Grey hair is more than just a sign of wisdom — it’s a visible reflection of aging at the cellular level. At Manhattan Grey, we believe understanding the “why” behind your grey helps you care for it more intentionally. Here’s what’s really happening inside your follicles when your strands start to silver.

The Role of Melanin in Hair Color

Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color. It’s produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which reside in your hair follicles. There are two types of melanin that impact your natural hair color:

• Eumelanin: Gives hair black or brown hues.
• Pheomelanin: Accounts for lighter tones like red and blond.

Your specific hair shade is determined by the type and amount of these pigments. As melanin production tapers off, your hair gradually loses its color — resulting in grey or white hair.

Why Melanin Declines with Age

Over time, the melanocyte stem cells that replenish your pigment-producing melanocytes begin to break down. This natural process occurs even if your hair follicles remain healthy enough to continue growing hair. Additionally, oxidative stress — increased by exposure to UV light, emotional strain, and pollution — damages melanocytes, accelerating pigment loss.

Antioxidant defenses like the catalase enzyme also diminish as you age, making it even harder for your body to maintain hair color naturally.

Other Factors That Influence Grey Hair

While aging leads the charge, several other factors can fast-track your greying process:

• Genetics: Your family history plays a major role in when you start greying.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Low levels of B12, folic acid, biotin, copper, and iron may impair melanin synthesis.
• Autoimmune conditions: Disorders like vitiligo or thyroid imbalance can disrupt melanin levels.
• Chronic stress: Long-term emotional stress prompts oxidative damage that can prematurely age your hair follicles.

The bottom line? While you may not be able to stop greying completely, you can protect your strands and slow premature pigment loss by nurturing your body, minimizing stress, and embracing high-performance haircare that honors your unique texture and tone.

—-

Manhattan Grey is a line of premium moisture products formulated for textured grey hair. Our signature products are a lightweight pomade and hydration oil help to eliminate dryness, prevent breakage, and sooth itching. It’s also safe to use on our skin and facial hair.

We are committed to giving our customers, who have been largely overlooked by the beauty and personal care industry, a product experience that offers premium hair care products uniquely blended to address the challenges of grey or greying hair.

Click here for 20% off your first purchase

Subscribe to our YouTube channel