Does pubic hair turn grey when you're older? The complete guide

The average age for hair to begin graying is in the 30s to 40s, but it's not limited to the hair on your head. The short answer to "Does pubic hair turn grey when you're older?" is yes, this is a natural part of the aging process, but the timing and pattern can differ from scalp hair.

Quick Summary

Like all hair on your body, pubic hair can and will eventually turn grey or white as you age due to a natural decline in melanin production. The timing is largely determined by genetics but may occur later and more gradually than scalp hair.

Key Points

• Pubic hair grays with age: Just like hair on the head, pubic hair loses its pigment and turns gray or white as part of the natural aging process.

• Melanin loss is the cause: The change in color is due to a natural decline in melanin production by melanocytes in the hair follicles over time.

• Genetics dictate the timing: When and how quickly you go gray is largely determined by your genetic makeup, with some people graying earlier than others.

• Timing differs from scalp hair: Pubic hair often retains its pigment for longer than scalp hair, so it may gray at a later stage.

• Underlying health conditions: While rare, sudden or rapid graying could indicate a health issue like a vitamin deficiency or autoimmune disease, and should be checked by a doctor.

• Stress can accelerate graying: Chronic stress, smoking, and poor nutrition are lifestyle factors that can speed up the loss of pigment in hair.

The Science of Hair Pigmentation

Your hair color is determined by a pigment called melanin, which is produced by special cells called melanocytes located within the hair follicles. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin (which creates black and brown colors) and pheomelanin (responsible for reddish and blonde tones). As we age, these melanocytes gradually die off, and the follicles produce less melanin. Hair grows in with less color, appearing transparent, white, or various shades of gray depending on the mix of pigmented and unpigmented strands.

Why Pubic Hair Grays Differently

While the same process of melanin loss affects all hair, the rate at which it occurs varies across different body parts. Many people notice gray hair on their scalp first, often years before seeing it in their pubic or underarm regions. Some factors contributing to this include:

• Different Hair Cycles: Scalp hair has a much longer growth phase (anagen) and shorter rest phase (telogen) than pubic hair, meaning it cycles more frequently. This faster turnover can accelerate the graying process compared to slower-cycling body hair.
• Density and Coloration: Pubic hair tends to be coarser and often darker than scalp hair, which may make the first gray or white strands less noticeable until they become more numerous.
• Genetic Factors: The timing and speed of graying are heavily influenced by genetics. If your parents or grandparents had late-onset graying in their body hair, you are more likely to as well.

Factors That Influence Hair Graying

Beyond natural aging and genetics, several other factors can influence when and how quickly your hair, including pubic hair, begins to lose its pigment. Understanding these can help you better understand the overall health of your body.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

1. Stress: While the old myth of hair turning white overnight isn't true, chronic stress can significantly accelerate the graying process. The "fight-or-flight" response can cause the release of norepinephrine, which can deplete the stem cells that produce melanocytes.
2. Smoking: The toxins in cigarette smoke constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to hair follicles and damaging them. Studies have shown a strong link between smoking and premature graying.
3. Diet and Nutrition: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, iron, copper, and Vitamin D, can affect melanin production and lead to premature graying.

Medical Conditions

Sometimes, sudden or patchy hair color changes can be a sign of an underlying health issue. While it's rare for these to affect only the pubic hair, it's wise to be aware of the possibilities:

• Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys melanocytes, causing patches of skin and hair to lose pigment.
• Thyroid Disorders: Hormonal imbalances from thyroid conditions can impact hair health and color.
• White Piedra: A fungal infection of the hair shaft that can cause small, white nodules to form along the hair, giving the appearance of white hair.
• Pubic Lice: While not changing the hair's pigment, the yellow-white eggs (nits) of pubic lice can make the area appear lighter.

Comparison: Scalp Hair vs. Pubic Hair

Characteristic	Scalp Hair	Pubic Hair
Melanin Loss	The same process of melanin production decline occurs.	The same process of melanin production decline occurs.
Onset of Graying	Often begins earlier in life, with many seeing their first gray hairs in their 30s.	Tends to begin later and more gradually than scalp hair.
Growth Cycle	Longer growth phase (anagen), shorter rest phase (telogen), leading to a faster turnover.	Shorter growth phase and longer rest phase compared to scalp hair.
Texture Changes	Can become finer and drier with age due to decreased oil production and reduced cuticle thickness.	May also become coarser or drier over time, though less commonly discussed.
Visibility of Gray	Highly visible, especially in dark hair.	Can be less noticeable due to location and coarser texture.

Embracing or Managing Gray Pubic Hair

For most people, graying is a normal and harmless sign of aging. There are no medical treatments that can permanently reverse age-related hair graying. However, you have several options for managing the change.

Embracing Natural Graying

• Acceptance: Viewing gray hair as a natural marker of a long and full life can be a healthy, body-positive perspective.
• Personal Choice: The choice to leave or remove body hair is entirely personal and should align with what makes you feel most comfortable. There is no right or wrong way.

Hair Coloring Options

• Dyeing: If you prefer to change the color, hair dyes can be used. However, it's important to use products specifically formulated for sensitive skin and follow instructions carefully. Always perform a patch test first to prevent irritation.
• Professional Options: For more permanent solutions, a professional can offer options, but this can be a more invasive and expensive route.

Maintaining Overall Health

While you can't reverse age-related graying, a healthy lifestyle can support hair health and potentially slow premature changes. This includes:

• Balanced Diet: Ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals, especially B12, iron, and copper.
• Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise into your routine.
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can improve overall health and may help slow down hair graying.

Conclusion

Yes, pubic hair does turn grey when you get older, a process driven by the natural decrease in melanin production within your hair follicles. While it may occur later and sometimes more gradually than the hair on your head, it is a universal part of the aging process. While genetics play the most significant role, lifestyle factors like stress and smoking, along with underlying health conditions, can influence the timing. For most people, it is a normal, non-concerning change. For those who notice sudden or patchy changes, or other symptoms, it is best to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical causes. Embracing the change is a personal choice, and focusing on overall health can support the vitality of your hair and body throughout the aging process.

For more in-depth information on the science of hair aging, you can visit the American Academy of Dermatology's resource page: What causes gray hair, and can I stop it?.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does pubic hair typically start turning gray?

There is no set age for when pubic hair turns gray, as it varies significantly from person to person. However, it typically happens later than scalp hair, often beginning in the 40s or 50s, though it can occur earlier depending on genetics.

Can stress cause pubic hair to turn gray?

Yes, chronic stress can accelerate the graying process. Research has shown that stress can trigger a response that depletes the stem cells responsible for creating hair pigment, affecting all hair on the body, including pubic hair.

Do health conditions cause gray pubic hair?

In most cases, gray pubic hair is a normal sign of aging. However, certain health conditions like a Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid issues, or vitiligo can sometimes lead to premature or sudden pigment loss in hair.

Why does pubic hair turn gray after my head hair?

Pubic hair often turns gray later than head hair because of differing growth cycles. Scalp hair has a more frequent turnover, meaning pigment-producing cells are replaced more often, accelerating the depletion of these cells compared to the slower-cycling pubic hair.

Are there any treatments to reverse gray pubic hair?

Currently, there are no medical treatments that can permanently reverse age-related hair graying. If the graying is due to an underlying medical issue, treating that condition may restore some color, but genetics-based graying cannot be reversed.

Can I dye my gray pubic hair?

Yes, you can use hair dye, but it's important to use products formulated for sensitive skin and the delicate pubic area. Always perform a patch test beforehand to check for allergic reactions and follow all instructions carefully.

Is it normal for pubic hair to change in texture when it turns gray?

Yes, it is normal. As hair loses its pigment, it can also lose some of its natural oil, which can cause the strands to feel coarser, drier, or more wiry than before. This is a normal part of the process for hair all over the body.