Whether you love it or loathe it, gray hair is a common part of the aging process for most people. But why do some of us go gray sooner than others? Some are blessed with their natural hair color well into their 60s and beyond, while others start sprouting gray hairs as early as their teen years. Well, go ahead and thank your parents for the day you start graying. Your genes — specifically the IRF4 gene, which produces pigment — are largely responsible for determining when you’ll start graying. As we age, this gene slows production of melanin until it finally halts to a stop.

Of course, we can’t just blame our parents for those gray hairs. Health and lifestyle factors can also facilitate graying, including vitamin B12 deficiency, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, pituitary issues, and smoking. While it’s possible to reverse some causes of graying naturally, you may choose to leave that job to a hair stylist. A trip to the salon every 4-6 weeks can keep help keep the gray away.  

For many women (and even men), the first gray hairs instill a fear about getting older and concern about age discrimination in the work world. But at the same time, gray is now becoming not only acceptable but even a badge of pride reflecting the confidence and freedom that can come with growing older and wiser. In fact, gray hair has become so fashionable in certain circles that it’s L”Oreal’s “Hair Color of the Year” for 2019. So the next time you’re heading to the colorist to cover up, you may want to think twice about whether covering the gray sends the right message about aging in the work world and beyond- and you may even come to embrace the authentic- and grayer- version of yourself