Greying of Hair
Greying of hair, or achromotrichia, is the process by which hair loses its pigmentation, resulting in grey or white strands. This phenomenon is primarily associated with aging but can also occur due to stress or genetic factors.
Causes
- Aging: Melanocyte activity decreases over time, leading to reduced melanin production.
- Stress: Studies suggest that stress can accelerate greying by depleting melanocyte stem cells.
- Genetics: The age at which greying begins is largely hereditary.
Stages
- Initial greying often starts at the temples and spreads to the crown.
- Over time, the proportion of grey to pigmented hair increases.
- Complete depigmentation results in white hair.
Writing Tips
- Use greying to signify wisdom, stress, or life transitions in characters.
- Describe the texture and interplay of grey strands with remaining pigmented hair for vivid imagery.
Example
"Silver streaked through his dark curls, a quiet testament to battles fought and years endured."