Yes, white hair is new growth.
As we age, the cells responsible for hair pigment (melanin), begin to die. This lack of melanin leads to hair growing in lighter shades of gray, silver, and eventually white. Once the hair follicle stops producing melanin, any new hair from that follicle will be colorless.
Why Does Hair Turn White?
The key factor in hair turning white is the decline in melanin production. Here’s a breakdown:
- Melanin: This pigment gives hair its natural color. It's produced by cells called melanocytes within hair follicles.
- Age-Related Decline: As we get older, melanocytes slow down and eventually stop producing melanin.
- New Hair Growth: According to Science of Grays, when a follicle no longer produces melanin, new hair strands that grow from that follicle will be without pigment, and therefore, white.
The Process of Hair Turning White
The process isn't an overnight change. It's a gradual transition:
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Reduced Melanin: Melanocytes begin to produce less melanin.
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Graying: The first new hairs to grow with reduced pigment will appear gray or silver due to the mixture of pigmented and non-pigmented hair.
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White Hair: Eventually, the follicles completely stop producing pigment, and new hair will grow in completely white.
Note: It’s a one-way street; once the follicle is unable to produce melanin, it will not make colored hair again.
Key Takeaway
The new growth coming from hair follicles that have ceased to produce melanin will be white, or a lighter shade. The absence of melanin causes the hair to lack pigment resulting in white hair.
