Do redheads go white or GREY?

As a hair care expert with over a decade of experience in the industry, I've had the opportunity to observe and study various hair types and their aging processes. When it comes to the question of whether redheads go white or grey, the answer is that it depends on the individual's genetics and hair care practices.

Hair color is determined by the presence of pigments called melanin, which are produced by cells called melanocytes. Red hair is the result of a specific type of melanin called pheomelanin, which is less efficient in protecting the hair shaft from UV damage. As people age, the melanocytes gradually stop producing melanin, which leads to the hair losing its color. In the case of redheads, this process often results in the hair becoming a strawberry blonde or a light auburn before it eventually turns white. The reason it turns white rather than grey is that the pheomelanin is being replaced by air pockets in the hair shaft as the melanocytes cease to function.

However, it's important to note that not all redheads will experience the same hair color changes. Some may notice their hair turning a silver or ash color before it turns white, which can be perceived as grey. Additionally, factors such as exposure to the sun, hormonal changes, and the use of certain medications can influence the rate at which hair loses its color and the path it takes towards white or grey.

In conclusion, while many redheads will eventually see their hair turn white due to the lack of pheomelanin, the journey to that color can vary, and some may experience a greying phase along the way.

Redheads don't go grey. Ginger hair retains its natural pigment a lot longer than other shades, so there's no need to panic about going grey. Red hair simply fades with age through a glorious spectrum of faded copper to rosy-blonde colours, then to silvery-white.