Is Gray Hair Reversible?

It might seem like gray hair is an inevitable part of aging, and for most of us, it is. But science has found that it may not be as simple, or as permanent, as once thought.  Research shows that in certain instances, gray hair might be reversible.

_{Prices are accurate as of July 18, 2025. Subject to change.}

Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

Hair gets its color from melanin produced by melanocyte cells. As you age, those cells become less active or die, which means new hair follicles grow with less melanin and therefore, less pigment.

For most, it is a natural part of the aging process. One survey found that 74% of people between the ages of 45 and 65 experienced some degree of gray hair, with the average intensity clocking in at 27%. But some see early grays, which can come from anything like genetics, stress, or smoking.

Can You Prevent Hair From Graying?

A 2021 study found that hair can regain its natural pigment under certain conditions, challenging the idea that going gray is always a forever thing. 

Among the methods used by researchers in this study were HPP (Hair Pigmentation Pattern) profiling and proteomics, the study of proteins. These tools allowed researchers to observe that gray hair and re-pigmentation occurred in connection with psychological stress. In some cases, a person’s natural hair color returned after the stress subsided. This phenomenon was seen across people of all different genders, ages, and ethnicities.

Beyond stress, according to Harvard Health, premature graying may sometimes be linked to underlying health issues such as vitamin B12 deficiency, which poses the question: Can graying be reversed once the issue at hand, whether it’s stress or a vitamin deficiency, is resolved?

More research needs to be done on the topic as a whole, but, in the meantime, there are plenty of products out there that can camouflage, or even revitalize, dull gray hair, from a quick-dry spray that holds you over between salon appointments to shampoos specifically formulated to keep gray hair from looking dull or brassy.

Shampoos

Shampoo won’t reverse gray hair, but it can give some life to your locks. The L’Oreal Paris EverPure Silver Care Shampoo is made without sulfates, parabens, added phthalates, or gluten, and has a pleasant magnolia and bergamot scent. It brightens all shades of gray and adds silkiness. For toning gray that has gone brassy, consider Olaplex’s Toning Shampoo. It’s a game-changer, helping neutralize yellow tones while hydrating, softening, and strengthening your strands. Use it weekly for best results.

Dyes

One day, science might be able to reverse gray hair caused by the natural aging process, but for now, you don’t have to live with grays if you don’t want to! Nor do you have to make frequent, pricey visits to the salon. Garnier Nutrisse’s Ultra Creme Hair Dye is formulated with color boost technology, delivering rich, long-lasting color with 100% gray coverage. It also has nourishing ingredients like avocado, olive, and shea oils to keep your hair soft and shiny. Clairol’s Root Touch-Up provides 100% gray coverage for up to three weeks, is super easy to use — it only takes 10 minutes from start to finish — and is available at a more-than-reasonable price. 

Powders and Fibers

If you’re trying to blend gray strands or roots, rather than a whole head of hair, powders and fibers give temporary results. Cover Your Gray Fill-In Fiber blends gray strands and, as a bonus, gives a thickening effect to thinning hair. Clairol Root Touch-Up Powder is like having two products in one. You can use it on your roots to cover grays or on your eyebrows for a bolder, more defined shape. If you prefer a spray cover-up, try L’Oreal’s Magic Root Cover Up. It’s lightweight, dries in one minute, and doesn’t leave any sticky, tacky residue. It also won’t smudge during wear.

Serums

Customers rave about Vegamour’s Gro Ageless Serum. This plant-based formula is designed to reduce the appearance of new gray hairs while helping to restore your hair’s natural color and shine in just 90 days. Best of all, it’s suitable for all hair types.

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