Dr. Bruno Bernard and colleagues at the hair biology research team at beauty firm L’Oreal in Paris, have found that an enzyme called TRP-2 is responsible for protecting the melanocytes that give the skin its color. They believe the same enzyme may be able to re-awaken the pigment cells in hair follicles.

Grey hair is a result of the loss of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. However Dr Bernard said the pigment cells continue to remain in the follicles, although they become inactive over time. Hence it may be possible to incorporate the TRP-2 enzyme in a shampoo, hair conditioner or hair cream and then activate these dormant melanocytes.

“The hair whitening process is slow and progressive, so we can prevent it,” Dr Bernard told the UK newspaper The Daily Express.

Experts say such treatments will be welcomed by consumers, who are battling premature graying of their locks. Some of the causes of premature graying of hair include:
* Genetics: If one or both of your parents have grey hair at a young age, chances are even you will have it
* Some disease conditions like thyroid disease, pernicious anemia and vitiligo also cause grey hair
* Folic acid deficiency also leads to grey hair
* Stress
* Faulty dietary habits

Sometimes the strong chemicals used in shampoos also contribute to the graying of hair. In effect the above findings of a natural enzyme to prevent the inactivity of the hair pigment cells may come as a boon to millions of people across the world.