Statistical and Clinical Study of Gray Hair

Kim, Do Won; Shin, Dong Ju; Lee, Seok Jong; Chung, Sang Lip; Kim, Jung Chul

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Graying of hair is usually a manifestation of the aging process and is due to a progressive reduction of the activity of melanocytes in the hair bulb.
OBJECTIVE
We performed this study to investigate the clinical features of the graying process in Korea.ns. METHOD: The study population consisted of 1,058, comprising 589 men and 469 women between the fourth and seventh decade. They were studied statistically by using questionaires about graying and 12 persons with gray hair were observed clinically on the grouping pattern of scalp hairs by the dermatologist. RESULT: 1. More than 50 percent of the population over 40 years old had gray hair on the scalp. 2. The age of onset of graying was variable but generally between 35 and 44 years. 3. The temporal area of the scalp was the most common site of initial graying and the most abundant site of gray hair. 4. There were no relationship between gray hair and male pattern baldness. 5. Generally each one of the hairs in the grouped hair became gray independently, not in union. 6. The proportion of graying in the grouped hair was higher than that of the single hair.
CONCLUSION
According to the results of the study, more than 50 percent of the population over 40 years of age have gray hair and the temporal area usually becomes gray first and is the most abundant site of gray hair. Further studies will be needed in regard to the graying in the grouped hair, though we think that each one of the hairs in the grouped hair may become gray independently and the graying process of the grouped hair may occur earlier than that of the single hair.