make Appointment>