A Guide to Graying Hair
— The Science Behind Pigment Loss —
Why Hair Turns Gray
Every strand of hair gets its color from melanin, the same pigment that gives color to our skin and eyes. Deep inside each hair follicle are cells called melanocytes, whose job is to produce melanin and feed it into the growing hair shaft.
Over time, these melanocytes gradually slow down and eventually stop producing pigment. Without that steady supply of melanin, new hair emerges in shades of gray, silver, or white.
This process is influenced by:
- Age: As we move through life, our follicles naturally produce less melanin.
- Genetics: Some people begin to gray in their 20s, while others may not see it until much later — family history is a strong factor.
- Stress & lifestyle: While stress isn’t the only cause, research shows it can accelerate pigment cell depletion.
- Oxidative stress: A build-up of free radicals in the hair follicle can damage melanocytes, hastening the graying process.
In short, graying happens when the pigment factories inside our follicles switch off, leaving hair in its natural, translucent state — which we perceive as gray.
— Texture, Hydration, and Curl Patterns —
What Changes With Gray Hair
When hair loses its pigment, it doesn’t just look different, it behaves differently too. That’s because melanin does more than color hair; it also influences its structure and resilience.
Here’s what often shifts as hair turns gray:
- Texture: Without melanin, the protein structure of hair changes. Gray strands can feel coarser, wirier, or more brittle, which is why they sometimes resist styling or lay differently.
- Hydration: As we age, the scalp’s oil (sebum) production naturally slows. Gray hair tends to be drier, less glossy, and more prone to frizz or dullness if not nourished.
- Curl Patterns: Many people notice shifts in their wave or curl as gray comes in. This happens because changes in follicle shape and protein balance can alter how the hair bends and grows.
In other words, graying isn’t just about color fading — it’s a full-texture transformation. With the right care, though, gray hair can be silky, shiny, and vibrant.
— the under luna way —
How to Support Gray Hair
Hair hydration : Gray strands are often coarser and more porous, so moisture is essential. Our Serenity and Revive Conditioner help seal in hydration and protect the cuticle from moisture loss.
If the scalp feels dry: As melanin decreases, changes don’t just affect the hair shaft — the scalp itself can also become drier with age. Our most hydrating shampoo, Luna Clear, with nettle, plantain, and chamomile, gently nourishes the scalp and helps restore balance.
Scalp rituals: Circulation is key for healthy follicles. A weekly massage or treatment helps boost blood flow and keep the scalp nourished. Our Deep Magic Serum is a beautiful ritual to add in.
Lifestyle matters: Stress management, nutrient-rich foods, and restful sleep all play a role in how quickly pigment cells decline. Taking care of your body and nervous system shows up in your hair too.
— everyone's favorite question —
Can It Be Slowed or Reversed
Genetics are the strongest factor, but lifestyle and stress can influence the process. Supporting your scalp, body, and nervous system is the most effective way to slow graying.
Julie Civiello Polier, celebrity facialist, holistic esthetician, face reader, author and creator of the Goodbye Grays course, shares:
“In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gray hair is often linked to deeper imbalances within the body — specifically the kidneys and liver, which are believed to govern aging and overall vitality.”
Julie’s Goodbye Grays 3.0 course offers in-depth support on your journey. Whichever path you take with her, you’re sure to walk away with invaluable wisdom and compassion.
Gray hair isn’t about losing something — it’s about entering a new chapter, with strands that reflect wisdom, experience, and beauty in a different form. With the right care, your gray can be just as vibrant, soft, and radiant as any other shade.
COMING THIS FALL, we’ll be sharing a new, limited-release Under Luna product created to support gray hair and help slow this natural shift — stay tuned!