Today’s topic in our Hair Concerns Q&A series is one that many clients ask about — gray hair.
Why does it appear, and what can it tell us about our health? Let’s explore together.

1.What Exactly Is Gray Hair?

The pigment that gives hair its color is called melanin.
When your hair follicles stop producing melanin — due to various factors — the strands lose their color and reflect light, appearing white or gray.

In short, gray hair occurs when melanin production decreases or stops.

2.Main Causes of Gray Hair

There are several common causes, including:

• Aging – a natural slowdown of melanin production

• Genetics – some people are more predisposed to early graying

• Nutritional deficiency – lack of minerals and vitamins like B12 or copper

• Poor circulation – reduced blood flow to the scalp

• Stress – emotional or physical strain can disrupt hormonal balance

Interestingly, from an Eastern medicine perspective, the location where gray hair appears can sometimes reveal signs of internal imbalance or fatigue.

What Gray Hair Location Can Tell You (Based on Eastern Medicine)

• Top of the head (crown area): may indicate digestive issues or stress-related imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.

• Right side of the crown: linked to kidney fatigue.

• Left side of the crown: may reflect liver fatigue.

• Temples: often associated with eye strain or long hours of screen use.

• Around the ears: can relate to hearing strain or auditory sensitivity.

• Crown area overall: also prone to UV damage, which can accelerate graying.

These interpretations come from traditional Eastern medicine, where the scalp is viewed as a map of the body’s internal health.
The head is home to many acupressure points (keiketsu), which are believed to connect scalp condition and internal well-being.

How to Support Healthy Hair Pigmentation

While we can’t completely stop aging, we can slow down premature graying by maintaining scalp health and improving circulation.

Try these habits:

• Gently massage your scalp daily to stimulate blood flow.

• Eat foods rich in minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

• Protect your scalp from UV damage with hats or SPF products.

• Manage stress through proper rest and mindfulness.

At Viange Hair, our Japanese stylists take a holistic approach to beauty, helping clients balance scalp, body, and mind for healthier, more vibrant hair.

Healthy hair reflects a healthy body.
By taking care of your scalp circulation, reducing stress, and nourishing yourself from the inside out, you can maintain natural shine and resilience, regardless of age.