Scientists Explore Reversing Grey Hair with Immunotherapy Research

Scientists are investigating the possibility of reversing grey hair, an effect observed in some patients undergoing specific immunotherapy treatments for lung cancer. Spanish doctors initially noted that patients recovering from cancer with new drugs experienced a return of pigment to their hair.

This observation extended to patients outside their immediate care who were also taking immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda, Opdivo, and Tecentriq. These findings have prompted researchers, including Melissa Harris at the University of Alabama, to explore how these mechanisms could be isolated and applied to hair repigmentation.

Hair derives its color from pigment cells called melanocytes, which are replenished by melanocyte stem cells. Over time, these stem cells can deteriorate due to factors such as stress, aging, and genetic predisposition, leading to a loss of pigment and the appearance of grey hair. Genetics plays a significant role, with a substantial percentage of individuals experiencing some pigment loss before age 50.

The immunotherapy drugs are thought to work by reactivating and strengthening the body's existing stem cells. These stem cells are crucial for clearing debris, repairing damage, and initiating natural healing processes. In the context of cancer treatment, this reactivation can unexpectedly reboot the hair pigmentation process as a side effect.

Researchers at the University of Alabama are working to isolate the specific components of these immunotherapy treatments responsible for hair pigment restoration. However, these findings have not yet been tested on human subjects, and it may be months before their applicability to the general population is understood.

In the meantime, some supplements have entered the market claiming to address grey hair. For instance, the supplement Arey, launched in 2021, claims to repigment hair by reducing oxidative stress, a primary cause of early greying. Additionally, some individuals are experimenting with combinations of serums, such as melanin-stimulating GR-7 and peptide serums derived from traditional Asian medicine, which have shown some promise in preliminary studies for maintaining hair color.